Fr. Luke Barder, OP

On this Memorial of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus we have readings about how grief can draw us closer to God and closer to each other. When you grieve, call on God by name for help and mercy, and God will draw close.

On this Monday in Ordinary time, we look at fear and faith. In the first reading, the Israelites let the seed of fear grow in the desert, and so turned from God towards a golden calf. In the Gospel, Jesus assures us that faith is like a mustard seed that, though small, grows into a preposterously large tree that nourishes the life of all around. Give in to faith, not fear, and watch your life grow.

On this Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, as we remember the 100th anniversary of St. Dominic Church in Denver, Fr. Luke ponders the enduring mission of the church to reach out to the world to bring God's gift of love and inclusion to all. To be church today, we must still go out to bring Christ to the world for the Glory of God.

When God showed up at Abraham's door as three angels posing as travelers, Abraham offered them hospitality in the form of a feast. God, in return, promised that in a year Sarah would have a son. Sarah, being old, secretly laughed at the prospect, but God made it happen. Do we offer hospitality to the poor who show up at our door? Do we trust God's promises to us?

Faith is hard, even after the resurrection. But God is never far away, even when it feels that way. We need to trust that God has prepared us for the task at hand, and is preparing us for what is to come.

Using the beautiful imagery of a blooming flower and the intricate art of origami, Fr. Luke illustrates how seemingly chaotic events in our lives and in the Church are part of God's perfect design.