3 Wise Men and Post-Holiday Blues

I hate the end of the Christmas season!  Everything appears to be so vanilla including lights, food, and people’s spirits.  On January 2 I get depressed for a couple of weeks as I adjust to the new normal.  Recently though…

Sharing the Heart of Pre-Evangelization

In his great teaching on evangelization in the modern world, Pope Paul VI noted the importance of the sentiments of the human heart when it comes to pre-evangelization–the critical bridge of trust and interest before the Gospel of Jesus Christ…

Baptism of the Lord

Readings for Jan 10, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord At first glance, the scene makes little sense. John’s strident call to repentance provokes an overwhelming response. People of all shapes and sizes flock to him in the…

When You Give, When You Pray, When You Fast

It is perhaps interesting to note that Christ never commands his disciples to read the Scriptures daily. Living in a culture which was largely illiterate and lacked the technology to produce books, it probably wouldn’t have done much good anyway…

Bearing Witness to the Truth

Since taking part in my first 40 Days for Life, I’ve been reflecting on the Sorrowful Mysteries — in particular, a set of Biblical meditations from Rosary Army’s Scriptural Rosary.  In the Second Sorrowful Mystery meditation, we read this: “Jesus…

How Was It?

Finally, the “hectic” has faded and all of the hullabaloo from the Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day corridor has settled down. I’ve got to admit, it’s almost a relief. As vacations wrap up we greet co-workers, friends and family who…

Fruits of the Season

Whether the holidays bring us closer to our family or we still keep our distance, they are always our family. Some family members are more loveable than others. We are more loveable to some of them than to others. But…

Catholic Pop Culture of 2015

As I have for the last two years I shall recall any good things from the popular culture that are harmonious or helpful to Catholic culture. There were many things past year and many things coming up in 2016 that…

Epiphany

Readings for Sunday, Jan 3, 2016 The Epiphany of the Lord Up until now, all has been quite humble. A donkey-ride to a dusty town south of Jerusalem. Hotel rooms all booked up. Giving birth in a stable and laying…

Sing A Song Of Joy!

All the ends of the Earth have seen the saving power of God! I don’t know about you, but the refrain of today’s responsorial psalm makes my heart sing for joy. All the ends of the Earth have in fact…