Fr. Bob’s Weekly Reflections

Many might remember the 1980 Winter Olympics, held in Lake Placid, New York. That year, the United States men’s hockey team wasn’t expected to go far. Made up of young, inexperienced college players, they were crushed in a warm-up game by the dominant Russian team.

The four Gospels are full of challenges. “Love one another, as I have loved you.” “If you would be perfect, sell what you have and give to the poor.” “Take up your cross daily.” “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

Today, we reflect on the last discourse of Jesus. He tells His disciples, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you.” It sounds simple enough. We all know what peace is. But the peace of Christ is far from simple.

In 1996, a 21-year-old man from Chicago named Peter suffered severe head injuries in a car accident, leaving him in a coma with significant brain damage. Doctors gave little hope for his survival or recovery. 

Every time I see the phrase “In God we trust” printed on money, I can’t help but smirk at its irony. Many of us who chase, hold, or spend that money give little thought to trusting in God. Instead, we place our trust in the money itself, or in our own ability to earn it.

Today’s Gospel can be seen as the rehabilitation of St. Peter. The scene takes us back to both a prediction and a fact. The prediction came during the Last Supper, when Jesus warned His disciples that they would all fall away and be scattered. He specifically warned Peter that he would deny Him.

Week after week, most of us come to church, and the years pass by. The agenda of our gatherings often remains the same. It takes different shapes and forms, but there is one central focus: our faith in Christ.

If there is one word that describes the essence of the Christian faith, it is “Easter.” In celebrating Easter, we are celebrating victory – the victory of the Son of God over humanity’s greatest enemy: death.

Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week, the most solemn and sacred period in the Church calendar. It is a pivotal moment in the journey towards Christ’s passion.

We come across a unique scene in this week’s Gospel. Jesus is sitting down and quietly teaching when a hostile crowd appears. In their custody is a woman accused of adultery. In today’s world, adultery is quite common, sadly