Foot Washing on Holy Thursday

Pedicure. That was my first thought when Fr. Mike asked our family to participate in that year’s Holy Thursday Liturgy. He was calling to invite us to have our feet washed, citing our service to the church that year, as…

“Father forgive them…” (Luke 23:24)

These three words, uttered by the Lord as he hung in agony on the cross, present one of the most challenging aspects of being a Christian. It is difficult for us to forgive – it is not natural and our…

Unlock the Key to Joy

Confession:  the word does not bring forth cozy, comfortable feelings but instead elicits visions of dread and fear for many.  We are afflicted with shame and regret, not wanting to see a priest.  Because of this, some of us often…

What if You Stumble?

(This is a repost from 2013.) If you were on trial today with the charge of being a Christians, would you be found guilty? Many years ago I stood on “trial” at an RCIA class.  The prosecutor accused me of…

Songs for Saturday

A small selection of songs for this fifth Saturday of Lent.

Time with Jesus

During Lent, we look not only to fast, pray and give alms, we also look to change our lives for the better. It’s too easy to look at this as a “project”, a task that we set out for ourselves…

Purple Rain

The Lenten season provides us with 40 days to reflect through sacrifice, prayer, and faith.  Ever since I can remember I have thought of Lent as my Catholic new year, complete with a resolution.  In the past I have given…

Easter, Jubilee and Mercy – The Catholic Triple Threat

Look at the news headlines. It’s a wonder that faithful Catholics aren’t cowering under their desks in a state of severe depression. Abortion. Same-sex marriage. Attacks on Christians. Attacks on the Church. Even worse are the assaults from within. Catholics…

Finding Real Joy in Lent

We begin this holy season of Lent with conviction, motivation, and abundant energy. We want to be close to God. We want to be free from distractions. We want to grow in holiness. But midway through, we can grow a…

Paradox

Although many were there the night Jesus was betrayed there were two major players; Peter and Judas.   Both men had identical experiences with the Savior the last three years but the final outcome for each was as different as night…