St. Thomas the Apostle Parish

The Sabbath greeting among Jewish people is "Shabbat Shalom!" This phrase carries profound significance. Literally, it translates to "a peaceful Sabbath," but it also expresses a prayer for the fulln…

Jesus used vivid imagery to highlight what is essential in life. He compared His ministry to new wine, indicating that this new wine required new wineskins. The traditional ways of doing things would…

In today's Gospel, Peter and his companions labored all night but caught nothing. Their efforts had failed; they had done everything possible, but something was still missing.

Then Jesus arrived, and…

The first part of today's Gospel offers important insights. Jesus learns that Simon Peter's mother-in-law is seriously ill with a high fever. This event has been recounted numerous times, and Luke su…

In today's Gospel, a man possessed by an unclean demon loudly confronted Jesus, asking, "What have you come to do with us? Have you come to destroy us?" Jesus did not shy away from this aggressive en…

Jesus calls us to prioritize our love for God, which is essential for developing a mature faith. When we love God wholeheartedly, we direct our hearts, minds, and lives toward Him, and our attachment…

Several years ago, the St. Petersburg Times ran a story about the legendary Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula. He was on vacation with his family in a small town in northern Maine.

 One afternoon, it wa…

In the parable, one of the servants viewed his master negatively. He believed his master was a demanding man who reaped where he had not sown. Out of fear and a limited perspective, this servant chos…

John the Baptist was a significant figure who was destined to announce the coming of the Messiah. In his late teens, he felt guided by the Spirit to lead a simple and reflective life in the desert. B…

In today's parable, Jesus teaches us the importance of being prepared for the Kingdom of God. We risk being locked out if we neglect to prepare ourselves properly. The lesson here is simple and strai…

In today's parable, Jesus teaches us the importance of being prepared for the Kingdom of God. We risk being locked out if we neglect to prepare ourselves properly. The lesson here is simple and strai…

It's not common to think of Jesus using humor to highlight faulty mindsets, but His imagery in today's Gospel has a playful twist. He humorously accuses the Pharisees of straining out gnats while swa…

Jesus was critical of those who hindered others from believing in Him. At one point, He chastised His own disciples for trying to prevent children from coming to Him, despite their parents wanting th…

There is a Peanuts cartoon that shows Charlie Brown getting up one morning and looking out the window. It’s a beautiful winter day: snow covers the ground, and while it’s very cold, it’s perfect for …

In today's Gospel, Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility and authenticity in the lives of all Christians. He contrasts the actions and attitudes of the Scribes and Pharisees with His own teachi…

Many people find today's parable about the workers in the vineyard difficult to accept. It doesn't seem fair, but this parable isn't about fairness; it's about generosity and mercy. It serves as a re…

Certain phrases in the Scriptures carry profound inspiration. For example, the assurance that "for God, all things are possible" is comforting. This echoes the response given to Mary when she asked t…

The young man's question to Jesus in today's Gospel passage is heartfelt. He sincerely sought spiritual guidance and asked, "What good must I do to gain eternal life?" In response, Jesus recited seve…