Browsing Fr. Jasper's Homily
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 »
Twenthy-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (10/1/23)
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
I Wanna Be Free
Twenty-three. That’s the number of unexpected Confessions heard at a recent Confirmation retreat held at a nearby parish.
The funny thing is – the Sacrament wasn’t officially scheduled on the itinerary for the day. However, we all know how the Spirit of God works, ... Read More »
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (9/24/23)
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
Take and Go Into My Vineyard
(Note: As an alum of Cabrini University, I was asked to preside at the college’s Alumni Mass during this final year of its storied history)
“It’s not fair.”
When it comes right down to it, this entire Gospel is the story of ... Read More »
Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (9/17/23)
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
The Hardest Thing
A few years back, a couple unknown to me called the parish where I was stationed seeking a priest to provide some guidance. Quite bluntly, their marriage was at its breaking point.
Mindful that their story in all its detail is not mine to tell, ... Read More »
Twenty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time (9/10/23)
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
The Jesus Way
In 2007, I was on the steering committee that recommended to the diocese that my childhood parish elementary school – the school where I was at the time the 8th grade teacher – should close that coming June.
It was a heartbreaking decision. Many of ... Read More »
Twenty- Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (9/1/23)
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
The Whole Picture
The Presbyterian minister in town called here last week on behalf of one of his parishioners. “Father, this woman’s husband is Catholic, and hasn’t been to Church in decades,” he told me. “He’s dying and in need of the Sacraments. Will someone from your parish go?”
How could we ... Read More »
Twenty- First Sunday in Ordinary Time (8/27/23)
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
Who Are You
It’s exam time, and the teacher is asking his students two final questions. Only two.
How do others describe me? Who do you say that I am?
The second, even more than the first one, might be the only question in life that we ever ... Read More »