Shema: A Divine Love

10-31-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

When one of the scribes asks which is the first of all the commandments? Jesus answers by bringing back the teaching of Moses to the people of Israel, the Shema: “Hear, O Israel! the Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” But Jesus also adds the love of neighbor and yourself as an extension to it. The scribe gets it; he knows that these two double commandments of love are the greatest; and far superior to any exterior worship, “worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

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The Faith of Blind Bartimaeus

10-24-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

What do you want me to do for you? The question Jesus asks the blind man is the same He presents to James and John last Sunday. The blind beggar answers in a simple direct way: "I want to see." The touching account of the healing of Bartimaeus reminds us what Jesus asks us also, what do you want me to do for you? Let us learn from Bartimaeus. Have the courage to approach Jesus, do not be afraid to bring our illness, helplessness, and blindness to Him. But also have the faith of Bartimaeus and persevere in praying. Ask, and it will be given to you, seek, and you will find - knock, and the door will be opened to you. (Mt. 7:7)

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Wisdom: The Highest Good

10-10-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

The readings of this Sunday have the theme of the wisdom of God. The first reading from the Wisdom of Solomon written a century before the birth of our Lord speaks in the voice of Solomon himself. The Lord tells the young Solomon to ask for anything he wants. Without any hesitation, he chooses wisdom. (2 Chr. 1:10) This text is what he must be referring to when he says, I prayed, and prudence was given me, I pleaded, and the spirit of wisdom came to me. Yes, divine wisdom is more valuable than anything else gold, precious stone, health, beauty, power, and prestige. In comparison to divine wisdom, all these are worthless.

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Being Faithful and True

10-03-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

More than ever in our society: the institution of marriage continues to be questioned: Two trends exist. The first are those who no longer see the value of marriage as an essential foundation of family life and as the basic unit of society. Marriage is a personal option or preference, which can be permanent, or nor, in any case, it is not as important to them. The second trend belongs to those who espouse gay rights, who insist that samesex union is equivalent to marriage; and is an essential foundation for family life and society. They see this right as necessary, and denial of such a right to marriage is an injustice. Even though these erroneous trends seem contradictory, they both contribute to the confusion about the real meaning and nature of marriage. Today’s readings bring us to the heart of the matter by giving us a peek at the will of God and His beautiful plan for marriage.

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