Browsing the 2018 archive of Fr. Reggie's Reflections
DIVORCE IN MARRIAGE, DIVORCE IN NATURE
Posted by John Sage on 10/07/18
The readings today remind us that God created us for a special purpose. All creation is interrelated and intertwined in the mind of God. No one was fashioned for a life of isolation and seclusion. Our relationships define who we are. Relationships give purpose to our lives. Living in ... Read More »
RADICAL SOLUTIONS
Posted by John Sage on 9/28/18
Jesus tells his disciples to cut off their hands if these cause them to sin. We may wonder why Jesus is so harsh in his recommendations. Is there no other way to stop committing sin? When it comes to sinning especially giving scandal, Jesus gives no concessions. He wants ... Read More »
THE SADDEST PEOPLE ON EARTH
Posted by John Sage on 9/22/18
They are everywhere. In the office, there will surely be one who resents the promotion of an officemate. In school, there will surely be a student who feels cheated by the victory or excellence of another. In the church, people will feel bad when the pastor seems to favor ... Read More »
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF CHRIST???
Posted by John Sage on 9/16/18
Charles Lamb lived in England 200 years ago. For 33 years he had a humdrum job as a clerk in a shipping office. Nevertheless, he became a recognized writer, known especially for his gentle humor, tender sympathy, and rare devotion for his family and friends. One evening several of ... Read More »
ARE WE DEAF - MUTES
Posted by John Sage on 9/08/18
There is a well-known dictum among doctors which says: “GOD heals, the doctor collects the fee.” This Sunday’s gospel relates about Christ’s healing a deaf-mute, but without collecting fees. And the message: Just as the compassionate Jesus cured the deaf-mute, we too must reach out to present day deaf-mutes.
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THE PHARISEE IN US
Posted by John Sage on 9/02/18
A newly-installed bishop who holds a doctor’s degree in Canon Law gave his first talk to the clergy. He solemnly declared: “Henceforth this diocese will be ruled by Canon Law. An old priest who was hard of hearing leaned to a young priest sitting beside him and asked, “What ... Read More »
DO WHAT YOU CAN
Posted by John Sage on 8/27/18
John was a young man who had drifted away from the Church. He no longer attended Mass or received the sacraments. When he enlisted in World War II his mother’s worries increased. What if he should be killed? What about his soul? As he prepared to leave she spoke ... Read More »
GOD ’ S BREAD LINE
Posted by John Sage on 8/11/18
In the depression years of the 1930’s millions of Americans were out of work and many thousands were hungry. In a number of cities religious groups set up bread-lines to feed the hungry. One of these was the Franciscan Monastery, 1615 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio. Every day a generous, ... Read More »
‘BREAD FROM HOME’
Posted by John Sage on 8/03/18
During the Spanish Civil War a severely wounded soldier was brought back to the field hospital. There was a good chance for his recovery, except that he would not eat. The nurses and the nuns tried everything but he refused all food. One of his buddies realized that his ... Read More »
THE EUCHARIST FOR THE WORLD
Posted by John Sage on 7/28/18
Starting this Sunday, we set aside the Gospel of St. Mark and take up the Gospel of St. John for the next five weeks. We see Jesus preaching God’s message to people and sensitively taking notice of the HUNGER of his audience. He realizes that preaching the Kingdom involves ... Read More »