Drew

In listening to Jeremiah’s words in the First Reading, he reiterates God’s importance in our life, which is reiterated in the Psalm.  To paraphrase these: God is our salvation, the source of our strength, the backbone that keeps us upright.  God is our refuge and our protector, and will provide solace in times of need.  … Read more

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord offers a rare window into a “normal” moment for Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Here, we see them simply fulfilling their religious obligations as parents.  It is a quiet but striking reminder that even the Holy Family submitted to the institutional worship and traditions developed over centuries in … Read more

When the people of Nehemiah and Ezra’s time heard the Word proclaimed after their return from exile, they wept for joy. That physical reaction of recognizing the tangible and intangible strength of God’s Word is echoed in the Psalmist’s response: Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.  Ezra’s subsequent command to share with others and … Read more

When I hear the first line of this week’s reading from Isaiah, “For Zion’s sake I will not be silent”, it feels as though it is my own soul crying out.  It is a stark reminder that we are called to action, to “proclaim His marvelous deeds,” as the Psalmist writes.  We cannot remain quiet … Read more