21st Sunday in O.T. (C); 8-25-2019 Is 66:18-21 Ps 117 Heb 12:5-7,11-13 Lk 13:22-30 Deacon Jim McFadden A few years ago an inmate at Folsom Prison approached me and said, “Deacon, I came across a number in Scripture that says only 150,000 people are going to be saved. If that’s so, I don’t stand a…
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time; 9-1-2019 Sir 3:17-18,20,28-29 Ps 68 Heb 12:18-19,22-24a Lk 14:1,7-14 Deacon Jim McFadden; (New) Folsom Prison At the mid-point of the 90’s blockbuster film Titanic, the Leonardi DiCaprio character, spread-eagled with his arms extended on the stern of the ship, boasts loudly, “I am the King of the World!” Contrast…
20th Sunday in O.T. (C); August 18, 2019 Jer 38:4-6,8-10 Ps 40 Heb 12:1-4 Lk 12:49-53 Deacon Jim McFadden; SJB In today’s first reading Jeremiah is in the middle of a national crisis, political power plays, and civic turmoil. Jeremiah, speaking in God’s name, advocates that the people surrender to the their enemy,…
The Father has given you the Kingdom 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C); 8-11-2019 Wis 18:6-9 Ps 33 Heb 11:1-2,8-19 Lk 12:32-48 Deacon Jim McFadden Do you know how you can pick out a Christian? They are the ones who enjoy life. When we set our hearts on the Kingdom of God, we…
18th Sunday in O.T. (C); August 4, 2019 Eccl 1:2; 2:21-23 Ps 95 Col 3:1-5,9-11 Lk 12:13-21 Deacon Jim McFadden I first came across the Book of Ecclesiastes in the early ‘60s when I heard The Byrds “Turn! Turn! Turn!”, which was adapted from Chapter 3. I really enjoyed the song, it was…
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C); July 28, 2019 Gn 18:20-32; Ps 138:1-3,6-8; Col 2:12-14; Lk 11:1-13 Deacon Jim McFadden; (New) Folsom Prison Sixteen years ago I was facilitating a catechist class at Folsom Prison (Minimum Security), preparing some for Confirmation. One of the men, named ‘Juan’ was telling his story. He narrated…
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time; July 21, 2019 Gn 18:1-10a Ps 15 Col 1:24-28 Lk 10:38-42 Deacon Jim McFadden; St. John the Baptist C.C. This little story of Martha and Mary has a way of getting underneath our skin. Let’s face it: most of us are not contemplatives in the same way that say,…
15th Sunday in O.T. (C); July 14, 2019 Dt 30:10-14 Ps 69 Col 1:15-20 Lk 10:25-37 Deacon Jim McFadden; (New) Folsom Prison In nature the laws of physics apply everywhere—there’s no escaping them. Take the Law of Gravity. What would happen if you denied the reality of this Law?…
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time; 7-7-2019 Is 66:10-14 Ps 66 Gal 6:14-18 Lk 10:1-12, 17-20 Deacon Jim McFadden Brothers and sisters, a quick question: how many of you are missionary disciples? Hmmm, another question: how many of you are baptized. O.K., if you’re baptized, you’re meant to be a missionary disciple. Why? By virtue…
The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Cycle C; June 23, 2019 Gen 14:18-20 Ps 110 1 Cor 11:23-26 Lk 9:11-17 Deacon Jim McFadden During the Easter season, a major concern in the Sunday Scripture readings was how the movement begun by Jesus of Nazareth would continue after his death, resurrection, and ascension.…
Good Shepherd Sunday (A); April 26, 2026 Acts 2:14,36-41. Ps 23. 1 Pt 2:20-25. Jn 10:1-10 Deacon Jim McFadden Today is traditionally known as Good Shepherd Sunday, which presents us one of the most beautiful images that has portrayed our…
3rd Sunday of Easter (A); April 19, 2026 Acts 2:14,22-33. Ps 16. 1 Pt 1:17-21. Lk 24:13-35 Deacon Jim McFadden Why was it so difficult for the two disciples to recognize the Risen Lord? Jesus’ death scattered his disciples and…
Divine Mercy Sunday (A); April 12, 2026 Acts 2:42-47. Ps 118. 1 Pt 1:3-9. Jn 20:19-31 Deacon Jim McFadden During the ‘90s, a popular, albeit off-beat television show was the X-Files, featuring agent Fox Mulder, an investigator of the…
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