I remember growing up in the 1980’s. One of the big musical hits was Whitney Houston’s, “The Greatest Love of All.” It had wonderful lyrics about believing that children are our future, overcome adversity, etc. But it wasn’t until I…
On the Necessity of Self-Love
Are You a Clone?
I grew up in the shadow of my sister who was 18 months older than me. I followed her around, copying her every preference and obeying her every request. She convinced me that her likes and dislikes, friends and fashions…
God is Mercy
This Lent I gave up reading fiction and am focusing on Catholic books that have been on my to read list for many months. The first book I choose is Evangelical Catholicism, by George Weigel. I’ve read a few of…
The Man Born Blind
Readings for March 30, 2014: Fourth Sunday of Lent The Lion of Judah is no tame lion. Neither is he predictable. While walking along the streets of Jerusalem one day, Jesus sees a common enough sight in the Holy City. …
Lenten Fasting and Feasting
Some think Lent is a time for fasting. I see it as a time of feasting. I come to this conclusion based on the story of the fig tree in Luke 13. Three years without bearing fruit. What could be…
Five Steps to Helping Your Pewmates Improve Their Spiritual Fitness
If Jesus were on Facebook, he’d be the guy who sends friend requests to everybody. This creates a thorny problem, because you end up with a Church full of horrid slackers. Weak, pathetic, “spiritually flabby” as one Ash Wednesday sermon…
The Ups and Downs of Conversion
Today’s Old Testament reading cues us in on some of the emotions and dispositions that often go along with conversion. We meet Naaman. He’s got things pretty good. He’s “highly esteemed and respected by his master” and is quite successful in his professional…
The Original Meaning of Lent
Readings for March 23, 2014: Third Sunday of Lent Lent’s a time of introspection. We read Exodus, and watch the Israelites grumbling, even after the amazing things God had done for them (Ex 17:3-7). In them, we recognize ourselves. For…
Eternal Moment
The Lord our God gave the ultimate sacrifice for humankind – He was hung on a cross and experienced every real moment of that sacrifice as would any human going through the same experience. In those moments, Jesus Christ our…
Be Joyful and Shine Joyful
(I am attempting to give up waxing poetically for Lent. So here is my post, short and simple, with no poetic waxing. Promise.) Joy. It is all really so simple. It is a hit-yourself-in-the-forehead kind of simplicity. God wants us…