Browsing Deacon Ernie's Reflections
08-17-19 A “Missionary” Parish
Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 8/29/19
Since my ordination in 2014, I have had the privilege of working with clergy and laity of the Archdiocese and of other dioceses throughout our country. In my work I have observed that while faith and devotion among Catholics remain strong, some seem to have lost their sense of ... Read More »
08-11-19 “Knowing Jesus Changes Everything
Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 8/29/19
In the long form of today’s Gospel Jesus speaks two parables that deal with ‘responsible stewardship.’ Both parables emphasize the fact that discipleship is a privilege, and should never be taken lightly. It is necessary therefore, that we give priority to our relationship with Jesus and all that it ... Read More »
08-04-19 Seek What is Above
Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 8/29/19
Three weeks ago we heard the Gospel story of Jesus’ visit to the home of Martha and Mary. Recall that while Martha busied herself with hospitality, Mary sat listening to Jesus, which He ultimately said was a better choice. In doing so, Jesus was not being ungrateful to Martha, ... Read More »
07-28-14 Merciful Like the Father
Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 8/29/19
In 2015, Pope Francis announced a Jubilee Year of Mercy and applied the motto: “Merciful Like the Father,” to remind us that as disciples, we are called to be channels of God’s mercy to others. Re-call that in what has come to be known as His “Sermon on the ... Read More »
07-14-19 Do this, and you will live
Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 8/29/19
At the very beginning of the Rite of Baptism for children, the presiding priest or deacon claims each child for Christ by tracing the sign of the cross on their fore-heads. In today’s 2ndreading, St. Paul tells us: “Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God.” Thus, the ... Read More »
06-30-19 Discipleship –an All or Nothing Prospect
Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 8/29/19
Time and again you’ve heard me speak of The Great Commission, when prior to His ascension into heaven, Jesus told his apostles to: “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching ... Read More »
06-23-19 Give them some food yourselves
Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 8/29/19
Besides St. Paul, there is no other apostle whose character is revealed as clearly as that of St. Peter. When I think about this fisherman, this impulsive, talk-before-you-think, bombastic man, I can’t help but feel in some ways, we are a lot like him! Recall if you will, the ... Read More »
06-16-19 It’s a matter of faith
Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 8/29/19
Imagine a world without mystery; where every conceivable question would have an answer; a world where as children we would know our future including our career, our family and how long we will live. We would know what heaven is like, who is there and who is not. In ... Read More »