Welcoming the God Within
In earlier times, some European Christians had an Advent practice that helped capture the meaning of the season. The family would take a wheel off their wagon and use it…
Welcoming the God Within
Thursday’s reflection is a reminder. In the midst of the frantic pace of our Christmas preparations, Advent invites us to slow down and create the room to welcome the God…
With Grateful Hearts: A Thanksgiving Reflection
When I was growing up, my Dad had a habit of sharing his ideas with me: home improvement projects he was considering, potential business opportunities that intrigued him, and career…
A Reality Check of Faith
Grace was almost three the first time she came to the lake. She looked at the water and didn’t want anything to do with it. She picked up some sand…
Hidden Agendas and Ulterior Motives
I hate to admit it, but a growing self-awareness emerges from a quiet place in my prayer: most of the time, I have a hidden agenda and ulterior motives. I…
Building Stamina, Embracing Surrender
I remember a Peanuts cartoon with a characteristic Charlie Brown saying: “Some people say I’m wishy-washy, but I don’t know.” Part of me identifies with Charlie Brown. There are times…
Field Notes on Prayer
When it comes to prayer, I have to be honest: Although I pray every day, I’m not good at it. Even though I’m no expert, I want to share some…
Blessed? Really? Are You Sure?
Sometimes the Gospel confronts me with a painful realization, an insight I don’t want to face. I’d like to cling to my naïve view that the spiritual journey is a…
Our Need to Be Untied
It was one of the best homilies I’ve ever heard. I still remember it almost word for word more than 40 years after I experienced it. My priest friend John…
The Inner Homework of Conversion
Some life lessons stay with you . . . Years ago, Father Mike Kolar gave the closing address at a youth ministry conference. The title said it all: “Before you…