Ordinary Time, 26th Sunday. The name of Jesus can bless and heal. It can even heal eyes that we plucked out because they caused us to sin. There is nothing worth more than Jesus Christ. Whatever brings us closer to Jesus is good: even the Lutheran church or the local Community Church.

On the other hand (no pun intended), whatever brings us farther away from Jesus is bad. Maybe it's your iPad or your handgun or football. In the second reading, it is pleasure and luxury. Pope Francis has been reminding us of the true value of children, the elderly, and the homeless. So what about you: Do your habits, hobbies, friends, boyfriends bring you closer to Jesus, or father away? Sometimes we have to become blind in order to truly see that Jesus is worth more.

(27 Sep 2015)

Point to Ponder: Take an inventory of your free-time habits: Do they lead you closer to Christ or away from him?

Point to Discuss: Talk to a friend about Pope Francis' visit to the United States. What did he say or do what changed the way you see things?