“…He saw a man called Matthew” (Matt. 9:9). The Dutch painter Terbrugghen has provided deep insight into the calling of St. Matthew. The painting shows Jesus pointing at Matthew from close range. We can almost hear the words, “Follow Me” (Matt. 9:9). Matthew is shown pointing at himself. Clearly he is thinking, “Who, me? You […]
“And he asked for a tablet and wrote as follows, ‘His name is John'” (Luke 1:63). “And his head was brought on a platter” (Matt. 14:11). John the Baptist was six months older than the Christ whose way John prepared (Luke 1:36). So on June 24, six months until Christmas, we celebrated the birthday of […]
Almighty God, You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. […]
“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27). As part of his chapel message, a Lutheran high school teacher asked students, “What was the best day in the history of the world?” He then led them to consider and believe that the answer would be “the first […]