Are All Things Vanity?

Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity! What profit has man from all the labor which he toils at under the sun? One generation passes and another comes, but the world forever stays. Ecclesiastes 1: 1-4 In my first introduction to the Book of Ecclesiastes, I remember hearing its author[read more]

Realizing Mercy

Go and learn the meaning of the words, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” I did not come to call the righteous but sinners. Matthew 9:13   During the past year, Pope Francis called on all people to ponder the place of mercy in the revelation of Jesus and in our own lives. If, however, we[read more]

Working Diligently

The plans of the diligent are sure of profit,/ but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty. Proverbs 21: 5 Many years ago, a friend said to me: “John, you do everything fast.”  His comment reminded me of my childhood. Each evening, after supper, my parents and I would wash the dishes together. Inevitably, after[read more]

The Courage to Stand By

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. John 19, 25 By the time that Jesus is crucified there remain “standing by” him only his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary Magdalene and the Beloved Disciple John. As the church celebrated yesterday the[read more]