Thomas Konopka
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Who Am I? A Reflection on Faith and Identity
I have been away for a few days and when I looked at the readings for this weekend, one line sticks out for me. “Do not conform yourself to the present age.” When I first saw it, I took a… Continue reading
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Lessons from Philip: Seeing Beyond One Perspective
Homily on the 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time In one office I had, I had a carving of a duck named Philip. He was on the end table between my chair and the chair the other person would sit in.… Continue reading
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Trusting God Through Uncertainty: Insights from Edith Stein
Homily 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time When I announced my building project a month or so ago, one part I did not mention was that it would mean a step out into the unknown. Like Elijah expected God to appear… Continue reading
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Understanding God’s Faithfulness: Lessons from ‘Goodness of God’
Homily on the 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time There is a song I heard a few years ago that I really liked and I listen to it when I wonder if God even remembers that we are here. It is… Continue reading
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From Cabin Fever to July Doldrums: Embracing Seasonal Change
In upstate New York, we talk about “cabin fever” in February. We have had cool or cold weather since November. Usually a snow storm or two has hit us. When we start February, most of us are ready for spring.… Continue reading
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The Role of Faith in Religious Simplicity
Homily on the 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time Sometimes religion is just complicated. Rules to follow, rituals to be done, trying to understand complex dogma, and that list continues. This is what I often hear about why people do to… Continue reading
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The sower and the Seed Homily on the 15th sunday of ordinary time
It is easy to hear to today’s parable and start looking around at each other; it was probably what those who first heard Jesus did. In our minds, we think: I bet she is the one with rocky soil or… Continue reading
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Reviving Sunday Mass: A Personal Journey
Since 1997, I have had multiple assignments in addition to being a pastor. From my time in the Vocations’ Office, being a student and then Director of the Consultation Center ( a counseling agency), my grounding has been the parish… Continue reading
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How Unexpected Encounters Ignite Faith
Last evening, Monday, July 6, as I was getting ready for our 6pm Mass, I noticed three people I did not know. I asked who they were and the two people I asked told me that “they were missionaries”. Scotia… Continue reading
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Lessons from the Declaration of Independence for Catholics
homily on the weekend of July 4 and July 5 I did something this week and again this morning that I have not done in years, probably since high school. I read and reread the Declaration of Independence. I figured… Continue reading