St. Thomas the Apostle
Catholic Community

In the second half of today’s Gospel we hear Jesus say: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me.” That is quite a requirement for a disciple of Jesus. Who of us likes to think about carrying crosses? I venture to think very few; maybe those who have grown in their spiritual life to an advanced degree? And then, maybe not even them. The fact that each of us have crosses to bear is a reality. Each cross varies according to the in

The origin of the Catholic papacy is indicated in today’s Gospel story from Ma!hew 16:13-20. Jesus says to Peter: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” Peter becomes the first Pope to lead the rest of apostles after Pentecost, and begin preaching the message of love far and wide. Yes, this is the same Peter who began sinking when he was walking to Jesus on the sea, and when his faith faltered

Today we meet a woman of great faith, a non-Jewish woman seeking a cure for her daughter. It is good to recall that Jesus performed his miracles mainly with the Jewish people, for the Savior was promised to them in the Old Testament. But Jesus had something else in mind by listening to her plea. His message of love was for ALL people, not just a chosen few. When the apostles begin preaching the message of Jesus, there is a big decision to be made about Gentiles (non-Jews) and

One of the themes Jesus o!en repeats in the Gospel stories is “FEAR NOT”. I don’t think it is hard to figure why Jesus may include this theme. Our lives o!en bring us to moments when we lose confidence in ourselves or in the world around us. We do not have all the answers, and we depend on others to help us understand life’s challenges and difficulties. This weekend we encounter one such passage about the storm on the sea and Jesus inviting Peter to walk to him on the water.