As I mentioned in last week’s post, I’d like to start reading the Gospel of Luke throughout advent. I don’t anticipate being able to post each day, but I’m sure I’ll have thoughts as I go. In the first day of reading in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 1, I was struck by the scene of the Visitation. At the Annunciation At the Annunciation, Mary learns from the angel Gabriel of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. We know that Elizabeth is much older,... Read more
Memory is crazy thing. It exists where nothing was before. This time of year, Thanksgiving and the start of Advent always trigger reflection for me. I have started to see the liturgical new year as a preparation time for the coming calendar year. While reflecting on the last year, I feel thankful for where we are at and how much we’ve accomplished, even if I didn’t meet all of my original goals. Reflecting on Incremental Progress One year ago, we... Read more
Last Sunday, with 7 minutes and 12 seconds left in the game, the Denver Broncos had a 0.2% chance of winning a football game against the Giants. Then with 1 minute 14 seconds, they had a 96% likelihood of winning! Til the final seconds, the outcome was uncertain. That game along with last Sunday’s mass readings teach us the importance of fourth quarters and persistence. As we enter the 4th quarter of the year in October, it seems right to... Read more
There has been a lot of horror lately, but this Sunday we remember to exalt the cross. “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up.” John 3:14 This has been an insane month or so of events in the world. Multiple political assassinations, senseless public killing, and violence where kids should feel safe are all causing people to get upset around our country. It is upsetting. Exaltation of the... Read more
Happy Feast of the Assumption! You probably know about Mary and her Glorious Assumption, but could you explain it? What if one of your non-practicing or Protestant friends or family members asked you to? To celebrate this feast day, try knowing Mary more by diving deeper into her roles and purpose in the Christian faith. Defending Mary One way to learn more about Mary is to read this book, Defending Mary by Patrick Neve a.k.a Catholic Pat. Patrick has a Masters in... Read more
Here is a quick reminder for myself and others: the Holy Spirit exists. For some, maybe this is obvious, yet I don’t feel that I’ve been paying enough attention to this Third Person of the Trinity lately. Hot July, Planting, and Trust in the Holy Spirit The weather has been hot here in Kansas. For a while, much of the state was in a moderate drought, but with a recent blessing of rain we’re greening up! I am noticing these... Read more
Do you know St. Fernando? How about St. Anthony of Padua? Though many Catholics know of St. Anthony, if you’re like me, you never knew his story and how Anthony was not always his name. Becoming Anthony It is crazy to me that I have been Catholic for over 30 years and feel like I am just meeting this man. Many Catholics know of Anthony for his miracles, his statues, and most of all for his intercession for lost car... Read more
What makes a song great? I think it resonates with and inspires others because it means something. Believe by Cher is one of those songs that has withstood time because it means something to people. This meaning can cross genres, and the style of a song can draw out new meanings to listeners. I have never really considered sitting with this one until JohnMarc Skoch put out his cover of it last week. He pulled the song out of its... Read more
One month has passed since the death of Pope Francis. In that time, a lot has happened in the Catholic world that is global news. Pope Leo is calling for us to create and interpret that news media with peace in mind. Looking Back at Pope Francis and the Media I am not a commentator on the papacy. I did not keep up to date on everything that Pope Francis said or wrote. However, I am a practicing Catholic who... Read more
Life comes in seasons. Day, weeks, and months hit like waves on the shore. Depending on the tides, the weather, and the time of year, one area of the beach might be feet under water, or in the midst of powerful crashing. Some days are tough, but then on a nice clear day when all is calm, we can look back and reflect fondly even on the rough parts. That what the song Jour Meilleur by French rapper, Orelsan, is about.... Read more
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