August 4, 2019

In this past Sunday’s gospel reading, Jesus gives us the parable of the rich fool, who, after a bountiful harvest, presumed he could retire and live a life of carefree luxury. Conversely, God tells the rich man that his life is required of him this very night. The man realizes that although he has abundant material possessions, he has failed to prepare for what is truly important, eternal life. The lesson of this parable for us is to guard against... Read more

July 27, 2019

My 10-year-old daughter was playing a tennis match recently when her opponent called the wrong score, effectively taking some points from her. Like her mother, she has a strong sense of right and wrong and a belief that justice should prevail, so, of course, she contested the points. It got me thinking about the balance of God’s justice versus his mercy and whether these two attributes of God conflict or actually are in harmony. It’s a timeless and universal question,... Read more

July 22, 2019

You may have heard of the monkey trap.  In South America, Africa, and Asia, natives have discovered that when they place a gourd or interesting object inside a hollowed out space and drill a hole just large enough for a hand to pass through, they can catch a monkey. When the monkey reaches inside the hole and secures the item of interest, it grasps the object tightly and stubbornly refuses to let go, effectively trapping itself. Let Go and Let... Read more

July 17, 2019

I turn my feet from evil paths to obey your word. I have not turned away from your decrees; you yourself have taught me. Your promise is sweeter to my taste than honey in the mouth.  I gain understanding from your precepts; I hate the ways of falsehood.  (Psalm 119:101-104) The Church recently celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel on July 16.  These words, taken from Daytime Prayer of the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel,... Read more

July 13, 2019

There is something special about the people of South Louisiana.  The bond of fellowship and love goes beyond family and extends to friends and neighbors alike.  There is a unity, a caring and concern for others, a welcoming love that is present within the population, and when there is a time of crisis or catastrophe, this spirit of kindness and service bursts forth and springs into action. Preparing for the Storm The 2019 hurricane season runs from June 1 to... Read more

July 10, 2019

There is a scene from Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, following the bitter scourging of Jesus, where Mary, the Mother of Jesus, along with Mary Magdalene, falls on her knees with a cloth to wipe up the blood which has stained the ground where he stood while being flogged.  The love and devotion with which she carefully collects his blood is evident, as she is aware of its divine and sacred nature.  Mary understood and appreciated that this... Read more

July 7, 2019

We are told by the world that if we work hard enough we can achieve perfect circumstances and relationships; that we should strive for paradise on earth.  The direct and incidental messages we receive from the media, advertisements and social media are that utopia is attainable in this life.  Since the Fall of Adam and Eve and the advent of original sin, however, perfect happiness and satisfaction can not be achieved on earth.  Heaven only exists in the hereafter. While... Read more

July 1, 2019

“Love one another as I have loved you.” Why do we have such a difficult time with this one phrase?  Compassion.  Understanding.  Patience with one another.  Empathy – especially empathy.  From experiencing hardships in life I have learned a very important lesson – to be kind, because everyone you meet is carrying a heavy burden.  I have also come to understand that not everyone thinks, believes, and acts like me or the way I expect them to; that we are... Read more

June 27, 2019

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.  The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.  And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand.  The rain fell, the floods came, and the... Read more

June 24, 2019

  My friend Terri lost her battle with cancer about one year ago, on July 5, 2018.  Through her suffering, she remained positive, patient, and upbeat and was an amazing source of strength to those around her.  She never complained about her sufferings, but chose to offer consolation and guidance to others instead of focusing on her own deteriorating health.  Our visits over coffee at the Waffle House were a source of comfort and inspiration to me and I still... Read more


Browse Our Archives