Posts from November 2024

Advent is a time of waiting and hoping, of renewing our trust in God’s mercifullove and care, and of reflecting on the several comings (advents), of Christ into our lives. Besides Jesus’ first coming at birth, we are asked to reflect on Christ’s coming as the risen Lord at Easter, in the Sacraments (especially the Eucharist), in our everyday lives, at the moment of death, and at the end of human history (the second coming). Preparing for Advent goes beyond…

Mrs. Jones told her 1st graders to draw a picture of something for which they were thankful. She thought since they all came from poor backgrounds, they would draws turkeys, lavish foods or a dinner table. When she went through them, she saw what she expected except for one picture. A little quiet boy simply drew a hand. The class was intrigued and they kept guessing whose hand it was. Maybe God’s as He gives us everything. Maybe the farmers…

A few years ago, I started praying the Examen every evening before going to bed. It’s a prayer practice that was pioneered by Saint Ignatius of Loyola in his compilation, The Spiritual Exercises. It involves, among other things, reflecting on the events of your day and noticing where you felt God’s presence and action in order to discern God’s will for you. I am routinely amazed by how much of my day I skim over without much consideration until I…

After reading today’s Gospel about the woman who by giving her two little coins gave more than anyone else that day, we need to look differently on things around us. We need to accept Christ’s criteria of judging people. We often judge people by what they possess. We give weight to their position in society, to their educational qualifications, or to their celebrity status. But Jesus measures us in a totally different way – on the basis of our inner…

This week is National Vocation Awareness Week. It is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood,diaconate, and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations. During this time offer this prayer for those who may be considering a religious vocation. If you know of someone thinking about it, encourage them. If you know…