Stingy is as Stingy Does

With all apologies to Forrest Gump, St. Paul’s message in our first reading might well carry the moniker, “stingy is as stingy does.” In these verses, Paul speaks about the importance of generosity and the blessings that flow from a heart that is open to giving. It starts with a heart that is open to the Word of God and will allow it to guide us in our own lives. Continue reading

Phone bills and restaurant tabs

Did you ever look at your phone/mobile monthly bill? There are all kinds of charges that are often listed that are beyond the charges you’d expect for various communications services. And am not talking about “cramming charges.” Those are the charges that your telephone company allow 3rd party vendors to charge to your phone bill. Charges that are explained on your telephone bill in general terms such as “service fee,” “service charge,” “other fees,” “voicemail,” “mail server,” “calling plan” and “membership.” Charges you may have authorized or not. Continue reading

The Apostles

This Sunday is the 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time. The gospel is from the opening verses of the Matthean Missionary Discourse. From the first verses one should notice a change in vocabulary as Jesus “summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the twelve apostles…” (Mt 10:1-2) Up until this point those who follow Jesus have been referred to as “disciples.” Continue reading