Root, branch and fruit Consider the miracle of a single seed, a seed so small you can barely see it, and yet containing within it the power to release life in the form of a great harvest or magnificent garden. After this long winter, the planting season is now underway....

Years ago, the Chad Mitchell Trio sang, “Oh, there’s rioting in Africa, starving in Spain; there are hurricanes in Florida and Texas needs rain. … the Arabs hate the Jews and the Jews hate the Arabs, and I don’t like anybody very much.” Unfortunately, our world is no better with...

Today Jesus tells us, “Keep my commandments, … that your joy may be complete” (Jn 15:10-11). Jesus’ entire concern is our joy! THIS is the reason for his taking on human nature, devoting his life to teaching and healing, and ultimately laying down his life. He had nothing to gain—except...

The second reading of today’s (the 5th Sunday of Easter) Liturgy of the Word narrates the arrival of Saul (Paul) in Jerusalem and is met with fear by the disciples but with the help of Barnabas, he is able to speak of his experience of the Lord. We first met...