Browsing Fr. Jasper's Homily
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 »
Seen See Surrender
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
32nd Sunday Homily
I sometimes wonder if I am spending a fraction of my purgatory by sitting in traffic jam after endless traffic jam at the Christiana interchange on 95 North at Route 1 where the mall and beach-bound traffic come into play (not to mention everyone trying to ... Read More »
Sisterly Advice
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
One bitterly-cold January evening back in the winter of 1992, Sister Irene Loretta, IHM, stood on stage before an auditorium filled with angry parents, sobbing students and a pastor whose disappointment was written across every line of his aging face. It was her job to tell this wealthy ... Read More »
Accepting the Cup
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
One of my closest friends terminated her pregnancy nearly a decade ago. At the advice of her doctor and in discussing the pregnancy with her husband, she ultimately chose to end the life that was being formed inside her.
I love her, and that will never change. Beyond ... Read More »
Set Free to See
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
Sometimes these homilies just write themselves.
Guess where I was last Sunday when the following scene played itself out? Go ahead – one guess. (I am beginning to think it is the only place I go besides Church, but that’s another story for another time …)
Leaving Wawa ... Read More »
Hon Turn Yourself and Let Me Have It
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
During my college years, I commuted to my suburban campus outside Philadelphia via the often-frustrating mass transit system, which required me at one point of the journey to move from light rail (trolley) to the train. Most days it was a mad dash through the bus terminal ... Read More »