Rediscovering the Trinity as beauty
At a funeral a few years back, the family wanted me to share something the deceased man wrote. His name was Dennis. I would like begin my reflection with his words: “It is good to slow down and see the...
Category: Reflection
Lessons From a Bowl of Jello
This is the first article in the series “Spiritual Challenges.” Recently there have been various attempts to address the polarization in the Catholic Church in the United States. Last month, Cardinal Pierre gave an address at Loyola University Chicago discussing...
The Gift of Growing Old
I remember an incident that happened at a 5 p.m. Mass, the first time I ever preached at the parish at which I am stationed. It was 2008, the year I was ordained a deacon. Just before the Mass, I...
St. Joseph and his apprentice
“Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, ‘Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son?’” (Mt 13:54-55) Today, on the feast...
Can the Faith Be “Traditioned”?
As a Discalced Carmelite, I belong to a community dedicated totally to contemplation. That means that we have no outside ministry. We do not teach or nurse except to care for the members of our own community. We do not...
The Modern Day Widow’s Mite
I am the director of a nonprofit organization that cares for homeless teenagers and young adults in Burlington, Vermont. At Spectrum Youth and Family Services we have a drop-in center where they can come in any day of the week...
Response to DDF Declaration “Dignitas Infinita” – Part 1
This morning, a new Declaration entitled “Dignitas Infinita” On Human Dignity was promulgated by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) after a comprehensive drafting process. The primary author of the document is DDF Prefect Cardinal Victor...
From Crucifixion to Resurrection
Christ is risen! Truly, he is risen! Jesus Christ has conquered sin and death. We know that God has the final word. And that word is love. For “God is love” (1 Jn. 4:8). The kingdom of God which Jesus...
We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!
Reflection for Easter 2024 — Click here for the Scripture readings Friends, Pope John Paul II woke the world to a whole new vision on Sunday, November 30, 1986, during his visit to Australia. He offered a world facing a...
Pope Francis meditates on Jesus’ cry of abandonment
Today, Pope Francis presided over the Stations of the Cross in Rome, reading from prayers and meditations he wrote himself. Traditionally, for the annual Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) held each year at the Colosseum, the pope will designate...
Celebrating the Covenant of Love: Becoming a Feet-Washing People
A Reflection for Holy Thursday Today is the Passover of the Lord. When Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples for the last time, it was different than all the other Passovers he had celebrated. There were no bitter herbs...
Assuming the Sufferings of Others
Several years ago I gave a talk about the Presentation of the Lord that included a reflection Cardinal Ratzinger. I just happened to stumble across it again yesterday and it struck me in a new way this Holy Week. Ratzinger...
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