Browsing Fr. Jasper's Homily
Epiphany
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
Fear in the Driver Seat
Confession: I didn’t get my driver’s license until I had graduated from college. I was 22-ish.
I told friends I didn’t need a car to commute to school; the train got me there just fine. I told my parents I just wasn’t interested. ... Read More »
Third Sunday in Advent
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
Calgary Flame
A little more than a week ago, a Calgary, Alberta traffic reporter on live TV stopped the broadcast to read comments that were being sent to her via email and social media, comments such as:
“Wow, congratulations on becoming pregnant at your age.”
“If you are ... Read More »
Second Sunday in Advent
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
The Prophet of Singerly Road
The question arose at our parish Scripture Study this past Monday: Is the Church still a prophet in the world today?
It’s an important question to ponder, especially as we continue our Advent journey of preparation. Are we, like John the Baptist, crying ... Read More »
First Sunday of Advent
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
Candle in the Wind-ow
On a quiet residential street in a river-town of upstate New York, a stately older home is nestled among other similar-styled dwellings, a nod to a wealthier past when the local paper mills brought its workers prosperity. Those mills have long-since closed and many ... Read More »
Christ the King Sunday
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
Love to the Max
I wish you could meet Max. He has been a parishioner here at Immaculate for decades, but stopped attending when Covid came to town nearly four years ago now. His wife took a turn for the worse during the shutdown of society and he’s been ... Read More »
Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
Unburying the Talent
The seminarian that lived down the hall from me during my first year of formation for the priesthood was a gentle soul. Quiet. Kind. One of those people we often encounter who never make life all about themselves.
Shortly after our return from Christmas break, ... Read More »
Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
I’ll Be There For You
When actor Matthew Perry died last week from an apparent drowning at his Hollywood Hills home, the world gasped. Our "Friend," still so young, would no longer be with us.
We knew that behind the scenes of his successful '90's sitcom, he ... Read More »
Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
How Do I?
The question based on today’s Gospel (Matt 22:34-40) was as sincere as it was direct, as many questions often are when coming from an eighth grader: “Mr. Jasper, we always hear the same thing over-and-over: love God with all your heart, soul and mind, but ... Read More »
Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
Tossed Caesar Salad
The gentleman coming out of Mass one summer Sunday morning marched right over to me, and I could tell he was determined to get to me before anyone else. Such a scenario is usually never good.
“Father, I’m sensing with a lot of you younger ... Read More »
Twenthy-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (10/15/23)
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
“Wear” Did You Come From
John and his family were faithful Mass attendees each week for as long as John could remember. He went to Catholic school from kindergarten to twelfth grade, where he received a solid education in the faith. Served Mass since he was 10 years ... Read More »