CHALLENGE OF THE GOSPEL

The modern temptations towards individualism, materialism, and consumerism often make us deaf to the Gospel message’s challenge to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow in the footstep of Jesus. It is a message that truly afflicts the comfortable and comforts the afflicted. Issues of social justice and peace frequently surface in the Gospel of Mark which so dominates the readings for this cycle of the liturgical year. These thoughtful reflections challenge us to look more carefully into the meaning of our lives and to ask ourselves what God is calling us individually to do as his instruments here on earth. Priests and deacons will find much material that will be helpful in their homily preparation. And the average person in the pew will find much to ponder here for their own growth in the Spirit.

About the Author: Fr. Joe Slattery, a native of Dublin, Ireland, was ordained for the diocese of Richmond, Virginia in June, 1966. He received his Ph.D. in religious studies from the Catholic University in Washington, DC in 1980 and during the 1980’s he co-authored with Margrit Banta a catechetical series for grades 7-12 entitled I Call You Friends. After spending several years in parish and adult education work he was named Director of Ministry to Priests for the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference while lecturing part-time at St. John Vianney National Seminary in Pretoria (1997-2002). He is presently on leave from the Richmond diocese to teach courses in biblical and pastoral studies at St. Charles Lwanga National Seminary in Windhoek, Namibia.