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 →
From Babel to Pentecost
How the Spirit Turns Words into Care This morning a driver called about a routing change. I pulled up her route. I notice the change she wanted to make included a pass by her house that only added ten miles. … Continue reading →
Project PATH
Responsible Immigration and Visa Accountability Every mission of peace must also be a mission of stewardship. In a world shaped by movement, migration, and global connection, we are called to welcome others with compassion and to safeguard the integrity of … Continue reading →
Lamb of God, Take This Too
Mercy at the altar, healing in the heart Sunday at Mass, a small moment opened a wide door in my heart. During the Penitential Act, I named the sins I had brought from the week. I placed them on the … Continue reading →