The First Sip and the Final Word
Learning to refuse temptation and reach for peace I came home from work the other day and my son met me with a sheet of paper he had put together from a prayer he found online. It had the prayer … Continue reading →
Blogs
Amen in the Communion Line
When One Small Word Carries True Belief Last Sunday I served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) at Mass and found myself paying closer attention to something more than usual. I felt my heart slow down and became … Continue reading →
Are You The One?
Praying with John in the waiting A few Sundays ago, I sat in the pew and felt drawn into the readings in a way I did not expect. First came Isaiah, full of promise and healing. Then James spoke about … Continue reading →
Named for a Father
How Joseph and My Dad Taught Me the Meaning of a Name The Fourth Week of Advent always feels close and tender. The candles burn a little lower. The edges of Christmas come into view. This year, the Gospel from … Continue reading →
When The Priest Wears Pink (Sort Of)
Finding joy on Gaudete and Laetare Sundays Last Sunday, I sat in the pew with my family. The entrance procession passed by, and I saw the priest and deacon in a color we do not see every week at Mass. … Continue reading →
Where the Rosary Meets the Holy Spirit
How the beads reveal the One who moves the Story I pray my Rosary like I often do, in the car or in the pew at church. At first, nothing seems different. Same beads, same prayers, same rhythm. Hail Mary … Continue reading →
Leaning Toward the Altar
A Father’s Answer to his Son at Mass One Sunday not long ago, my son and I stood side by side as the entrance hymn began. The cross, servers, and priest started down the aisle. As they drew near, I … Continue reading →
When The Days Grow Darker
Learning to Let Jesus Increase as a New Year Begins By the time I drive home from work now, the sun sets before I even leave the building. I step out into a parking lot washed in headlights instead of … Continue reading →
The Twin Within
Learning to Believe Like St. Thomas Recently I was praying some Lectio Divina with John’s Gospel, but this time one phrase refused to move past my heart. “Thomas, called Didymus (the Twin).” I have always known that is what the … Continue reading →
When Pain Becomes Prayer
Remembering veterans with prayer, gratitude, and the courage to serve today The pain woke me just after midnight, sharp on the left and impossible to ignore. I have walked this road before with kidney stones, so I slowed my breathing … Continue reading →