Father Kevin A. Codd

The character of Adam and Eve's first great sin in today's story from Genesis was not really that of "disobedience" as much as it was good, old-fashioned "hubris". Their attempt to make gods of themselves was the beginning of the troubles our human race has struggled with almost forever. It is the "great sin" still at the heart of just about all our present troubles. The Jesus story found in the Gospels lets us know we can rest in our humility for it is thus that the one and true God loves us, as evidenced by his coming to us as one of us. (And apologies for the gravelly voice today...a cold virus got to me earlier in the week.)

Homily shared with the Saint Francis Catholic Community in Cuenca, Ecuador. 

La historia de Adan y Eva es una de las mas importantes del Antiguo Testamento. Con su "pecado original" comenzamos una historia por los siglos de mucha maldad. No es tanto un pecado de desobedienca, sino uno del orgullo humano que siempre quiere ponernos como dioses. Y asi, continuamos a vivir una historia de una maldad humana desastrozo. (Pido disculpas por mi voz; estoy un poco resfriado hoy). 

Homilia compartida en la capilla de las Hermanas Carmelitas, Virgen de Bronce, Cuenca, Ecuador.

The expansive display of sweets of all kinds here in Cuenca's Parque del Calderon this Corpus Christi weeks raises the simple question, "Why?" The answer is clear if we understand what sweets symbolize in the popular Catholic imagination, particularly in Latin America. Just about everything dealing with God and his love for us! Sweet are God's abundant graces in our lives!

Homily shared with the Saint Francis Catholic Community in Cuenca, Ecuador.

To "understand" the Holy Trinity is only possible after we have "experienced" the Holy Trinity as did Jesus' first disciples. 

Homily shared with the Saint Francis Catholic Community in Cuenca, Ecuador.

Un viñador nos ensena el significado de la viña, el tronco, y sus uvas: comunión con Dios y los demás.

Homilía compartida por el Padre Kevin con la comunidad católica de Santa Teresita, Misicata (Cuenca, Ecuador)

The image of the Marlboro Man is the archetype for rugged individualism. The humble vine-tender with his vines is an archetype of communion. 

Homily shared with the Saint Francis Catholic Community in Cuenca, Ecuador

Juan 20: 19-31: Al anochecer del día de la resurrección, estando cerradas las puertas de la casa donde se hallaban los discípulos, por miedo a los judíos, se presentó Jesús en medio de ellos y les dijo: "La paz esté con ustedes". Dicho esto, les mostró las manos y el costado. Cuando los discípulos vieron al Señor, se llenaron de alegría.

Las primeras palabras que Jesús resucitado dice a sus discípulos son sencillas pero importantes: "La paz este con ustedes." O en hebreo: "Shalom." ¿Que es esa “paz” que Jesús les ofrece? La consideramos...

Homilia para el segundo domingo de la Pascua/Divina Misericordia (B)

Jesus' first words to his disciples are simple: "Peace be with you." The fact that he repeats them two more times in today's reading from the Gospel of John would indicate they are very important words, indeed. Just what kind of peace is Jesus extending to his frightened and confused disciples? 

Homily shared with the Saint Francis Catholic Community in Cuenca, Ecuador. (A Spanish version of this same reflection is also available on this site). 

On this Easter morning, John's Gospel gives us three important characters in the opening verses of his Resurrection story for our joyful consideration. Each responds to the empty tomb in a different way; only one sees and believes. 

Easter homily shared with the Saint Francis Catholic Community in Cuenca, Ecuador. 

In the most poignant moment in John's Passion, Jesus "hands over his spirit." What might John mean by this strange final note to Jesus' passion? Perhaps we need to go back to the Creation story in Genesis to plumb its meaning.

Homily shared with the Saint Francis Catholic Community of Cuenca, Ecuador.