Fr. George Smiga, Author at Building on the Word

Living in Visible Power

What is the value of belonging to the Church? What benefit is there in having a shared identity as Catholics? What advantage can we see in being a part of an institution?

A Gospel for a Pluralistic City

Christianity was an urban phenomenon. Although the origins of the Christian movement in the ministry of Jesus were rooted in the rural soil of Galilee, the spread of the gospel took place in the urban centers of the ancient world.

“Lord, It’s Me”

Faith begins in the love of God. Faith has to be personal, believing in a God who cares for us and will act on our behalf.

Doing the Impossible

Why does Jesus ask his disciples to do the impossible, to feed 5,000 people with 5 loaves and 2 fish? And why is he asking us to do the same?

Sharing the Vineyard

We all share the same vineyard. Therefore, either we will thrive together, or we will go down together. This is why we must avoid the temptation of trying to cut someone out.

Seeing the Invisible

Seeing is more than taking light and color into our eyes. It also involves our minds and our hearts. Seeing includes believing.

Peter Walks on Water

Matthew 14:22-36–Only in Matthew’s Gospel does Peter walk on water. He acts as the representative of what belonging to the church means.

A Pair of Parables

The parables of the pearl and the treasure tell us that sometimes we find the kingdom of God by searching for it, and other times we simply stumble upon it.

The Power to Touch the Moon

In Jesus’ vision, true authority is not the authority of importance. It is the ability to ground and enhance the lives of others.

The Non-Violent Farmer

The parable of the weeds and the wheat tells us that refusing to use violence is not a lesser way or a cowardly way but Christ’s way. When we refuse to use our authority and power to coerce others, we are not settling for second best.