In the grand scheme of things have you ever taken an inventory of the way others perceive you? For a believer this is not necessarily a far-fetched idea. You might remember that Jesus did this very thing when he asked…
The Meaning of Mercy
The Second Vatican Council taught us that the Eucharist is the “Source and Summit” of the Christian life. Yet we must keep in mind that the same council makes clear that the Eucharist is not the sum total of the…
Parental Guidance Required
Life automatically comes with a PG (Parental Guidance) warning when we live as active Christians. Our children are surrounded by media that is saturated by sex, violence, drugs, and every abomination imaginable. Our children are constantly bombarded by ideas that…
10 Tips for Being a More Joyful Mother
Ever run into a mother who was filled with joy? Not just when a new baby is welcomed home, but amidst the day to day life of being a mom. I have to admit, I spend more time lamenting my…
No Turning Back on Lent
Ah, the first week of Lent—just about the time when I usually start to question the choice and discernment of my individual Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Is this a sacrifice I’m really committed to? How am I…
I’m Not Enough
If you have faith the size of a mustard seed you will say to this mountain ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. (Matthew 17:20) Here’s another one: Therefore my beloved brothers,…
Food for Thought
I am not very successful at fasting these days. Yes, I can abstain from meat, but true fasting? It’s a hard go. However, I wonder if the first Christians also felt this way. The early Christians had many periods of…
I’m BUSY!
In an Advent article for our diocesan newspaper last December, Bishop Edward Weisenburger identified “busyness” as one of the five wounds of secularization, and a “scourge of our modern time.” I can relate. It is a problem I constantly struggle…
Why I Own a Cheap Bible
When I first started reading the Bible regularly, I used a plain hardbound copy of the NAB. But because it was hardbound, I wouldn’t mark it up. I kept telling myself to get over it: it was my book, I…
Remodeling the Domestic Church
I recently spent a few days at the home of a very dear friend. In the course of our many conversations, my friend referenced some people, places, and things of which I had to confess I knew nothing. Finally she…