"You are the salt of the earth..." (Matthew 5:13) Much has been preached over the years regarding this metaphor of salt and its role as a preservative and enhancer of flavor. Certainly, those are valid and useful things upon which to ponder. Are we living in a way that acts to help preserve our world …
Be a “Barnabas”…
"... and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he...saw the grace of God, he was glad; and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith... Barnabas went to look for Saul; and...he brought him to Antioch..." …
God Looks at the Heart…
"the LORD sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.". (1 Samuel 16:7, RSV) I've been going through a trying time for the last week. I broke out with a weird itchy rash all over my body. And despite two visits to the urgent care …
“…Always and Everywhere to Give you Thanks”…
This phrase is spoken and heard at the beginning of the liturgy at every Catholic Mass. It echoes the admonition of Saint Paul: "...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We can so easily read these words without really paying attention. This …
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The Yes of Faith…
"For by grace you have been save through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God..." (Ephesians 2:8) Faith is a gift. It is true that we must respond to that gift by receiving it, but it all comes from God's gracious initiative. God prepares my heart to hear the …
A Note on Hope…
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.". (Romans 15:13) Hope is the confident expectation of the fulfillment of God's promises and the saving work of Jesus to bring us to our true Home. Our …
A Shaft of Grace…
"You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.". (Psalm 18:28, RSVCE). Have you ever had this happen to you? You are struggling with something, and suddenly your confusion clears. It's as though a sudden shaft of light has appeared, illuminating the darkness that had clouded your mind, that had made …
Am I Tying God’s Hands?…
"...So he was not able to perform any mighty deeds there...He was amazed at their lack of faith." (Mark 6:5-6) It was early in Jesus's ministry. He had already cast out demons, cleansed a leper, healed a paralytic, a man with a withered hand and a woman with a bleeding disorder among many other healings. …
The Comfort of Presence…
"Could you not watch with me one hour?" (Matthew 26:40) Jesus says these words to Peter, James and John whom he had asked to "watch" with him during his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. All he asked was for them to be near him as he struggled. Unfortunately, they fell asleep several times, and …
Get Some Rest…
"...Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest..." (Mark 6:31, NIV) These are Jesus's words spoken to his disciples. I think this is his advice to each of us in this present time as well. He is inviting us - me, individually - to an intimate encounter with him, one which requires …
Lessons From Love School 