Father Chris Looby

  Have you ever knocked on someone’s door and waited, heart pounding, wondering if anyone would answer? In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us about prayer—and He paints a vivid picture of someone knocking on a neighbor’s door at midnight, pleading for help. Jesus tells us to pray like that—with persistence, boldness, and trust that someone will answer. Because our God is not distant. He hears. He responds. I couldn’t help but think of that Gospel image when I read about what happened this past year in the Diocese of Latakia in Syria. During five days of bombing and fighting, hundreds of people—families with children, elderly men and women—fled to their local churches. They knocked on the church doors, looking for shelter. And Bishop Chbeir and his priests opened those doors. They made the churches a refuge—just as the Church is meant to be. Can you imagine the prayers that were whispered in those pews during those five terrifying days? “Lord, keep us safe.” “Lord, ...

  One of the most famous icons in Christian art is Rublev’s “The Trinity.” If you’ve ever seen it, you’ll recognize the scene: three angelic figures seated around a table. It’s a depiction of today’s first reading , where Abraham welcomes three mysterious visitors under the terebinth tree. But Rublev’s icon isn’t just about hospitality—it’s a theological window into the very heart of God . The figures represent the Holy Trinity —Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And here’s what’s striking: they’re seated in a gentle circle, with space at the front of the table. Art historians say that space is for you . The viewer. The guest. The one invited to join the divine conversation. That’s what Abraham did. He made space for God. He offered food, water, rest. And in return, he received a promise : life where there had been barrenness. Hope where there had been waiting. God showed up. Now flash forward to the Gospel. Another scene of hospitality—this time, Martha and Mary . Jesus enters thei...

This past week, we saw heartbreaking images from Texas where devastating floods swept through communities, destroying homes and taking lives. People were stranded.  Families lost everything. First responders did heroic work, but as we’ve seen in so many disasters—wildfires, hurricanes, pandemics, floods—there are never enough first responders to reach everyone in time. And that’s where neighbors come in. A few months ago, I came across a story about a woman named Isabel Sanchez who lives in Boulder County, Colorado.  During a wildfire in 2021 flames ripped through neighborhoods but Isabel stayed calm.   Why?  Because she knew her neighbors. She was prepared, and she was ready to help others. In the aftermath, she helped form a group that trains ordinary people—especially in mobile home parks and lower-income communities—to become “first responders” for each other in times of disaster.  They help each other prepare for evacuation, share food and tools, and just ...

  I am a huge fan of Rick Steves , the travel show host on PBS. If you’ve ever watched his show or read one of his guidebooks, you know that Rick offers a wealth of practical advice for travelers.  One of his most repeated—and most important—tips is this: pack light . He recommends using just one carry-on bag and packing for no more than a week or so.  That way, you’re free to move easily, you don’t risk losing your luggage, and you’re open to whatever adventures come your way.  You can always do laundry or pick up what you need along the journey. Rick says, “The measure of a good traveler is how light they travel.” And it turns out— Jesus might agree. In today’s Gospel, Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples , two by two, to the towns and villages he plans to visit.  But before they go, he gives them some very specific travel instructions: “Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals. Greet no one along the way.” Translation? Travel light. But even more than that—...