2020 archive of Padre's Blog
To the City and the World
Posted by Fr Joseph Molloy on 3/30/20
“When evening had come” (Mk 4:35). The Gospel passage we have just heard begins like this. For weeks now it has been evening”. Thick darkness has gathered over our squares, our streets, and our cities”; this begins a reflection by Pope Francis on the passage in Mark’s Gospel ( ... Read More »
A Joyful Lent
Posted by Fr Joseph Molloy on 3/01/20
A few days ago, I was thumbing through the Lenten Prefaces in the Missal (I know, I know--get a life) and came across the words where we “thank God for this joyful season.” Honestly, we really don’t often think of Lent as a joyful season, but rather one ... Read More »
Pray a Little; Pray a Lot
Posted by Fr Joseph Molloy on 2/28/20
At the beginning of Lent, Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of prayer during Lent, as a means of responding to God’s love, “which always precedes and sustains us”. We are also called to hear and respond to the Word of Jesus, in order to experience “the mercy He ... Read More »
Lent—Forty Days. Prayer, Fasting, Charity.
Posted by Fr Joseph Molloy on 2/27/20
Ah ha! And now our (real) Lent begins. 40 Days of Prayer, Fasting and Charity. These three disciplines function best when they are done together. They balance each other. The word “discipline” itself reminds us that we are “disciples” of Jesus. Another word for prayer, fasting and charity ... Read More »
Come Back To Me
Posted by Fr Joseph Molloy on 2/22/20
One of the frequent themes we hear throughout the Christmas season is “Come Home For Christmas.” Sadly, we pack that invitation away in January with all our other Christmas decorations only to revisit it come next Advent. From the first day of Lent—Ash Wednesday—the selection of daily readings for ... Read More »
A Monday Reflection
Posted by Fr Joseph Molloy on 1/28/20
Story after story recounts the destruction and devastation of the fires in the Amazon Rain forest and in Australia. Seems like some section of California is always under some type of natural threat. In our efforts to control nature, we have become our own worst enemies. Probably the ... Read More »
Baptized in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Posted by Fr Joseph Molloy on 1/11/20
Do you know the date of your Baptism? Mine was April 4, 1949—a long, long time ago. But as I look back through ancient b/w pictures, there is a happiness on the faces of my parents, God-parents and other family members present. They know something special has happened.
Yet it is also true that for many of us the sacrament of baptism that we received is just another historical action or theoretical expression of our faith. We do not live this out in our ... Read More »