St Charles Borromeo - Reflections on the Word

2nd Sunday of Easter

4/11/2021

Sr. Phyllis Jaszkowiak
April 11, 2021

The readings for today give a glimpse of the various responses to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus says “Peace be with you”, a sign of his love, mercy, forgiveness and compassion. The community, confused, in a muddle and fearful, gathered together, behind locked doors, for strength and courage. So Jesus’ first word is ‘Peace”.

Easter Vigil

4/4/2021

Fr. El Schwab
April 3, 2021
available by video only

Holy Thursday

4/2/2021

Fr. El Schwab
April 1, 2021
available by video only

Palm Sunday

3/24/2021

Leif Kehrwald
March 28, 2021

As we contemplate the passion and death of Jesus, how are we supposed to feel? How are we to respond to all this? How do we get through it? How does this go?

In an odd way it brings to mind, for me, a current favorite book of my granddaughter’s – at least when her Papa reads it to her. She is just shy of two years old, and for some reason has latched onto We’re Goin’ on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury.

Fifth Sunday of Lent

3/21/2021

March 21, 2021
Fr. Elwin Schwab
available only on video

Fourth Sunday of Lent

3/13/2021

Sr. Phyllis Jaszkowiak
March 14, 2021

Our readings today speak of darkness and light. As we look at our planet, and ourselves, we see that both dark and light are necessary. In darkness seeds germinate. In the darkness of the womb humans are formed. In darkness we rest.

If however we stay only in the darkness, do not move on, we wither and die. Part of that withering is feeling overwhelmed by grief and loss, destressed by what is happening in our lives, in our family, in our country and world. Things begin to seem impossible to improve. We become depressed and lose hope.

Third Sunday of Lent

3/7/2021

Fr. Elwin Schwab
March 7, 2021
available by video only

2nd Sunday of Lent

2/25/2021

Leif Kehrwald
February 28, 2021

Are you as confused and bewildered by these readings as I am? Or does the clarity of message just pop for you? Be honest!

As we just heard, even Peter, who was surely a flaming extrovert, quote “hardly knew what to say.” In one reading, God commands Abraham to show his loyalty and devotion by sacrificing his only son. Seriously? And in the other, a fantastical event that leaves Peter, James, and John dumbstruck, flabbergasted, and ready to put up tents! Really? To what end?

First Sunday of Lent

2/21/2021

Fr. Elwin Schwab
February 21, 2021
available by video only

Ash Wednesday

2/14/2021

February 17, 2021
Sr. Phyllis Jaszkowiak

Lent has begun and we are invited to fast, pray and give alms.

It feels like Lent has been going on for the past year instead of just starting: what with COVID-19 and the deaths associated with it, quarantines of self or our whole family, social distancing, washing hands, wearing masks, closing the church to in person services, nightly demonstrations against racism, the destruction of Portland’s businesses, not gathering with family or friends, becoming zoom literate, the election of the President and Vice-President, the storming of the capitals in Washington DC and in Salem, and the disinformation put forth by those who want power and not democracy.