I gave a brief lesson in ancient Church history in my homily a couple weeks ago, and I feel compelled to repeat some of that here, since today we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. The way All Souls Day last Sunday trumped what would have been the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, this weekend, the Lateran Feast trumps what would have been the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time.

This Sunday we celebrate the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day). Because November 2nd falls on a Sunday, it trumps what would have been the 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time. Instead of reflecting on Zacchaeus, who would have been the subject of the Gospel, we’re reflecting on death and the afterlife.

I think most of us look to this Sunday’s Gospel scene with fondness. The Pharisee is proud that he fasts twice a week, pays tithes, and doesn’t sin.

What do you do when it is hard to pray? When you’re confused about something and in your head about a variety of options you could possibly take, and talking to God seems to only add to the confusion? It’s as if God is giving you just another opinion that has its pros and cons. Praying can actually be somewhat detrimental to your peace.

The return of the leper to give thanks to God is one of the first Gospel stories I can recall from my earliest days.

I read recently a study that mentioned mustard seeds have radioprotective qualities. An experiment was conducted where a bunch of different seeds were put under radiation and the mustard seed was the only seed that wasn’t deformed.

In the canon law class I teach weekly up at the seminary, we recently covered the topic of criminal law in the church.

The phrase “rock bottom” comes to mind when praying about this Gospel passage (and also reflecting on the Chicago Bears, but that’s another story).

We often use the word “consolation” in prayer. Someone in spiritual consolation feels close to God and sees evidence of the fruits of the Holy Spirit in their life.

Jesus says in the Gospel today, “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” He can’t actually mean this, right?