The Sweetness of Love in Crisis Submitted by Deacon Jim Krupka I get the impression Pope Francis likes good wine. He begins his comments about difficulties in marriage, saying that those who love are like fine wine. The daily experience of marriage gives married life its richness and “body.” The Pope was not the first [...]
Life in the Wider Family Submitted by Deacon Jim Krupka Much of our faith history centers on the extended family. The Twelve Tribes of Israel were family as sons of Jacob. We hear the extensive genealogy of Jesus read at the Christmas Vigil (Mt 1:1-25). The Ten Commandments establish the obligation to honor father and [...]
The Love of Mother and Father Submitted by Deacon Jim Krupka Pope Francis describes the love of a mother and father for their child as a "spark of God's love." Rare is the entertainment sitcom that shows the dignity of a man and woman, married with children, united in the joy of family. Most of [...]
Joining with God in the Miracle of New Life Submitted by Deacon Jim Krupka Pope Francis reminds us that a woman joins with God in a miracle with each pregnancy. There is nothing like it. Life is a miracle! As scientists give us a picture of a universe billions of years old, human life can [...]
Love Made Fruitful Submitted by Deacon Jim Krupka In his message on Love in the Family, Pope Francis says, “Love always gives life.” In a world where death comes from a lack of love in many ways, the Pope looks to the family as a place where love can shine in giving life. Fundamentally, as [...]
Deacon Jim's Homily on the Second Sunday of Lent Seeing is believing. Some things are just too incredible to believe without seeing them ourselves. The disciple, Thomas, had that problem after the resurrection. Without personally seeing the risen Lord, he could not believe. When Jesus appeared to him, he became a believer. Jesus commended him [...]
Love Through Our Ages: The Transformation of Love Submitted by Deacon Jim Krupka About a year ago, the U.S. Census Department released some statistics on marriage duration in this country. There is good news. In 2016, 76% of men and 77% of women were in their first marriage among all currently married adults. By 2014, [...]
Marriage and Virginity: Two Forms of Love Submitted by Deacon Jim Krupka Pope Francis ends his section of On Love in the Family, saying, “Virginity and marriage are, and must be, different ways of loving.” A fundamental fact is we cannot live without love. But in our human existence, there are different forms of living [...]
God does want us to be happy Pope Francis reminds us, “God loves the enjoyment felt by human beings.” In Sirach, we read, “My son, treat yourself well. Do not deprive yourself of a happy day.” (Sir 14:11-14). Critics depict the Church as a wet towel on the human passion (the eros). Pope Francis building [...]
Passionate Love Submitted by Deacon Jim Krupka Scripture writers did not hesitate to talk about passionate love. As inspired texts describe God's love for humanity, words of love and passion show what love, divine and human, is. In the words of Song of Songs, a groom says, "O most beautiful among women..." (Sg 1:8), and [...]