Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP

Drawing parallels with the stillness of off-season Alaska, Fr. Scott reflects on Mary Magdalene's experience: her hope shattered, unable to even anoint Jesus' body due to the Sabbath. Yet, even in devastation, a "sliver of hope" remained, motivating her plan to perform that one last act of love.

On this Good Friday, Fr. Scott Steinkerchner OP delivers a moving "Word of Hope" reflection exploring the dual nature of the Cross. Originally a brutal tool of Roman power meant to crush the human spirit, the Cross was radically transformed by Christ's sacrifice. By embracing suffering with love and forgiveness, Jesus turned this "cross of death" into the life-giving "cross of life"—a symbol of redemption, humanity's triumph, and God's boundless mercy.

While Judas repented of betraying Jesus, he ultimately despaired, unable to believe in forgiveness. Peter, after denying Christ three times, remained open to God's mercy, eventually experiencing restoration through Jesus's love after the Resurrection (John 21). Both apostles failed, but only one held onto the possibility of hope.

Do you ever feel like you've "labored in vain" or "spent your strength for nothing"? The prophet Isaiah expressed this same feeling, yet found hope. Hear how God revealed a plan far exceeding the prophet's expectations – a mission to be a "light to the nations," bringing salvation worldwide.

Fr. Scott delves into the concept of kenosis (Christ's self-emptying) from Philippians 2, revealing true humility as focusing on serving the world's needs rather than oneself. Jesus models this by embracing both the crowd's adoration and His impending suffering and death.

On this St. Patrick’s Day, we reflect on two powerful Gospel parables from Matthew 13:24-32 that reveal a profound truth about the Kingdom of Heaven. Instead of focusing solely on opposing evil, Jesus teaches us that true spiritual growth comes from nurturing faith, virtue, and holiness within ourselves.