Posted by Carol Johnson on 8/18/25
Anna Maria was the eldest daughter of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. She had a short life, 17 years. Like her father, Anna Maria died of tuberculosis. Of St. Elizabeth Ann’s five children, Anna Maria was one of the two who died in her lifetime. Anna Maria learned to love ... Read More »
Posted by Carol Johnson on 8/18/25
The first reading from the First Book of Chronicles (vigil Mass) tells us about the entry of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. This occurred during the time of King David (10th century BC). It was a spectacular celebration. The Ark had been built in the desert approximately ... Read More »
Posted by Carol Johnson on 8/11/25
Today's Gospel reading highlights the virtue of vigilance. Pope Francis said that the vigilance the Lord asks of his disciples is continual, so that “we can understand God’s transition in one’s life because God continually passes through life." The Lord says, "Gird your loins and light your lamps." These ... Read More »
Posted by Carol Johnson on 8/04/25
In today's Gospel reading, the Lord exhorts his disciples to turn away from greed. St. Thomas Aquinas defined greed as "the unreasonable or immoderate desire for riches." Desiring money is not bad. Money is a necessity to obtain goods and services for our lives and for the lives of ... Read More »
Posted by Carol Johnson on 7/28/25
In today's Gospel reading, the Lord teaches his disciples to pray the Lord's Prayer. The Lord then presents two parables to teach important aspects of prayer. One parable is about a man who goes at midnight to ask a friend for bread to feed someone who has come from ... Read More »
Posted by Carol Johnson on 7/21/25
Today's Gospel reading about the hospitality offered to the Lord by the two sisters Martha and Mary is paired with a reading from the Book of Genesis in which we are presented with the beautiful example of Abraham and Sarah’s hospitality. During the mysterious visit of these three travelers ... Read More »
Posted by Carol Johnson on 7/14/25
In today’s first reading Moses tells the people of Israel that God's commandments were not too mysterious and remote for them. It was not like the commandments were way up high in the sky or across the sea, where no one could go to bring them so the Israelites ... Read More »
Posted by Carol Johnson on 7/07/25
Today's Gospel reading tells us about the first time the Lord sent his disciples on a small mission. That exercise was practice in preparation for the great and definitive mission he would send them at the time of his glorious Ascension. Of the many instructions the Lord gives his ... Read More »
Posted by Carol Johnson on 6/30/25
Bishops of the Church must go to Rome every five years for the "Ad Limina Apostolorum" visit, which is Latin for "To the threshold of the apostles." The apostles referred to are St. Peter and St. Paul, who were martyred in that city. The bishops go in groups by ... Read More »
Posted by Carol Johnson on 6/23/25
Katharine Drexel was born into a very wealthy family in Philadelphia. Her father was a banker. From a young age, Katharine’s father gave her the gift of role modeling his faith in action. Each day he prayed for half an hour before dinner and he generously shared his material ... Read More »