21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Aug. 22 (Year B) Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17,18b; Psalm 34; Ephesians 4:32-5:1-2, 21-32; John 6:53, 60-69

Each day, billions of people on this planet make choices. Some of them are quite mundane — what to have for dinner or what to wear. For far too many, these are not choices — it is a matter of having something, anything, to eat or wear.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Aug. 15 (Year B) Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a; 10ab; Psalm 45; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26; Luke 1:39-56

Revelation is the most puzzling and enigmatic book in the entire Bible.

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Aug. 8 (Year B) 1Kings 19:4-8; Psalm 34; Ephesians 4:30-5:2; John 6:41-51

Elijah could not take another step — he was finished. At that point, all he wanted was a swift and painless death. There are many who reach that point in their lives. They are overwhelmed, exhausted and discouraged, and just want an end to their suffering. But this is usually where God steps in — that is, if we are open to God’s intervention.

What makes it so difficult to overcome conflicts? Between a couple or family, groups or nations, often we just can’t sort things out and move on.

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Aug. 1 (Year B) Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15, 31a; Psalm 78; Ephesians 4:17, 20-24; John 6:24-35

The story of the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness is not pretty or inspiring.

How would you describe the state of your faith in God in these challenging times?

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 25 (Year B) 2 Kings 4:42-44; Psalm 145; Ephesians 4:1-6; John 6:1-15

God was revealed in many ways in the Scriptures. Throughout the Old Testament, God was often portrayed as the sustainer and provider.

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) July 18 (Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 23; Ephesians 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34)

Shepherds appear countless times in the Bible but often in an ambiguous or negative way.

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 11 (Year B) Amos 7:12-15; Psalm 85; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:7-13

The message of Amaziah the priest to Amos the prophet was clear: You are intruding on our turf — go back to your own territory.

During a shared reflection on a scriptural text one evening, a young man asked about joy. Was something wrong with him because he rarely experienced joy? Was he being punished for his mental suffering? What is joy, and do we even have any right to feel it when there is so much suffering?