This time of year, I get to watch one of my favorite films - "It's a Wonderful Life". Despite its faulty theology (people do not ever become angels), it's a well-loved, heartwarming Christmas classic. The values of family loyalty, self-sacrifice, friendship and community are evident. And the punch line of the film - "Remember, no …
Some Wisdom From Father Mike…
I've been watching Father Mike Schmitz's daily "Catechism in A Year" YouTube videos since last January 1st. This has given me an opportunity to re-read the Catechism again at a different point in my spiritual life, and to profit immensely from Father Mike's clarity in explaining and applying to real life what the Catholic Church …
Trust and Obey…
I was meditating today on one phrase which Jesus uses when teaching his disciples (and us) to pray: "...Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven...". How is God's will done in Heaven? Quickly, completely and joyfully, with a willing heart. I believe that I am not to stress or become anxious …
The Sandpaper of Daily Life…
"For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them." (Ephesians 2:10, New American Bible) A friend of mine also has a blog, and last week, she wrote a lovely reflection about this verse and the idea of our lives being God's "poems". (You …
Praying for Enemies…
You have heard it said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven...You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-44, 48, …
The God of the Impossible…
"Is anything too hard for the LORD...?" (Genesis 18:14, RSV). Yesterday at Mass, I was praying about something which had been heavy on my heart for several months. Because it was a troubling situation about which I was helpless to do anything, I was feeling particularly discouraged. I recalled the verse above and several others …
“…I Must Be About My Father’s Business…”
"...Why did you seek me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business.?" (Luke 2:49, NKJV) I like the way the New King James Version translates this verse. It conveys to me an essential truth: that I, like Jesus himself, must prioritize God's "business" by listening to and obeying the Holy …
Forbearance…
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Colossians 3:13, NIV) Forbearance: 1. A refraining from the enforcement of something (such as a debt, right or obligation); 2. Patience; 3. Leniency. Synonyms: long-suffering, patience, restraint, self-control, mercy. (Merriam-Webster dictionary) I like the dictionary. …
Help!…
"Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold...I am worn out calling for help... Answer me, O LORD, out of the goodness of your love... answer me quickly, for I am in trouble..." (Psalm 69:1-3a, 16-17 NIV). I'm sinking …
Insight…
"... Jesus asked him, 'What do you want me to do for you?'. 'Lord, I want to see,' he replied. Jesus said to him, 'Receive your sight. Your faith has healed you.'" (Luke 18:40-42, NIV) Insight: "The ability to see and understand clearly the true, inner nature of things...inner sight, wisdom..." Without the healing touch …
Lessons From Love School 