Today we celebrate the birth of John the Baptist, the last of the prophets who pointed to the coming of Jesus. He was specially called by God to prepare the way for the Messiah, God’s chosen redeemer. In many ways, he is the archetypal image of a doom and gloom prophet. He was  dressed in camel’s hair living off of Locust and honey in the wilderness crying out things like “the ax is already at the root of the trees” (Matthew 3:10), calling  and calling the religious leaders “vipers”(Matt 3:7), while warning those in power that they had better turn or burn (Luke 3:18). There are many today who look somewhat like John the Baptist. They specialize... Read more

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a book review. I’ve been very busy reading books for my Ph.D. and simply haven’t had the luxury to read much else over the past year or so. I made an exception, however, for the recently released memoir of Kristy Burmeister. Although she was raised as a Mennonite this year Kristy has joined me in entering the Catholic Church, but what Kristy  offers in this book is not a conversion story, at least... Read more

Heavenly Father, We celebrate the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. In Him, you touched our brokenness. In Him, you offer your fullness. We were lost and you found us. We were sick and you healed us. We were in darkness and you gave us light. We stumbled and you carried us. We were ashamed and you approved us. We were poor and you crowned us with glory. We were false and you gave us truth. We were faithless and... Read more

This year we welcome Holy Week with Oscar Romero. This modern-day martyr has been a reminder for me of the cost of discipleship in many ways and I for one am grateful to be reminded of his example as I prepare for the Passion Sunday and the Triduum. Today, 38 years ago,  he preached a Sunday morning sermon, in which he called on the Salvadorian soldiers in his community to stop their government sanctioned repression of the people and to submit to God,... Read more

I don’t generally do link posts, but I really thought that this video by Mary Hulst was so helpful I wanted to share it with you all. This is the first voice I have heard on this subject where I have felt she really “get’s it.” Read more

For over 1500 years the Church has celebrated St. Peter’s Chair on this day. When I first became Catholic I thought this was the weirdest thing I had ever heard of. This has slowly made sense to me as I have been asked to chair one thing or another. When I chair a committee or a board, I take on the role mission that has been entrusted to that chair. It might be to fundraise, it might be to develop... Read more

 Sorry, your browser does not support HTML5 audio. All week long I am discussing practical steps to live a life of evangelization with Peter Herbeck on his show “Fire on the Earth.” In this second episode, I begin to lay out how our FIVE SENSES can offer a powerful tool for engaging with the mission of Jesus in everyday life. In this episode, we talk about the EYES. God is at work all around us, we don’t need to travel to... Read more

Today is the commemoration of St Peter Damian. He spent his early career as a famous teacher, scholar, theologian & canon lawyer. He gave it all up so that he could lead a community in prayer. He’s a great example of saying no to what is good so you can say yes to what is better. Read more

Sorry, your browser does not support HTML5 audio. All week long I am discussing practical steps to live a life of evangelization with Peter Herbeck on his show “Fire on the Earth.” In this first episode, I talk about my own journey serving vulnerable community members and the inspiration that I have personally experienced by developing a relationship with blessed Solanus Casey through prayer. I also talk about my vision for starting Cultivate Coffee & Taphouse and how that vision... Read more