This week we are reading from the Book of Job. In yesterday’s reading we are first introduced to Job as a “blameless and upright man” (Job 1:1) and shown examples of his extreme piety. He loves God and his family so much, he offers sacrifices for the “hypothetical” sins of his children (Job 1:2-7). Continue reading
As a confessor you encounter all kinds of people whose perspective on sins runs the gamut from everything is sin (most mortal!) to “well… I haven’t killed anyone, so I must be good.” Of course there are very few who inhabit the extremes. Most folks are somewhere in the middle, trying to be Christ-like in all things and all times, and like us all, falling short now and then. The folks “in the middle” try to be attentive to their life of prayer, worship, and service. They are reflective about their lives and come to the Sacrament of Reconciliation to confess, get some perspective, and above all to receive the healing grace of forgiveness. Continue reading
When Jesus encountered the scribe who asked what is the greatest commandment, Jesus answered to which the scribe’s response was: “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, ‘He is One and there is no other than he.’ 33 And ‘to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself’ is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” I think most people gloss over the ending words. Continue reading
In today’s gospel, Jesus talks about the light of our faith, to not keep it hidden. A lighted candle has its proper place – not under a basket, but in the lamp stand where it can provide light to the room, so too our faith has a place in the world, not hidden away, but on display for all to see. The gospel continues: “For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light.” Continue reading
Historically, humans have always formed tribes, clans, and eventually cities, nations, and empires, driven by the need for cooperation, structure, and survival. It’s a natural part of human development. It serves as a way of managing resources, cooperation, and conflict. This tendency stems from both biological and psychological needs, including survival, security, and social bonding. Continue reading
As you know (…or don’t know), September 19th is “Talk Like a Pirate Day.” A day largely consisting of talking like a pirate throughout the course of the day. To that end, this particular post is offering you a short lesson in the key phrases and their etymology – all to better prepare you for the celebration….arrgh! Continue reading
On this day in 1787 delegates to the Continental Congress adopted the US Constitution!
Whether it is a business meeting, a social gathering, a volunteer organization planning meeting or any number of similar situations – and you discover you are not invited. Our reactions vary depending on our expectations, track record on previously having been included, and a host of other instincts, hopes and fears. Our reaction oscillates between wounded pride and hopeful humility, between wondering “did I do something wrong” and “what could they possibly be thinking,” and a whole collection of other free-ranging reactions. Continue reading
What drives you? What is your passion? What are the parts of your life that are intrinsic to who you are? This is more than a question of identity. I am a Catholic priest, a Franciscan friar, a Naval Academy graduate, former nuclear submariner, and the list can go on. You have your own list of attributes by which people might identify you. But are any one of these the passion that drives you when everyone else stops? Continue reading
Long a fan of Flannery O’Connor, I recently came across this article by Lauren Meyers. It was originally published on the Word on Fire website. Enjoy.
Tattoos are on the rise in the United States. A recent Pew survey showed that 33 percent of Americans have at least one tattoo, and 41 percent of people under the age of thirty have been inked. The industry is projected to grow immensely over the next few years, and workplaces commonly accept visible tattoos in their dress codes. The trend begs the question: why are people flocking to this formerly taboo practice? Continue reading
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