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 17, 2021

Posted on January 11, 2021

Sometimes you find your inspiration for a homily in the strangest of places. Like the 80’s music on satellite radio. Singing along with Lionel Richie, the lyrics to “Hello, it’s me” became the basis for this reflection. Jesus goes into Connecting Point: January 17, 2021

Connecting Point: January 10, 2021

Posted on January 4, 2021

Today’s readings draw us, as witnesses, into the baptism of Jesus and the promise of God’s kingdom. It is interesting that this gospel is on the last Sunday of the Christmas liturgical season. Next week we will move to Ordinary Connecting Point: January 10, 2021

Connecting Point: January 3, 2021

Posted on December 28, 2020

This week’s Gospel from Matthew reveals the birth of the Messiah and the Feast of the Epiphany. The magi have arrived in Jerusalem, and after seeing the prophesized star, wonder where the newborn king lay. King Herod, troubled by the Connecting Point: January 3, 2021

Connecting Point: December 27, 2020

Posted on December 26, 2020

Sometimes we treat others in our family with less respect than we know that we should. This could be due to stress and busyness, having a bad day, or because of something we feel they did to us. Regardless of Connecting Point: December 27, 2020

Connecting Point: December 25, 2020

Posted on December 20, 2020

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shown Isaiah 9:1 This verse is the beginning of our First Scripture Reading at our Christmas Mass, at Connecting Point: December 25, 2020

Connecting Point: December 20, 2020

Posted on December 14, 2020

In the Gospel this weekend, Mary responds with an emphatic “Yes!” when the angel Gabriel alerts her of God’s plan. She was clearly well prepared to say yes when called upon. How can we be so well prepared to say Connecting Point: December 20, 2020

Connecting Point: December 13, 2020

Posted on December 7, 2020

The third weekend of Advent is upon us and is known as Gaudete Sunday. It signals the approach of Joy for the Christmas Season, the birth of our Lord, and awaiting his return. Watch at the beginning of mass and Connecting Point: December 13, 2020

Connecting Point: December 6, 2020

Posted on November 30, 2020

Advent is a season of preparation. We deck the halls of our homes and prepare festive meals for celebrations of Christmas. As Catholics, our Advent scriptures call us into a deeper internal spiritual preparation for the time or revelation when Connecting Point: December 6, 2020

Connecting Point: November 29, 2020

Posted on November 23, 2020

As we enter this new liturgical year, we cannot help but become reluctantly excited for Christmas that is now just four weeks away. However, during this season of preparation, we are reminded that we aren’t just preparing to meet Jesus Connecting Point: November 29, 2020

Connecting Point: November 22, 2020

Posted on November 16, 2020

Many of us have watched an episode of “Undercover Boss.” The show has the CEO or owner of the company disguise themselves as a new employee assigned to learn different aspects of someone’s job. After a few weeks on the Connecting Point: November 22, 2020

Connecting Point: November 15, 2020

Posted on November 9, 2020

During pre-marriage counseling, engaged couples, when discussing their plan for children, sometimes say: “We want to have just one or two children. We do not want to have to spread our love out over many children.” However, these couples have Connecting Point: November 15, 2020

Connecting Point: November 8, 2020

Posted on November 2, 2020

Actually my first thought for this question is, for what? Am I ready for what? These past few months have really challenged us to prepare ourselves to be ready. We need to be ready for the kids to go back to Connecting Point: November 8, 2020

Connecting Point: November 1, 2020

Posted on October 26, 2020

When is the last time you realized that sainthood was your destiny? Read that again, sainthood is your destiny! The Lord wants each and every one of us to live holy lives, lives of saints. In the early 20th Connecting Point: November 1, 2020

Connecting Point: October 18, 2020

Posted on October 12, 2020

Everyday we are faced with decisions. Some may be easy, like what to eat for dinner or where am I going today? They may cause us some difficulty like how we respond to another’s negative actions. There are times we will have to Connecting Point: October 18, 2020

Connecting Point: October 11, 2020

Posted on October 5, 2020

I know it, but I don’t always live it like I know it. In The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis writes, “While painfully aware of our own frailties, we have to march on without giving in.” Recent times have Connecting Point: October 11, 2020

Connecting Point: October 4, 2020

Posted on September 28, 2020

It’s hard not to feel anxious right now given the state of the world. It can be anxiety about the health of loved ones, the status of our jobs, the political climate, racial tensions, virtual and in-person schooling, and so Connecting Point: October 4, 2020

Connecting Point: September 27, 2020

Posted on September 22, 2020

This Sunday’s gospel reading wraps us up in the parable given by Jesus of the “Two Sons.” This parable is meant to make us stop and think about our words and our actions. The second reading by Paul to the Connecting Point: September 27, 2020

Connecting Point: September 20, 2020

Posted on September 14, 2020

Growing up with 5 boys in our family, we wore plenty of “hand me down” clothes. We saw a pattern in the way the oldest were treated. Jim, number 4, seemed to get preferential treatment. The oldest 3 would wear Connecting Point: September 20, 2020

Connecting Point: September 13, 2020

Posted on September 7, 2020

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Peter asks Jesus: “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?” He is really asking: “When does forgiveness end, and retaliation begin,” or “When can I start paying Connecting Point: September 13, 2020

Connecting Point: September 6, 2020

Posted on August 31, 2020

If you are like me, you have noticed that disagreements rarely if ever, get settled on Facebook or other social media platforms. Likewise, pundits rarely if ever, reach agreement when featured on discussion panels. I think one could argue that many, if Connecting Point: September 6, 2020

Connecting Point: August 30, 2020

Posted on August 24, 2020

“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”MT 16:24 In the Gospel today, Jesus speaks to Peter and his disciples instructing them to take up their crosses. To take up your cross sounds Connecting Point: August 30, 2020

Connecting Point: August 23, 2020

Posted on August 17, 2020

Jesus asks his disciples who do people say that he is. The answer he receives is that many do not know who he truly is. When he asks his own followers, it is Peter who answers first. This answer is critical because it Connecting Point: August 23, 2020

Connecting Point: August 16, 2020

Posted on August 11, 2020

Joyful, Faithful living with accompaniment. There is so much conflict in the world, so much mis-trust, and we who are quick to judge sometimes give into our superior attitudes and opinions. Our judgement of others is far too easy and Connecting Point: August 16, 2020

Connecting Point: August 9, 2020

Posted on August 3, 2020

In this Sunday’s gospel, Jesus sends Peter and the disciples out on a boat while he prays alone. During the night, the boat is caught in a storm being violently tossed at sea. Jesus walks out to them on the Connecting Point: August 9, 2020

Connecting Point: August 2, 2020

Posted on July 27, 2020

In the First Reading today we hear the message, “All who are thirsty, come to the water!” We love the refreshing water during the hot summer months. The water gives us great satisfaction but how often do we mistake that satisfaction Connecting Point: August 2, 2020

Connecting Point: July 26, 2020

Posted on July 20, 2020

“How do I distinguish right from wrong?” Every one of us, at some time in our life, was caught “stretching” the truth. As a child, I came from a family of five boys. This seemed to provide untold opportunities to Connecting Point: July 26, 2020

CONNECTING POINT: JULY 12, 2020

Posted on July 6, 2020

This Sunday’s Gospel is the parable of the farmer who lavishly sows seed everywhere: not only on good soil which will bring forth an abundant harvest, but also on a well-worn path where birds can eat them; on rocky ground CONNECTING POINT: JULY 12, 2020

CONNECTING POINT: JULY 5, 2020

Posted on June 29, 2020

In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he proclaims that “if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” What is Paul trying to CONNECTING POINT: JULY 5, 2020

CONNECTING POINT: JUNE 21, 2020

Posted on June 15, 2020

This week’s connecting point Jesus is giving his disciples a pep talk. He knows the journey he is preparing them for is a tough one. Proclaiming Jesus’ Gospel message will be difficult for them as they will face persecution, CONNECTING POINT: JUNE 21, 2020

CONNECTING POINT: JUNE 14, 2020

Posted on June 8, 2020

The source and summit of all we do and are to be as Catholic Christians is the Holy Eucharist. Unfortunately, for so many of us, we are on an unwanted fast from the Eucharistic banquet at this time. Even if CONNECTING POINT: JUNE 14, 2020

CONNECTING POINT: JUNE 7, 2020

Posted on June 1, 2020

Which person of the Trinity draws me into God’s love and peace? Today’s reading brings us back to “Ordinary Time” after several weeks of celebrating the Easter Liturgical Season. When we hear the word “Ordinary,” we jump to the conclusion CONNECTING POINT: JUNE 7, 2020

Connecting Point: May 31, 2020

Posted on May 25, 2020

Pentecost is a celebration for many reasons: it marks the end of the Easter season, is the birthday of the Church, and reminds us of the power that the Spirit has on us, bestowing on us different gifts to strengthen Connecting Point: May 31, 2020

Connecting Point: May 24, 2020

Posted on May 18, 2020

Today, as we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension, we recognize the disciple’s confusion as Jesus leaves them for the last time. They are given a mission to spread the Good News about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Connecting Point: May 24, 2020

Connecting Point: May 17, 2020

Posted on May 11, 2020

“Always be ready to give an explanationto anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope,but do it with gentleness and reverence,keeping your conscience clear”-1 Peter 3:15-16 This week’s Connecting Point is taken from the 2nd reading; 1st Peter, Connecting Point: May 17, 2020

Connecting Point: May 10, 2020

Posted on May 4, 2020

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tries to “untrouble” the hearts of his disciples at the Last Supper. Their hearts are troubled as they face Jesus’ imminent death. Jesus calls them to strengthen their faith by putting their trust in him and Connecting Point: May 10, 2020

Connecting Point: May 3, 2020

Posted on April 27, 2020

Have you ever stopped to think about all of the metaphors that God and Jesus use in the Bible? In the Gospel this week, Jesus uses the metaphor of the shepherd. (Jn. 10). Jesus is the one true shepherd and Connecting Point: May 3, 2020

Connecting Point: April 26, 2020

Posted on April 20, 2020

This weekend of Easter in our Gospel from Luke we read the jewel mine, a summary story, an encapsulation of the adventure of the Christian life, “the Road to Emmaus,” as it is called (Luke Chapter 24). We are informed Connecting Point: April 26, 2020

Connecting Point: April 19, 2020

Posted on April 13, 2020

How can I share the joy of receiving Christ’s peace? In this reading for the Second Sunday of Easter, Jesus appears to the frightened disciples and announces, “Peace Be with You.” He will say this to them at least twice Connecting Point: April 19, 2020

Connecting Point: April 12, 2020

Posted on April 11, 2020

In the Opening Prayer at Mass on Easter Sunday we pray: “Bestow upon those baptized in (Jesus’) death the power flowing from his resurrection,that we may proclaim near and far the pardon and peace you give us.” Today we celebrate Connecting Point: April 12, 2020

Connecting Point: April 5, 2020

Posted on March 30, 2020

How can I create a path for Christ? This weekend we celebrate Palm Sunday. The passion narrative is proclaimed, but first we hear a Gospel reading from Matthew describing the entrance of our Lord in Jerusalem. It begins the high time Connecting Point: April 5, 2020

Connecting Point: March 29, 2020

Posted on March 23, 2020

This week’s readings (and Connecting Point) continue the theme of transformation. Last week in the gospel, Jesus healed the blind man and transformed his life. This week, Jesus is once again transforming lives as he comes to the tomb of Connecting Point: March 29, 2020

Connecting Point: March 22, 2020

Posted on March 16, 2020

How can seeing the world as Jesus does allow me to be transformed? This weekend, we hear the story of the man born blind. Back then, the popular belief was that diseases were cause by the sin of the person. Connecting Point: March 22, 2020

Connecting Point: March 15, 2020

Posted on March 9, 2020

How is the living water of my baptism transforming me today? Water is necessary for life. It is so essential that scientists search for its presence on other planets in an attempt to determine if they can support life. The Connecting Point: March 15, 2020

Connecting Point: March 8, 2020

Posted on March 2, 2020

How do I live out the holy life to which God is calling me? “He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works, but according to his own design.” 2 Timothy 1:9 The challenge Connecting Point: March 8, 2020

Connecting Point: March 1, 2020

Posted on February 24, 2020

How will I resist even the smallest temptations this Lent? In the Gospel today, Jesus is alone in the desert and shows complete obedience to his Father’s will. Jesus tells the devil “You shall not put the Lord, your God, Connecting Point: March 1, 2020

Connecting Point: February 23, 2020

Posted on February 17, 2020

Who do I need to pray for and love? In the Gospel, from Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us how we are to respond when people are violent toward us. He tells us to not respond to an Connecting Point: February 23, 2020

Connecting Point: February 16, 2020

Posted on February 10, 2020

How can I seek God’s wisdom in daily challenges? We make many decisions throughout the course of our day. Some decisions require more wisdom than others, ranging from how much toothpaste to use, which prospective candidate to hire or what Connecting Point: February 16, 2020