Connecting Point

Each weekend we share a question that relates to the readings of the day. This question or frame is a Connecting Point and allows us all to look inward and answer hard questions about ourselves.

Connecting Point: January 30, 2022

Posted on January 24, 2022

God’s love does not discriminate. Even when we sin and do unloving things, He still loves us and calls us back to himself. The equation of true love involves two important factors among many others: a conscious choice to love Connecting Point: January 30, 2022

Connecting Point: January 16, 2022

Posted on January 10, 2022

In this Sunday’s second reading, St. Paul encourages us to live in the Spirit as members of the Body of Christ using the gifts that the Spirit gives each of us. Then in the gospel, we see Jesus putting his Connecting Point: January 16, 2022

Connecting Point: January 9, 2022

Posted on January 3, 2022

I remember my first real job very well. I was 14 years old and I was hired at a local pizzeria. My mother dropped me off for work on my first day and I remember thinking to myself, what have Connecting Point: January 9, 2022

Connecting Point: January 2, 2022

Posted on December 27, 2021

The Gospel story of the three Magi holds great significance for us in today’s globalized society. It reminds us that we are one global human family. The magi were drawn by the light, sought out Jesus and were welcomed by Connecting Point: January 2, 2022

Connecting Point: December 26, 2021

Posted on December 26, 2021

The Christmas Season is a wonderful time of year, filled with gatherings with friends and family. Each gathering brings opportunity to converse with loved ones on many different topics. If you are like me, you occasionally run into a conversation Connecting Point: December 26, 2021

Connecting Point: December 25, 2021

Posted on December 20, 2021

The great joy and hope of this Christmas Season is powerfully expressed in the Gospel of John proclaimed at our Masses on Christmas day. Jesus, the incarnate God, is the “light that has come into the world, and the darkness has not overcome it!” Connecting Point: December 25, 2021

Connecting Point: December 19, 2021

Posted on December 13, 2021

“As is written of me in the scroll, behold, I come to do your will, O God.” In this reading from the Book of Hebrews, Jesus affirms that his obedience is to the Father’s will. But, what does that mean Connecting Point: December 19, 2021

Connecting Point: December 12, 2021

Posted on December 6, 2021

The Third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete (“rejoice”) Sunday with themes of joy and gladness resonating throughout the scripture and prayers. This makes it a perfect opportunity to self-reflect on how we are doing in showing joy to Connecting Point: December 12, 2021

Connecting Point: December 5, 2021

Posted on November 29, 2021

Discernment does involve perspective which can be inherently problematic. Perspective is our own attitude toward or way of regarding something; our own point of view. For as many people assembled in a place at any given time, there are potentially Connecting Point: December 5, 2021

Connecting Point: November 28, 2021

Posted on November 22, 2021

As Catholics, we have stepped into the new Liturgical Year A with readings from the Gospel of Luke. This weekend, Jesus has foretold of his second coming and we have lit the first candle on the wreath. Advent has arrived Connecting Point: November 28, 2021

Connecting Point: November 21, 2021

Posted on November 15, 2021

This weekend, the last Sunday of the Church year, we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. While Jesus’ mission on earth was to proclaim the Kingdom of God, he never recognized himself as king; it was his followers that Connecting Point: November 21, 2021

Connecting Point: November 14, 2021

Posted on November 8, 2021

I used to have a wristwatch that kept the most accurate time on earth. It was an atomic watch that never needed to have its time or date set or adjusted. Every night it would receive a low frequency radio Connecting Point: November 14, 2021

Connecting Point: November 7, 2021

Posted on November 1, 2021

“Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in morethan all the other contributors to the treasury.For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth,but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had,her whole livelihood.” This weekend we Connecting Point: November 7, 2021

Connecting Point: October 31, 2021

Posted on October 25, 2021

In the Sunday’s readings, we see a very clear focus on love. Unlike the love theme from the readings a few weeks ago, today’s focus is on our love of God and what that means. Both in the first reading Connecting Point: October 31, 2021

Connecting Point: October 24, 2021

Posted on October 18, 2021

The Gospel reading for this Thirtieth Sunday of ordinary time is the episode of Bartimaeus, the blind man. In the Gospel, Bartimaeus cries out for Jesus and Jesus responds: “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus asks Connecting Point: October 24, 2021

Connecting Point: October 17, 2021

Posted on October 11, 2021

The spiritual writer, Ronald Rolheiser, claims that one mark of a saint is that the saint makes their life a gift to others. In today’s gospel Jesus instructs his disciples that putting others first, or making our life a gift Connecting Point: October 17, 2021

Connecting Point: October 10, 2021

Posted on October 4, 2021

Our spending habits say a lot about our priorities. Most of us don’t think twice about spending money on a nice home, a nice car, vacations, purchasing clothing, or any of several financial priorities that our children demand with travel Connecting Point: October 10, 2021

Connecting Point: October 3, 2021

Posted on September 27, 2021

Jesus had a knack for relationships. He knew relationships were not 50/50, they were 100/100, but that did not necessarily mean enabling certain destructive behaviors. Inter-personal conflicts frequently result from an imbalance of self-focus. There are two sides to every Connecting Point: October 3, 2021

Connecting Point: September 26, 2021

Posted on September 20, 2021

In this week’s gospel, John runs to Jesus to tell him about someone who is “driving out demons” in Jesus’ name. In today’s language we might say that John is tattling on this person. Jesus responds by telling John not Connecting Point: September 26, 2021

Connecting Point: September 19, 2021

Posted on September 13, 2021

Jesus makes time to spend alone with his disciples, so he can prepare them for what is to come. The band of disciples heard him but did not understand. They went about discussing who among them was greater. It is Connecting Point: September 19, 2021

Connecting Point: September 12, 2021

Posted on September 6, 2021

This week we share a revealing Gospel from Mark in which the disciples learn that Jesus is “the Christ.” The disciples also learn that this has a different meaning with the human mindset than it does with God. The human Connecting Point: September 12, 2021

Connecting Point: September 5, 2021

Posted on August 30, 2021

Biases, they take all different shapes and sizes in today’s world. Some common ways to think of a bias are: an inclination, a prejudice or a leaning of the mind. How do we become biased? Are we aware of our Connecting Point: September 5, 2021

Connecting Point: August 29, 2021

Posted on August 23, 2021

This week’s Connecting Point reminds me of the children’s book and film “The Wizard of Oz.” As you’ll recall, in the story the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow go to the Wizard so he can give them Connecting Point: August 29, 2021

Connecting Point: August 22, 2021

Posted on August 16, 2021

Our Sacred Scripture readings for this weekend can be said to challenge us under the title: “It’s Make Up Your Mind Time.” Or, at least recommit yourselves to serving the Lord God! In the book of his name, Joshua lays Connecting Point: August 22, 2021

Connecting Point: August 15, 2021

Posted on August 9, 2021

The Hail Mary is one of the first prayers most of us learn. The beauty of this simple prayer echoes the praise we hear from Elizabeth to her cousin, Mary, in today’s Gospel. Although prevalent in both liturgy and prayer, Connecting Point: August 15, 2021

Connecting Point: August 8, 2021

Posted on August 2, 2021

I find myself becoming bothered when I see and hear people not doing the right thing. Most of the time, not doing the right thing is just showing a lack of kindness while preserving a sense of self-interest. Yet, in Connecting Point: August 8, 2021

Connecting Point: August 1, 2021

Posted on July 26, 2021

One of the best ways to spread the Good News and be joyful missionary disciples is to share “our own story.” We can learn from one another’s faith journeys and in turn grow in our own relationship with Christ. When Connecting Point: August 1, 2021

Connecting Point: July 25, 2021

Posted on July 19, 2021

Although I can never out-love God, I can strive to become the gift of love to others the Lord calls me to be. I must decide to love each and every day despite what the world “does to me.” I Connecting Point: July 25, 2021

Connecting Point: July 11, 2021

Posted on July 5, 2021

This week Jesus sends his disciples out two-by-two to spread the good news. When you hear the phrase two-by-two, you might have recalled this line in Noah and the great flood. Noah’s mission by God was to repopulate the Earth Connecting Point: July 11, 2021

Connecting Point: July 4, 2021

Posted on June 28, 2021

This past Thursday, July 1, we officially transitioned to Family of Parishes, joining with St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Maximilian Kolbe/St. Francis of Assisi parishes. One of the purposes for this transition is to help us all work together Connecting Point: July 4, 2021

Connecting Point: June 27, 2021

Posted on June 21, 2021

The juxtaposition of the two stories in this weekend’s Gospel is palatable. Jesus cared for the unnamed woman who had been suffering for 12 years, who had sought him out. He also cared for the well-known official; Jairus, by tending Connecting Point: June 27, 2021

Connecting Point: June 20, 2021

Posted on June 14, 2021

What can a storm reveal about my faith? I remember August 3, 2014 like it was yesterday. It was the day my Nana passed away. I knew her earthly time was coming to an end, but it didn’t make things Connecting Point: June 20, 2021

Connecting Point: June 13, 2021

Posted on June 7, 2021

We live in a time where everything is instant: streaming on demand shows & movies, digital downloads, Amazon Prime, DoorDash, etc. We don’t want to wait. Then, when our 2-day Amazon Prime or DoorDash delivery is late, we’re upset. Being Connecting Point: June 13, 2021

Connecting Point: June 6, 2021

Posted on June 1, 2021

We Catholics are supposed to be uniquely communitarian, a sacramental people. The Church itself is THE sacrament of Jesus Christ. The Eucharist (a.k.a., the Mass, the Lord’s Supper and the Sacred Liturgy) is our most important sacramental activity while earth-bound. Connecting Point: June 6, 2021

Connecting Point: May 30, 2021

Posted on May 24, 2021

One of the treasures of our Catholic faith is our belief that things of beauty are the very embodiment of God’s beauty. We stand in awe and fascination before beautiful pieces of art, music or the beauties of nature. Throughout Connecting Point: May 30, 2021

Connecting Point: May 23, 2021

Posted on May 17, 2021

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are unique skills and abilities given by the Spirit. They are given to faithful followers of Jesus, followers to serve God for the common benefit of his people. A list of spiritual gifts found Connecting Point: May 23, 2021

Connecting Point: May 16, 2021

Posted on May 10, 2021

As I write this, I contemplate the printed message on my tea bag as it steeps, sending effervescent, enticing aromas of cinnamon, orange and cloves into the air. “When the dreadful past calls, let it go to voicemail. It has Connecting Point: May 16, 2021

Connecting Point: May 9, 2021

Posted on May 3, 2021

Know God, Know Love. No God, No Love. This common phrase in today’s society is based on this week’s second reading from John who tells us “God Is Love.” It is that simple. We are challenged to share God’s love Connecting Point: May 9, 2021

Connecting Point: May 2, 2021

Posted on April 26, 2021

Our actions reveal ourselves to each other. How we act arises from our response to external events and how we internally interpret them. Sometimes our actions are fueled by our own negative thoughts and causes a response to others we Connecting Point: May 2, 2021

Connecting Point: April 25, 2021

Posted on April 19, 2021

This Sunday is Good Shepherd Sunday; a time where we celebrate the Lord’s immense care for us. Pastors, the head priests at a parish, dedicate their entire lives to shepherd us closer to God. The word pastor is actually rooted Connecting Point: April 25, 2021

Connecting Point: April 18, 2021

Posted on April 12, 2021

In this week’s Gospel from Luke, the two disciples discuss their encounter with Jesus. Jesus Christ stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” But the completely unexpected happened: something other than peace. In fact, the Apostles were Connecting Point: April 18, 2021

Connecting Point: April 11, 2021

Posted on April 5, 2021

Differences exist. We are all unique (and probably a little bit strange to others) and we have different viewpoints. However, what brings all of us Christians together is our love for and faith in Christ. When we come together for Connecting Point: April 11, 2021

Connecting Point: April 4, 2021

Posted on March 29, 2021

It is easy to get caught up in all the bad things we have experienced this past year. As we celebrate Easter, we are called to rise up and rise above it all. Before Jesus could rise above death, he Connecting Point: April 4, 2021

Connecting Point: March 28, 2021

Posted on March 22, 2021

Few would argue that we have been severely shaken in 2020. The Corona virus pandemic has turned lives upside down and inside out all over the world. Ironically, 2020 is also the designation for optimal clearness and sharpness of vision. Connecting Point: March 28, 2021

Connecting Point: March 21, 2021

Posted on March 15, 2021

How can you and I create a prayer out of our pain? And even more, surrender it to God? We know Jesus surrendered Himself to God for forgiveness of our sins. But we are not Jesus. No, we are people Connecting Point: March 21, 2021

Connecting Point: March 14, 2021

Posted on March 8, 2021

I think one of the most difficult things to do as a disciple of Christ is to look at ourselves and admit our shortcomings. It’s a second type of conversion almost in a person’s life; when we begin to accept Connecting Point: March 14, 2021

Connecting Point: March 7, 2021

Posted on March 1, 2021

Today’s gospel takes us with Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. It is here that Jesus sees God’s house turned into a marketplace before the upcoming Passover. The Temple, a beloved holy place, has been turned from a sacred place Connecting Point: March 7, 2021

Connecting Point: February 28, 2021

Posted on February 22, 2021

As followers of Christ, tests of our faith come to challenge us from all around. They come from family members, friends, politicians, community leaders and from our workplaces. These influences can challenge our faith. We see an extreme example in Connecting Point: February 28, 2021