We have been celebrating the Ignatian Jubilee year, from the 500th anniversary of the cannonball at the battle of Pamplona in 1521, to the 400th anniversary of his canonization in 1622. And now as we draw to the close of the Jubilee year, it’s time to ask, “what next?”

A prominent theme in today’s Gospel parable is generosity. Late at night, a sleepy friend responds to his neighbor’s request for food for an unexpected guest. Jesus suggests that it would be unthinkable for a friend to deny a friend in need. A friend would most certainly give what is asked and more. Through this story, Jesus illustrates God’s generosity. Good stewards realize the extraordinary love and graciousness with which God showers us. We need never convince God to be generous. God is already that generous friend. His abundant love bathes us in goodness. This week, prayerfully reflect on God’s generosity to us. What should our response be to that generosity?

Martha and Mary are the focus of this weekend’s Gospel, which abounds with rich themes about hospitality, service, and finding the right balance between action and prayerful attention to the Lord.

Christians who are good stewards of their faith life realize that if they are too busy to enjoy peaceful, private time with the Lord, then something is out of balance in their spiritual lives. If we make time for Mass, but then carry on with our busy schedules without prayer, meditation and reflection, we are missing out. If we find ourselves anxious and harried by life’s routines, could it be a sign that something in our spiritual life needs some serious attention?

After many centuries of recounting Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) the story seems to have lost the “sting” Jesus intended for it. At the weekend Masses of July 9 and 10, we will once again hear the proclamation of this Gospel story which reveals Jesus’ encounter with the legal scholar and his response to the question: Who is my neighbor? Perhaps now is a good time to reflect more deeply on Jesus’ teaching and its practical implications for our lives today.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I rejoice with pro-life advocates everywhere in light of the Supreme Court decision striking down Roe v. Wade. The snuffing out of human life in the womb highlights the culture of death which permeates our capitalistic culture. As Pope Francis is quick to remind us: if it doesn’t produce, it is disposable. I also rejoice as I see this as a great opportunity, a new beginning.

Father’s Day reminds us that fathers are a tremendous source of love, strength and protection for a child. Notwithstanding the faithful and heroic efforts of single moms bringing up children in today’s society, children still need to be around Christian men who are positive role models; men who are actively involved in their life of faith, possess spiritual passion, and are faithful fathers and husbands. Undoubtedly, parishes need more men to be involved in the spiritual development of young people.

Several months ago, Pope Francis convoked the Synod on the Synod. There have been many such gatherings throughout the history of the church. This one would be different: the impetus would come not from the top down, but it would start by hearing first from the people of God. What are your hopes, your dreams, your fears for all of us as church who despite our different backgrounds and differences hold the same faith in Jesus Christ?

At the Tower of Babel, the sin of pride and the arrogance of humanity led to the multiplicity of languages and confusion and division of the nations. But just as the passion of Christ heals the original sin of Adam and Eve, the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost heals the sin of the Tower of Babel.

Today we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord, when Jesus returned to the right hand of the Father. He had completed his work here with us. He had done all that he could to let us know and feel God’s love for each of us, to teach us how to live with kindness and forgiveness for others, and to offer us the gift of eternal life with him.

Sixth Sunday of Easter/Sexto Domingo de Pascua Today’s third reading is taken from the Gospel of St. John. Even though we are in Easter season we dip back into the farewell discourse of Jesus at the Last Supper.

In today’s Gospel Jesus makes a bold and clear statement to his disciples. “I give you a new commandment: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

“I, John, had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation,race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb…” (Revelations 7:9)

Today’s gospel is a different sort of ‘fish story’. After the resurrection, the disciples were feeling a little lost. Jesus was no longer with them in the same way that he was before and they lost their enthusiasm for doing the good works they used to do with him. So, they went back to their old ways – they went fishing. Jesus knew that they needed some motivation so, although he no longer looked the same after the resurrection, he paid them a visit and made them breakfast. They recognized his presence.