Deacon Larry Jesmer

Marin Luther King Jr. said: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is this: What are you doing for others.” Today’s readings all seem to be centered on actions, about the choices we make, about which path we decide to follow. Do we follow the path Jesus set for us or do we veer to the path unknown? Or the path of least resistance?

I love the opening line in the first reading: “The Lord’s way is not fair.” Well, is that true or is it our ways, our wills that are not fair as scripture asks us? Often, in my much younger days, one of my 9 siblings and I would wonder about how much easier our lives would be if our parents had not raised us to be kind to others, to be fair. My sister and I were very close and both of us were searching for answers in our faith.

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26th Sunday of Ordinary TimeRead More »

Many of you know that from time to time, I have been known to take to the mountains for a 3 or 5 day venture into the wilderness of the Cascade mountain range, usually staying at some campground that is not shown on any map. I mean places that are really off the beaten path.

Well, as I was on my last outing two weeks ago, I realized how important it was to de-compress from the day to day stuff that we all deal with. It was good to clear my head of all that was bouncing around in there. It was refreshing to get rid of all my trials and tribulations. However, one trial stayed around for a while.

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21st Sunday in Ordinary TimeRead More »

Today the feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus is one of those gospel events that steps out of the ordinary. Yes we heard another story today, one that is different from most stories we hear in scripture. The Transfiguration is a story of coming attractions, if you will. Jesus is nearing his end of public ministry and the story seems to act as a glimpse into the very near future-Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Yes, we hear a story. People in all times and cultures have told stories about what matters most to them. There is a saying in many parts of the world which says, “The shortest distance between human beings and the truth is a story.”

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TransfigurationRead More »

I have heard many times people say, “I love my father and mother or I love my spouse more than I can say.” Is this temperate love? What I mean is do we love God more than anything or anyone?

I remember back on my first love. Do any of you remember yours? I was in 7th grade at St. Pius X Parish in Mountlake Terrace just this side of Seattle. Her name was Sheila. I will not give her last name in order to protect the innocent. Anyway, she had pitch black hair and the greenest eyes you would ever have the pleasure of looking into.

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13th Sunday of Ordinary TimeRead More »

This weekend of Pentecost is one of the most important days of our Catholic Religion for it is the BIRTH of our church. I can’t help but feel a great sense of humility that God would allow me, a sinner, to be invited among the elect, as we all are. This holds great meaning for me and should for you as well.

This weekend we here in our readings the stories of anticipation and then the receiving of the Holy Spirit which brings our mortal bodies alive. This all begins with our Baptism in to the Church, the receiving of the Holy Spirit where we become members of the body. And at Confirmation we receive the Spirit of wisdom to go out and prophecy, to tell everyone about our faith, about love, about our very hope in the new life to come.

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PentecostRead More »