"But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart." (Luke 2:19, RSV) What were these "things" our Blessed Mother was keeping and pondering? And what exactly do those two key words signify? While of course we can't know exactly what Mary was thinking, it seems pretty obvious to me what she must have …
Expectations (and disappointments…)
"It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to put confidence in man." (Psalms 118:8, RSV) I read verses like this and wholeheartedly agree - with my mind, at least. I know that all my expectation should be from God alone: the God who made me, who knows me better than I know …
The Only Unforgivable Sin…
"... when he came to himself he said...I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son'...But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion..." (RSV …
Purify My Heart…
"... the grace of God...teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives... while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify …
The Call to Peace…
"You have heard it said to men of old, 'You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgement.' But I say to you, that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgement; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and whoever says, 'You fool!', …
Humility Gives Glory to God…
"The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favor with God...For great is the might of the Lord; he is glorified by the humble." (Sirach 3:18,20, RSVCE) This Lent, I've decided to read one of the Deuterocanonical books of the Bible, those books that I am unfamiliar with, as …
How do I ‘Deny Myself’?…
"[Jesus] said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me..." (Luke 9:23 RSV). When I read this text and meditate on it, I always end up asking myself what this actually means in my life and how to actually do this? I …
The Privilege of Intercession…
"Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayers and supplication... keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me..." (Ephesians 6:18-19a RSV). St Paul here is asking the group of believers at Ephesus to pray; to pray constantly and with perseverance for each other and for him. …
That Unruly Tongue…
"Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:29, NIV) There's an old saying that points out that we have two ears but only one mouth for a good reason. How often have …
Friendship with Jesus…
"...I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father." (John 15:15b RSV) Who do you reveal your heart to? Surely, to a friend who knows you, whom you trust. Jesus here tells us that he considers us friends. He reveals his heart to us, to his friends. …
Lessons From Love School 