Comments on: Saturday December 16, 2023: Gone before we knew them

By: Laura H

Laura H — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 15:29:30 +0000

John, I have been reading your thoughtful and inspiring posts for years. And was touched by your call to show “gentleness, compassion and mercy.” This statement felt at contradictory with your reference to the “gender identity craze.” Let us show compassion and love to one another – as you say – “Who is it today that may not be seen for who they truly are?” I pray we all show love and compassion to all. Thank you for listening.

By: Jme

Jme — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 13:20:30 +0000

Thank you John!

By: Mark J Gates

Mark J Gates — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 19:13:25 +0000

Great reflection John!!
This is a very heartwarming story. We just sometimes don’t realize the people/gifts we enjoy until they’re gone, Tragic!
Let’s all sharpen our senses with and towards each other. Mark “G”

By: John Ciribassi

John Ciribassi — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 19:03:00 +0000

JME
All I can say to answer your question about literal meaning in the Bible is to focus on the New Testament in general and the Gospel specifically. Jesus I think let’s us know when to take His message at face value. He will precede with Amen, or even more when He doubles down with Amen, Amen, I say to you. Or He speaks straight with the Apostles to explain a parable. Or, like in today’s Gospel, where He says directly that John the Baptist IS Elijah. We also have the Magisterium of the Church to help us follow the Scriptures. I also follow a few commentaries each day. USCCB, Father Burke Masters from the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois and ACM. I also like listening to Father Dave Swantek from St Martha’s parish in Point Pleasant, New Jersey (he does a mass on YouTube each week).

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 15:16:52 +0000

LOVE your Saturday reflections, but THIS one is one of your best. Good words to ponder all day. Thank you !!

By: Patty

Patty — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 14:31:20 +0000

Your reflection is beautifully written. I enjoy reading your thoughts and explanations on today’s Godspell. My father also served during World War II in the Navy as a Seabee. I too wished I had more conversations with him about this time in his life! I think this is a reminder to all of us to not let time pass in a fleeting moment.

By: Jme

Jme — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 14:27:08 +0000

Thank you John. As always good relatable material. Question: “Elijah is to come to see that everything is once more as it should be; however, I tell you that Elijah has come already and they did not recognise him”. This sounds so much like reincarnation. When reading the Bible how can we know what to take literally and when interpretation is needed? Any suggestions???

By: Lizzie

Lizzie — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 13:58:00 +0000

Excellent as always Dr. John.