“The choices we make in our daily lives either push us away from God or draw us more closely to him.” — IgnatianSpirituality.com It’s interesting how the sequence of events can affect your decisions. At my job I receive many promotional emails, usually because I have filled out an online form to receive “free” information. … Continue reading “An eye for an eye”
Revolutionary Christianity
I have heard it said that it is easy to admire the teachings of Jesus, but it is difficult to follow them. In December I blogged about Aelred R. Rosser, a Catholic priest who wrote books on how to interpret and effectively proclaim Bible readings at Mass on Sundays and on holy days. His message for … Continue reading Revolutionary Christianity
Who I truly am
Happy Ash Wednesday! Relatives, friends, and I are reading "The Little Black Book," published by the Diocese of Saginaw, MI. It contains "six-minute reflections on the Passion according to John." Last Sunday's reflection was about prayer. It explained that prayer is “simply tuning in to God’s presence … within me at the deepest part of … Continue reading Who I truly am
Let us seek to understand
When people disagree with us, scripture says to reconcile with them.
“Let your light shine before others”
I took my daughter’s dog, Travis, for a walk this morning. He is a puggle, born in Texas (where he was adopted) and now living in New England. I don’t know if he prefers the warm weather of his birthplace, but he has short fur, so in the winter we dress him in sweaters, parkas, … Continue reading “Let your light shine before others”
Strength in numbers
In the past two weeks or so I attended the baptism of my older daughter's nephew (the son of her husband's brother), for whom she is the godmother; a birthday party for my 29-year-old son; a wake for the 56-year-old brother of my son’s father-in-law; and a memorial service for the 89-year-old mother of my … Continue reading Strength in numbers
The Light of the World
Last Friday, January 6, was the Feast of Epiphany, celebrated (in America, at least) on the first Sunday after January 1. According to Wikipedia, “In Christianity, the Epiphany refers to a realization that Christ is the Son of God.” Over the weekend my family attended the annual Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival, “a joyous … Continue reading The Light of the World
“That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” is one of my favorite Christmas specials. Like most people, I have always loved the scripture recitation of Luke 2:8-14 that Linus delivers. I consider it the quintessential reading for a Christmas service. Alas, in the Catholic tradition, this verse is read only at the midnight Mass, which we never attended … Continue reading “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
A life-changing experience
This past Sunday my wife and I witnessed our daughter’s graduation from 200 hours of training to be a yoga instructor. She and her seven classmates participated in an hour-long yoga session, and took turns teaching each other, as well as their friends who attended in support of them. At the beginning of each student/teacher’s section … Continue reading A life-changing experience
Humility vs. Doubt
Zechariah questions Gabriel and is struck dumb. Mary questions Gabriel and is given an explanation. I wondered why the different responses by the angel, so I Googled their two names. The answer I liked best concluded with this: “Mary is not questioning if Gabriel’s proclamation will happen, she wants to know how it will happen. … Continue reading Humility vs. Doubt
Jazzed By Jesus 