Building on the Word – Page 30 – A Resource for Scripture, Culture, and Faith

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 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.

Windstorms and Violins

Life is difficult. Each one of us has a cross to bear. But the good news is that our cross is not a punishment but an opportunity.

Discipleship and Irony

The lives of St. Peter and St. Paul are a model of both discipleship and irony.

Doubt as a Friend

Normally we see doubt as the opposite of faith. But there are times doubt can be the companion of faith. Doubt can call faith to deepen and to mature.