When Jesus Came Among us As We Prayed Thoughts of a Retired Pastor 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time September 6, 2026 “For where two or more are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20 Do we really believe that the Lord is present whenever we pray together in his name? Notice that he says “where two or more are gathered…” This is why we pray together and not only individually. The Lord expects us to be in fellowship with other

“By Your Life, Who Did You Say That I Am?” Thoughts of a Retired Priest and Pastor 21st Sunday Ordinary Time August 23, 2026 In last Sunday’s gospel (Mt 16:13-20), Jesus leads his disciples to Caesarea Phillipi. Jesus has brought the disciples to a place where the crowds would be smaller, so that they could get away and get better prepared for the passion and cross that were coming. Caesarea Phillipi is an interesting place indeed. Filled with pagan temples,

Courage. It is I. Do Not Be Afraid Fr Gary’s Thoughts 19th Sunday Ordinary Time August 9, 2026 Jesus dismisses the crowds, sends the disciples away in a boat and heads for the hills for some solitude and prayer with God (Mt 14:22-23). Meanwhile, the poor disciples are battling a terrible storm on the Sea of Galilee, a storm Jesus has deliberately sent them into. Jesus was no doubt aware of the struggles of his disciples, and the disciples must have wondered about