TALKING TO GOD By Emily VanBerkum I have spent a great deal of time contemplating Jesus’ words to his Apostles in today’s Gospel. Jesus commissions them to go forward and preach God’s Word by their very lives, not simply because they are told to do so, but
THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE By Emily VanBerkum I find it very interesting and relatable that even after Jesus’ resurrection, his disciples continue to ask clarifying questions. Thomas asks for clarity on how to remain a follower of Christ since it was unclear where
INTO THE WILDERNESS By Emily VanBerkum This past Wednesday, our parish’s Catechumens and Candidates (those preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation during the Easter Vigil) assembled on Ash Wednesday for a special scripture reading exercise of Matthew 4: 1-11, Jesus’ temptation in the desert. We
GOD’S SELF-REVELATION By Emily VanBerkum The jubilation of Christmas Day does not end on December 25. In fact, so often, in the hustle and bustle of vacation plans, family gatherings, and boxing week shopping, we neglect to observe the entirety of the infancy narrative as it
RESURRECTION & THE “GOD OF THE LIVING” By Emily VanBerkum I have tried to put myself in the mindset of understanding the Sadducees’ denial that the dead would resurrect. After all, they were Jewish and their frame of reference was the written Law. Yet, I find
“AS OFTEN AS YOU COME TO ME” By Emily VanBerkum For the past few weeks I’ve been reflecting on a quote that a friend of mine posted to social media. It was from the 1930s diary of Sr. Faustina Kowalska in which Jesus said to her in
“SHE HAS SHOWN GREAT LOVE” By Emily VanBerkum How many times in our lives have we played the role of Simon from today’s Gospel account? During dinner together, Simon the Pharisee questions Jesus’ willingness to accept the hospitality of a “sinful” woman who showed up unexpectedly.
DISCERNING GOD’S MOVEMENT OF THE HEART By Emily VanBerkum From the first reading, it is clear that Paul and Barnabas were busy missionaries, creating what John described as a “home for God among humans.” But what motivated this missionary activity- and fertile soil in which the
CALLED TO BEAR GOOD FRUIT By Emily VanBerkum In the summer of 2013, I studied Hebrew and the Book of Leviticus in Israel. As we were reading through various Torah commentaries, I found a quote that has stayed with me ever since. The commentary stated, “while God
HEARING THE VOICE OF GOD By Emily VanBerkum Today as we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, our parish community joyfully welcomes some of the children baptized in 2015- along with their parents and Godparents- for a special blessing at the 10:30am Mass followed