Reflections
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr B, July 4th, 2021
Posted by John Wolf on 7/03/21
You have heard it many, many times—“Familiarity breeds contempt.” Frequently, people take others for granted for two reasons: familiarity and pride. You may add a third reason—ignorance which often wears the garb of “I-know-it-all” or “I’m better.” Familiarity, pride, ignorance played out well in the first reading and the ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr B, June 27th, 2021
Posted by John Wolf on 6/25/21
Sickness, suffering, death—where did they originate? Who brought them? The author of the Book of Wisdom makes the case for God, stating that they are not God’s doing. It was, however, left for the Wisdom of God—Jesus Himself to demonstrate this beyond doubt. As proof, he went about curing ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr B, June 20th, 2021
Posted by John Wolf on 6/19/21
Whenever we read the story of Job, it brings with it a reminder that it is absolutely beyond our comprehension to fully understand why some people suffer and some—we think or assume—do not. Years ago, I visited a dying parishioner who said she was angry with God (and me) ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr B, June 13th, 2021
Posted by John Wolf on 6/11/21
A friend of mine wouldn’t buy any produce that’s not organic. Her reason: She fears passing manmade chemicals agents into the body of any child God would allow her to carry in her womb. I was told by another friend who is a Microbiologist to be sure to ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Yr B, June 6th, 2021
Posted by John Wolf on 6/04/21
Nothing depicts the Eucharistic Meal more as a mystery meal than the sign that Jesus, in today’s gospel, gave to two of his disciples who had the charge of preparing the venue for the meal. He told them: “Go into the city and a man will meet you, carrying ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for The Most Holy Trinity Yr B, MAY 30th, 2021
Posted by John Wolf on 5/28/21
The sign that accompanies the first prayer that Catholics learn, namely, In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, is no meaningless gesturing. It’s an intentional expression of what lies at the root of our existence: that we live and move and ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for Pentecost Sunday Yr B, May 23rd, 2021
Posted by John Wolf on 5/22/21
The feast of Pentecost may not be as popular as Christmas or Easter but it commemorates a watershed event in the life of the Church. Pentecost is the birthday of the Catholic Church. You’re aware that some groups designate themselves as Pentecostal, and claim sole possession of the Spirit. ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for The Ascension of the Lord Yr B, May 16th, 2021
Posted by John Wolf on 5/15/21
On top of the mountain from which Jesus bade his last farewell to his disciples can be seen many ancient olive trees; hence, the name Mount of Olives. The spot was well known to Jesus who often went on top of that mountain for prayer. Its special importance can ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the 6th Sunday of Easter Yr B, May 9th, 2021
Posted by John Wolf on 5/07/21
There’s no word so misused in English language as the word “love.” Hence, the teenage girl who justifies moving in with her boyfriend by saying, “I love him” fails to understand the difference between her statement and that of her dad who drops her off at school, kisses her ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the 5th Sunday of Easter Yr B, May 2nd, 2021
Posted by John Wolf on 4/30/21
In five Bible moments recorded by St. John the Evangelist, Jesus employed striking and unsettling metaphors to describe His relationship with us. These came in allegorical speeches called the “I am sayings,” which diffuse intricate spiritual fervor with deep emotional and real life resonance. The first “I am” saying ... Read More »