Father Kevin A. Codd

What Manner of Magi?

Matthew's use of the Magi as he wraps up his version of the Nativity story teaches important lessons as to just who this baby in Bethlehem is.

Swords into Plowshares? Who does the Forging?

The ancient images of a new era of peace on Earth from the prophet Isaiah, swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks, capture the great hope of humanity for better times. But just who does the forging is critical to this hope being realized: Isaiah makes it clear this is not just the work of humanity, it is the work of humanity WITH GOD! 

The Temple

The First Century Temple of Jerusalem was something to behold! Herod the Great's masterpiece surely would stand forever! Except it didn't. As Jesus stands in its shadow, he recognizes that this grand building will sooner or later be nothing more than shards of sandstone. His very presence there poses the great question: which temple will last forever...that of Herod or that which is Jesus himself? 

God is a God of the Living, Not the Dead!

Jesus' encounter with the Sadducees is another moment where he is being poked, prodded, and gamed by the Jerusalem establishment. His response to their disingenuous question is a powerful affirmation of the character of God as a GOD OF LIFE...A GOD OF THE LIVING!  His message is particularly important to us as we remember our beloved dead in this month of November. 

All Saints: An Opportunity to Rest in Holiness

Exhortation is the usual mode of the preacher, homilist, and evangelist. Spiritual coaching is important, but today we are blessed to be able to simply rest in the holiness God has blessed us with already. 

On Raising Apostles

The work of raising kids...is not unlike the work Jesus had in "raising" his apostles. His great task was teaching them the great gift of humility. 

Lazarus and that Rich Guy with the Purple Robe

Open our eyes
to the needs of our brothers and sisters;
inspire in us words and actions
to comfort those who labor and are burdened.
Make us serve them truly,
after the example of Christ and at his command.
And may your Church stand as a living witness
to truth and freedom,
to peace and justice,
that all people may be raised up to a new hope.

Eucharistic Prayer for Various Needs IV

"A Father had Two Sons..."

Jesus tells the greatest parable of all time that begins with the simple words, "A father had two sons..." 

So Jesus Has a Problem

Jesus has a problem: How does Jesus handle his "stardom" among the crowds? But what counts for Jesus is not fame, it is carrying the cross. 

Paul too has a problem: How does he handle a slave who has become a follower of Jesus...his brother in Christ? 

Might we have a problem, too?

Oh Sweet Jesus...Not So Sweet!

If our image of Jesus is founded in the sweet Jesus of Children's lullabies and Children's Bible Illustrations, then today's gospel reading from Luke hits us with a wallop! Here we have a raving Jesus talking about division and blazing fires. What's up with that? 

Let's find out...