October 25, 2015 the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time There were hundreds in the crowd that day at Jericho. No doubt all of them had needs, many of them urgent. But this Sunday’s gospel tells us that apparently only one…
The Blind Man Speaks Up
Eating My Spiritual Vegetables
This week, I had an encounter with Jesus I wasn’t expecting, but that I should have seen coming. I made an appointment for confession and spiritual direction, and I arranged to have it at my house. It shouldn’t have surprised…
Abortion and the Way of Crowds
Not long ago, I spent my first morning standing outside of the local abortion clinic, praying as part of 40 Days for Life. It’s hard to describe that first experience, to find words that sound neither prideful nor despairing. The…
Who does Jesus say that I am?
A classic question that Jesus asks his disciples is, “Who do you say that I am?” That soul-searching question is a popular retreat theme that we all need to ponder. From another perspective, what if you asked, “Who does Jesus…
Talking to God
4 I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, “O Lord, the great and terrible God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 5 we have sinned and done wrong and…
Simply Ordinary
A few days ago we had a book talk at Church. Our Priest was taken by a crime novel and the more he read it, the more he realized that it had many layers and messages that would be perfect…
Is Tradition a Four Letter Word?
Readings for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 30 One of the great battle cries of the Protestant Reformation was “sola scriptura!” Many thought that the Catholic Church had cluttered up the simple Christian faith by adding all sorts of practices,…
Psalm 1
Editor’s note: Today we welcome Barbara Hosbach to the New Evangelizer’s blogging team! Happy are those who reject the advice of evil people, who do not follow the example of sinners or join those who have no use for God….
Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary
About a month ago a friend emailed me with an invitation to join a book club at our usual coffee spot with a group of women. I said yes before I even knew the book! I can’t help it, it…
This is the prayer of the saints…
Prayer is like a good meal to me. It fills a need, gives me strength for the day, and satisfies my hunger. One type of nourishment, food, fuels the body, while another type, prayer, fuels the soul. Our body uses…