Lent can be a extraordinary time for introspection; Easter a breathtaking time for change. But it’s not always easy, is it? From where I write today, the weather is brutally cold, and my spirit flagging from – for me – unusual mental and physical exertions that threaten to totally consume. Exhaustion is lurking just around the corner, watching, waiting to pounce. So I take some needed time to rest. I take comfort in the embrace of friends – even those whose presence is known only through the small glass... Read more

These precious and lengthening days leading up to Easter have already given me multiple opportunities to reflect, to learn, to practice, to grow, and to become all that I was created to be. Oh, and one more thing: I’ve also had a number of chances to remember just how much of a complete jerk I can still be. Yeah, sure, I’m a work in progress – I easily comfort myself with that thought often. But really, sometimes, that’s just a... Read more

When we begin to pray, a thousand labors or cares thought to be urgent vie for priority; Once again, it is the moment of truth for the heart: what is its real love? Sometimes we turn to the Lord as a last resort, but do we really believe he is? Sometimes we enlist the Lord as an ally, but our heart remains presumptuous. In each case, our lack of faith reveals that we do not yet share in the disposition... Read more

In which direction are we heading? Which path will finally lead us home? Why are we even here? For most of us, the answers to these questions just might hold the key which can unlock the purpose, the very end goal, of our lives. And – perhaps – confirm the authenticity of our faith. Now, if we were put here for a specific purpose, it makes sense that we would want to know whether our movements, our everyday actions, will help get us there. Or whether we are, in... Read more

It Is Better To Illuminate Than Merely To Shine – Thomas Aquinas Time and distance from my youth Coerce my attention, Ever less subtly, To the receding hours yet ahead. More time taken From there to here, Than left remaining From here to there. Movements slowing, Memories fading, So pausing, now, More often To breathe, to think, To live, to love. Mindful that wisdom, Never spontaneous, Appears not just with the passage, But with a skeptical eye, A focused thought, A fearless heart.... Read more

How is it they live in such harmony the billions of stars – when most men can barely go a minute without declaring war in their minds about someone they know? – Thomas Aquinas Aquinas was on to something. In pursuit of our daily goals – even very good, very worthwhile ones – we quickly fill our minds with grievances, with hurts, with bitterness. We are always seeking an advantage here, a leg up there. Whether at the workplace, in... Read more

Silence need not render us voiceless. Isolation need not stir us to loneliness. Time spent in retreat can be wielded as if a saber, parrying against the the ravages and blows absorbed with every step. Sometimes, we can only move forward after we’ve first gotten lost in that stillness. And sometimes, the space between the noise cries out to us the loudest. Take some time this day to listen. Listen for the silence. Then stand within that space. For often,... Read more

We start off with good intentions. Whether it’s our resolutions for better health in the New Year, our continuing struggles for a better family life, our setting of goals to become more disciplined and productive at work, or even our simple and genuine recommitment to our faith – worthwhile goals, all – the needs are real, the desire for improvement sincere. Yet some small thing in our path almost always seems to trip us up along the way. We stumble. We grumble. We retreat.... Read more

A Celebration Of Time  Thirty years? Impossible. But neither the calendar nor the bones Belie the passage. Relentless are the transitions, The wounds, the delights, The ebb and flow. One first walks ahead, But later lags behind. Then, in measured steps, We meet up again, And yet again, once more. Hands to heart, heart to hands. A fall swiftly bids the other’s Arms, unflinching, To snatch us back up, And carry, and hold. Too busy looking ahead, We often miss... Read more

Remembering, Today, Our Obligations To The Least of These. We Are Called To Be His Ears, Voice, Hands, And Feet.  Prayer For The Poor And Needy You came to give honor to the least, those forgotten, overlooked and misjudged. You came to give first place to the last, those left behind, misunderstood and undervalued. You came to give a warm welcome to the lost, those who are orphaned, abandoned and destitute. Help us to be your ears to listen to their cries.... Read more