Homily for July 8, 2012: 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time — UPDATED WITH AUDIO

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 5:01 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

For audio of this homily, click the green arrow below. [audio:http://wp.patheos.com.s3.amazonaws.com/blogs/deaconsbench/files/2012/07/HOMILY070812.mp3|titles=HOMILY070812] [Click here for readings] Last week, you’ll remember, the gospel told us what faith could achieve – miracles that could even restore health and give life. But this week, we’re reminded of what happens when we lack faith. What happens is…nothing. When Jesus returned to his native place, those who knew him took offense. They lacked faith and, as the gospel notes, “he was not able to perform any... Read more

Cardinal Burke: five years on, work remains to make Latin Mass accessible

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:06 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Five years ago today, 7 July 2007, the pope issued an apostolic letter expanding the use of the Tridentine Mass. Now a leading advocate for that Extraordinary Form of the Mass is sizing up the success of that effort so far. Details: Five years after Pope Benedict XVI lifted most restrictions on celebration of the Tridentine Mass, a senior Vatican official says that much work remains to make the traditional liturgy fully accessible to the faithful, and to bring its... Read more

Political discourse in 2012: #!*&%$!

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:06 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

The soaring rhetoric of ages past has crashed to earth. From the AP: What the $?&(! is going on with our politicians? The mayors of New York and Philadelphia and the governor of New Jersey let loose with a few choice vulgarities over the past two weeks in otherwise G-rated public settings, including a town-hall meeting and a City Hall event. And all three men knew full well the microphone was on. While foul language has been uttered in politics... Read more

From helmets to hardhats: the war veterans who are building the new World Trade Center in New York

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:06 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

This is inspiring, moving and just great. Read more

“It’s like planning a wedding in six weeks with 2,000 guests”

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:06 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

That’s how one person involved described the process of putting together the installation of the new archbishop of Denver. Details: Among the summer’s most pressing questions: how long does it take to move a processional of 400 priests and deacons, up to 50 bishops and as many as four cardinals the length of two city blocks? Does the liturgy provide for the papal nuncio to move left to right, or right to left? Perhaps most haunting of all—exactly how many... Read more

Melinda Gates on her Catholicism, and contraception

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:06 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

She speaks to CNN’s Sanjay Gupta below: Details from CNN: Responding to simmering controversy among Catholic bloggers about her new birth control program, Melinda Gates — a practicing Catholic — said she will not shrink from her role as an advocate for poor women. “Part of what I do with the (Gates) Foundation comes form that incredible social justice I had growing up and belief that all lives, all lives are of equal value,” said Gates during a recent interview... Read more

Cardinal Schonborn on Medjugorje

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:06 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Cardinal Christoph Schonborn gave a wide-ranging interview recently to Our Sunday Visitor. A snip: OSV: Your decision to accompany pilgrims to Medjugorje has surprised some people, especially given the statements coming out of the local diocese and Rome that have questioned the authenticity of the apparitions. Could you give us some insight into how you approach this question and about how we can approach it as well? Cardinal Schönborn: I think that the Church’s teaching on Medjugorje is very clear.... Read more

Atheist sues restaurant, charges discrimination over discount for diners who bring in church bulletin ad

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:06 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Seriously? Yeah: A Manheim Township man [near Lancaster, PA] has filed a discrimination complaint against a Columbia restaurant that offers a 10 percent discount for diners who present a church bulletin on Sundays. John Wolff, who is an atheist, filed the complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission against Prudhomme’s Lost Cajun Kitchen in Columbia. Wolff said the practice discriminates against him because he does not attend church. “I did this not out of spite, but out of a feeling... Read more

Benny takes a break

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:06 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

So the pope is on vacation for a few weeks. Looking over pictures of some of his recent vacations… …I can’t help but think he would just love to put on some flip flops and a bathing suit and cut loose. The gentleman above, btw: 93-year-old barefoot water skier George Alfred Blair. Enjoy the break, Papa. Read more

“You can find love just about anywhere!”

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:06 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

This shot was taken by my goddaughter in Arizona, during her morning walk: I have a 3 mile route each morning here on the high desert. Mostly lots of rabbits and an occasional snake along the way. I thought this proves that you can find love just about anywhere! Someone made quite an effort on this driveway… and it was completed so neatly. Read more