30th Sunday in ordinary time, Oct. 24, 2010
Fr. Anthony Brankin
Gospel: Luke 18:9-14. The Pharisee and the tax collector
MP3 Audio
Summary: When it comes to evolution, scientists haven”t found the missing link. In fact, they find more and more that all human beings are descended from one couple. All of us are related, and the Catholic Church”s story of Adam and Eve is true.
The reason for children dressing up for Halloween is that before Christianity, pagan tribes would placate the dead during November so that they wouldn”t be tormented by them. But today, we don”t pray to the dead, we pray for the dead to speed their way to heaven.
St. Augustine said, “It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead.” Our parish is named after St. Odilo, who established the feast of the Holy Souls on Nov. 2 to pray for the dead.
Consider a life of prayer and teaching. Saint Francis de Sales’ “little virtues” of gentleness, kindness, humility, and cheerful optimism shape our monastic life. Washington, DC