I want to say something about the trustworthiness of the Scriptures, because it occurred to me this week that I am more confident in the historicity of the Bible than in today’s media. But why? Is it just because I disagree with much of the commentary on the news? Or do I have some other reason for distrusting the ability of this age to communicate truths? What grounds do I have for putting more confidence in the handing on of an event that happened 2,000 years ago than I do in hearing from an anchor about what took place in the Midwest last week?

I didn’t have time to write out a column for you this week, so I thought I’d share the notes that I took in preparation for the homily this weekend - hoping you might find that interesting. In any case, please know that I started recording a new segment for the Petersboat podcast called, “The Monday After.” Check out the first episode for an explanation of the reason for it. I hope you enjoy both.

I was on a retreat this week with the monks of Saint Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts. They’re cloistered Trappists who gather in the monastery chapel every day at 3:30 and 6AM, with Mass at 6:40, then again at 2, 5:40, and 7:40PM. Together with some other priests and laymen, I entered into the rhythm of their communal life, taking meals separately, but joining them for prayer.

The disorder of our times is seen in how readily we allow our technological offspring to take over our lives; they become like children who control their parents. Intoxicated by our capacity for invention, we are seduced into subservience by our own designs, which alienate us from our humanity by training us to think that the person is merely an instrument of utility.

There were many men named “Jesus” at the time of Christ. The name was common. It means “Yahweh saves,” and even today we know men named “Joshua,” the Old Testament name that would be shortened to Yēshua, or “Jesus.”

I’ll be away for the month of July, but you’re all in for a treat. Archbishop Felix Machado is coming with an exceptional reputation preceding him.

The early Church understood that the Risen Christ was truly present in their midst - in the life they lived together and in the celebration of the Eucharist. In other words, they realized that their new communion with Jesus was a holy communion.

Life will always be full of problems - even for the Christian. As our Lord said, “In this world, you will have trouble.” It’s the opposite of what we hear in commencement speeches about changing the world. Christ says instead, “I send you out as sheep among wolves.” But it’s also true that hearts touched by grace can change. “Take courage,” Jesus said, “for I have overcome the world, and I will be with you always, even to the end of time.”