St Clement of Rome Catholic Church

On Divine Mercy Sunday, there are many images… The Psalmist (132: 22-24) proclaims that: The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes. While building upon this proclamation, the First Letter of John (1 John 5: 1-6) provides us with further insight into this “rejected” stone: This is the One who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ, not by water alone, but by water and…

While, historically, Jesus endured one horrific passion and death on a cross, we are blessed with four narratives of that same passion and death: Matthew’s, Mark’s, Luke’s and John’s. Today, on Palm Sunday, let me share with you six points of reflection which are Luke’s gift to us for our edification and for our spiritual growth. 1. Holy Communion is a call to joyous service of each other. As, at the Last Supper, he was serving us his flesh and blood for…

…since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12) What a wonderful statement uttered by St. Paul! It should become the template of our relationship with Christ. There are two basic ways of becoming somebody else’s possession: by being purchased as slaves or as the result of being smitten by love. On the Fifth Sunday of Lent, St. Paul tells us how he fell in love with Christ. (Philippians 3:8-14) Two people smitten by love desire intensely to…

In 1967, while traveling on an airplane, the Canadian singer-songwriter, Joni Mitchell, was deep into a novel entitled, Henderson the Rain King. Early on, the troubled and middle-aged Henderson was on a plane destined for Africa when he looked down and saw clouds. After reading that passage, Mitchell remembered putting down the book, looking out the window and also seeing— clouds. Having received an inspiration, she immediately began composing the song, Both Sides, Now. The song employs a memorable verse to explore different…