Browsing Fr. Jasper's Homily
Love and Marriage
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
I carry with me a little red notebook that contains within its pages 75-and-counting stories of how two remarkable souls fell in love: notes that I take while meeting with Catholic couples preparing them for the sacrament of marriage.
One couple shared with me in extraordinary detail about ... Read More »
Baptism by Fire
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
The scenes out of Los Angeles this past week have been beyond comprehension, looking more like something Hollywood itself would produce in one of their epic blockbuster disaster films. Entire neighborhoods wiped-out, block after block charred beyond recognition. Cars abandoned on the state's beloved freeways. People wandering the now-barren ... Read More »
Look Up
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
For two summers I worked in a Catholic-run group home for older men with severe physical and mental challenges; many had been cared for there since they were in their early 20s. In my limited role as an aide, I was able to assist the residents with their ... Read More »
In My Father’s House
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
It was the way in which the minivan careened into the church parking lot that instantly told me it was Mom and Dad seeking their lost daughter.
It happened – no lie – Christmas Eve after the early Vigil Mass. Throngs of people leaving the Church, happy and ... Read More »
Look Up
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
It was a sweet moment between a current UD student and a former Blue Hen, both attending the morning Mass on the weekend of final exams last Sunday. As the current sophomore was sharing tales of her recent late nights and study-stress, the older gentleman standing nearby offered ... Read More »
Where Do We Go From Here
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
It may be the question of our time: Now what?
Not long ago, a college student came to me, looking for a bit of advice. She was academically successful, popular, and quickly approaching graduation. Her internship was leading her directly into the field she had planned to ... Read More »
The Date
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
2nd Sunday Advent Homily C 2024
While out to dinner with friends on the eve of Thanksgiving, a young couple was seated at the table directly behind us, telling the waitress they were celebrating their first anniversary.
(At this point, I must insert that I wasn't able ... Read More »
Reach Out I’ll Be There
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
1st Sunday Advent Homily 2024
He thought his marriage was over.
This young husband and father who sat before me wept as he spoke out loud the pain he was carrying within himself for months now. He hadn’t been eating; he was barely sleeping; and he drowned ... Read More »
Not of This World
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
I met Ned only once, but his presence and passion continues to have ripple effects in my life decades later. I doubt I am the only one to feel that way.
Funny thing – I don’t remember his last name, and if I saw a photo of him ... Read More »
Just Before Dawn
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
33rd Sunday in Ordinarty Time
I've been scared about many things in my life. Still am, in some ways. As much as I try to place those fears into the hands and Heart of Christ, the fears remain and I do my best to not fall apart ... Read More »