Catholic Cardinal Reflections

Fr. Bob Glynn, S.J.no00:09:2711September 12, 2021 (24th Sunday in Ordinary Time)full

March 8, 2020 - Fr. Xavier's message- In times of trouble, we can sometimes let panic overtake us. Trust in God's mercy to calm our fears. Teresa explores the transfiguration of Jesus as foundational for mankind- his divinity as the Son of God vs. his humanity at Calgary- climbing two different mountains.

March 8, 2020 - Presenting the Mass celebrated at 4:30 in the Stanford Memorial Church by Fr. Xavier Lavagetto, with homilists Fr. Xavier and Chaplain Teresa Pleins.

February 2, 2020 - Fr. Dominic reminds us that candles are a symbol of the light of Christ, while Teresa describes Jesus as a child who changed the world, as unveiled by Simeon in Christ's presentation in the temple.

January 26, 2020 - When Jesus called his disciples, they were not chosen from the most beautiful, intelligent, wealthy or popular; they mirrored His propensity for associating with the lowly people, who in His and his Father's eys were actually the beautiful people that he loves intensely. We need to see others with God's eyes.

January 19, 2019 - As humans we sin over and over again, but baptism give us the power to repent and be God's light in the world as His sons and daughters. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.

January 12, 2020 - John protests that he is not worthy to baptise Jesus, but He assures John it is the "righteous" thing to do, paving the way for all of us to understand, with Jesus, that we are beloved sons and daughters of God. God's favor on us is a game changer, and that could be our "lightbulb" moment.

January 5, 2020 - The Magi searched for the infant Jesus. They were considered sinful sorcerers, but when they found Him, honored Him with expensive gifts. The epiphany is the showing, the manifestation of Jesus to the Magi. We are called to show to others the same kind of love that God has for us.

December 22, 2019 - Fr. Bob muses on what Joseph might have been thinking, when he heard that Mary was pregnant. Joseph realizes that God's plan is much better than theirs.

December 8, 2019 - The Advent Greeting includes four admonishments, as we await the coming of the Christ-child: 1. Stay awake! 2. Prepare! 3. Rejoice! 4. Don't be afraid! God is already here.

November 24, 2019 - Christ's power enables our salvation through His death on the cross. He died to save us; we have only to ask forgiveness for our sins.

November 17, 2019 - The world is torn by war and strife, human suffering everywhere. Are these the end times that will signify the Second Coming? Most of the apocalypse had already happend when it was prophesized in scriptures. Live each day in the knowledge tha God loves you and forgives your sins.

November 10, 2019 - Christ's victory over death makes Him the God of the living, thus there is no death in heaven and things such as marriage pass away in the redemption.

November 3, 2019 - Even your enemies were created by God, and he loves them, as we must. Christ set the example, by eating and living amonst the sinners.

October 27, 2019 - It is often hard to be humble, yet that is the parable for today. Your gifts are part of the fabric that we live in; no more or less important than others.

October 20, 2019 - Dean of Religious life Tiffany Steinwert preaches on the persistent widow and the need to pray always: "Ypu are bright, brilliant, beautiful and beloved in the eyes of God. Your neighbor is also."

September 29, 2019 - The parable of Lazarus reminds us how easy it is to ignore the beggars and those who serve. Riches and power can get in the way of living in the spirit of Christ.

September 22, 2019 - Christ's message is simple: One cannot serve two masters- God and money- at the same time.

September 15, 2019 - The story of the prodigal son ends with the message "You are always with me and all I have is yours", a reminder that God always loves us, despite our sins. We have only to come to our senses.

September 8, 2019 - Jesus often used exageration to express his wishes, including today's exhortation to abandon your families to follow him. He wants his disciples to give up their false possessions, worldly values of little real consequence. The benefits of doing so are many, the closer connection with God can be had little by little.

September 1, 2019 - Jesus' message today is to be humble but don't use false humility, for God doesn't make junk. Humility is to focus on others and on God, not on yourself.

August 18, 2019 - Jesus wants your heart to burn with passion for the Holy Spirit.

August 11, 2019 - How do we respond to God's desire that we walk with him, especially in the face of disastrous events in the world? Deacon John suggests we employ the Lectio Divina for 30 days, wherein we meditate deeply but briefly on Christ's words once a day. A month should do it!

July 21, 2019 - Like Martha, busy with inconsequential aspects of daily life, we should be careful to focus on our God instead, like Mary, who sat at Jesus' feet.

July 14, 2019 - Loving your neighbor requires you to ask, "Who is my neighbor"? Sometimes it is hard to stop what you are doing to help another who needs it, yet that is exactly what the parable of the Good Samaritan is about. We don't get to plan when an opportunity for unrequited love will arise.

July 7, 2019 - Jesus sent his ministers out without provisions, spare clothing or money. They returned overjoyed with their success. We too must overcome our fear and be agents of change, bringing God's word to community- at work, in the classroom, at home. Be a disciple- volunteer, ask questions, step out of your comfort zone.

June 30, 2019 - In today’s Gospel, what is Jesus’ mission? It is to proclaim the Kingdome of God through Jesus Christ himself. And this mission is urgent- it can’t be waited for. Therefore, the discipleship that Jesus calls us to is urgent, everyday, and it cannot be changed, it is there for us. (Summary by Allie Lee.)

June 15, 2019 - From Fr. X: Congratulations graduates and Dads! Hopefully we have gained wisdom as students at Stanford. One wise piece of advice: Live each day in radical amazement at God's love for you, and give him permission to love you just as you are. But love is a bilateral relationship.

June 2, 2019 - Christ said, "I am with you always". If that is the case, we must live and breathe Jesus to others.

May 19, 2019 - We need to make a little time for God in our lives, which means, how do we find the treasure in others? Jesus' second commandment is to love others as you love yourself. Take time to appreciate the gifts of God's good creation- His people and the world. Sometimes that can hurt, but why be afraid with God in your heart?

May 5, 2019 - "Go and find someone else to love", was the message a boy learned when he was no longer able. It is the lesson from today's gospel. "Feed my shee." said Jesus.

April 28, 2019 - On this Divine Mercy Sunday, Thomas doubted that Christ had risen until he saw Jesus; is our faith being tested too? Jesus wants us to touch our neighbors by spreading the joy and love God spreads on us. Mercy means steadfast love- commit that to God.

April 21, 2019 - Fr. Bob recounts three stories that summarize the Paschal mystery. Jesus altered the light of the world 2000 years ago and He continues to permeate the world today.

April 20, 2019 - We look in all the wrong places for love. Jesus gave himself to us in the Last Supper.. Why not put our faith in his love? Take the Jesus way as a new way of living. Go out and do random acts of kindness- make time for friends and enemies, give bread to the poor, notice the beauty of the day.

April 19, 2019 - The Gospel of the Lord's Passion according to John, followed by the Choir's song, "Greater Love"

April 18, 2019 - Watching Notre Dame burn reminded Fr. Xavier that while cathedrals are prayerful places, they are not the rock of the church; we are. Just as Jesus pours his life into us over and over, we need to love each other and come closer to Him.

April 7, 2019 - Judging others destroys your heart. You are called to share God's healing gifts with others through affirmation of their humanity.

March 31, 2019 - "You will be found", reflections on the joy of being forgiven. God so loves us that we can be glad in knowing our sins are forgiven when we come to the Loard.

March 17, 2019 - In these hard times, which way are we to go? Follow Christ's example and love your neighbor always. Let Jesus carry you.

March 10, 2019 - An interpretation of the Temptation of Christ by Fr. Dominic: The Temptation of Stanford Students as recorded in the Gospel of Jane [Stanford].

March 3, 2019 - Fr. Dominic asks whether the "plank in your eye", prevents us from treating others fairly, especially women in this Women's History Month. Chaplain Teresa suggests that we always look for the good in each other; choose God's love and be merciful to others in our judgement.

February 24, 2019 - Jesus asks us to turn the other cheek, to forgive our enemies, in fact to love them. This is counter to our usual response. But who is my enemy? It is anyone we push aside, discount, or marginalize. Our treasure will be in heaven, not of this earth.

February 17, 2019 - The beatitudes may make us a little uncormfortable- "Woe to the rich, successful, popular". But we can be like the tree near the river, flourishing by doing God's work in our daily llives through loving others, especially the downcast.

February 10, 2019 - Peter's vocation was to be a fisherman, but Jesus asked him to take as his job the calling of people to Jesus. Physics grad student Brandon Benson, recently back from Panama and World Youth Day, explains how he was called and how he has accepted that call with a deep comittment.

February 3, 2019 - When Jesus spoke in the synagog in Nazareth, he was initially regarded with awe by the congregation, but soon they wanted to kill him. Why did they turn on him? Was it because he didn't treat his home town differentially than other towns? Was he too young to be taken seriously? Lesson for us: Be on guard against prejudice and false judgements. As this is Black History month, be proactive, educate yourself, celebrate our black community.

January 27, 2019 - Rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength. Are you good news to others? We often wait to be loved, instead of loving others. The world is filled with people who could use your love. Go feast, as Christ's messenger of love!

January 20, 2019 - With the beginning of a new liturgical year, deacon John discusses Circles of Grace, Justice and Community in light of the wedding at Cana, which marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry.

January 13, 2019 - Christ's light can fill the darkness in our life. Do we let Christ in? His baptism signifies the begining of his public ministry, and a reminder that God loves us, just as he loves the Son.

January 6, 2019 - The three Magi came seeking the baby Jesus, bearing gifts. However, they received the only true Christmas gift, Christ Himself in the flesh. The closest we come to this ultimate gift is in partaking of the Eucharist. Rejoice and be glad!

December 16, 2018 - We are told to Rejoice! today. Fr. Xavier asks, "But what if I feel miserable? How can I rejoice?". His answer: How can you NOT rejoice? Happiness is a decision; without it you lose reason and energy. Choose to be delighted in all the things that work, instead of those that don't!

December 1, 2018 - On this celebration of the beginning of Advent: How do we prepare for the end of the world, when Jesus will come in glory? Option alpha: Distract yourself, but don't become lazy. Option beta: Get busy, but not frantic. Option omega: Pray for God's light in your life. Make your work a prayer- feel God's love for you.