Pilgrim Priest

The saints are not superheroes. They are simply the people who said "Yes" to the Holy Spirit and let God make them into what they were created to be. You, too, were created to be a saint. God willing one day, today will be your feast day, too.

Today we celebrate a baby's Baptism on the anniversary of the dedication of St. Wenceslaus church. Church buildings are set apart for the worship of God and the celebration of the sacraments. Churches reveal to Christians our true dignity.

All that we have and all that we are truly belongs to God. Are you being a good steward of God's gift of time? Every family member pitches in and helps with chores around the house. Does your family budget reflect your values?

Sunday Mass is a dress-rehearsal for the wedding feast of the Lamb. The invitation is offered to everyone, but we must recognize the gift and be worthy of it. Let's listen to a parishioner reflect on Stewardship.

The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel. They bore rotten fruit so they lost their vineyard. Now it's our turn. What kind of return is God getting on his investment in you? Are you bearing good fruit, or rotten fruit?

Jesus tells a parable to people who think they already have all the answers. Jesus was not afraid to humble himself. St. Paul is inviting us to take this same road--we need to have confidence in our value and also humbly serve others.

Our lives do not belong to us. We signed up to work in his vineyard, so why do we keep trying to be the master of our own destiny? Let us go out into the fields each day as confident servants.

If God is our Father, then we are brothers and sisters. Matthew 18 is all about how brothers in Christ should treat one another. The church has a mission. Members who sabotage the mission can no longer be treated as brothers. But the door is open.

CESAREA PHILIPPI - At a press conference in northern Palestine, Jesus of Nazareth revealed the blueprints of a brand new building project. Everyone was shocked when Jesus told them the name of the Apostle who would be the foundation.

A pilgrimage is a journey to a holy place. Twenty years ago I walked the Camino for the first time. That led to many walking pilgrimages here in the states. Pilgrimages can teach us so much. May Jesus be the food for your journey. ¡Buen Camino!