“Peace Be With You All”
These were the first reported words of Pope Leo XIV when he emerged as the new head of the Catholic Church. These were also the same words we heard from Jesus in the Gospel reading on Pentecost Sunday (Jn. 20:19-23). On the day the media world was lighting up over the new pope’s election, I […]
A Love Dwelling Among Us: A Reflection for the 4th Sunday of Advent (Year A)
The spotlight was on Joseph. This “righteous man” had every reason to be overjoyed about his engagement to a young Jewish girl named Mary. He eagerly looked forward to the new life and home they would build together. Except there was a huge problem. Not only was Mary discovered with child, the child was not […]
A Love Story Like No Other
My biggest confession yet? Someone has come between me and my husband and completely stole my heart. In fact, I love this “someone” even more than my husband. But this is no ordinary “someone.” He is not even someone I can see, feel, or touch either. Wait, what? What is it about this “someone” that […]
What It Means to Live a Worthy Life
On Father’s Day this year, I failed to send a card to my dad and it was my mom who made it abundantly clear she wasn’t happy. A few years ago, the unhappiness was about a missed card on her birthday. Some would say, “What’s the fuss? It’s just a card! It usually ends […]
The Great Escapade: A Taste of Freedom and A Bit of God’s Grace
As America celebrates her birthday and hard-won independence today, let us reflect a little on the word ‘freedom.’ The Fourth of July this year is an odd one for the history books: no live fireworks, large picnic gatherings, or even concerts. For months now, most of us have lost the freedom to come and go […]
Feast of Corpus Christi: A Reflection on the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist
Food. Practically every event or celebration I can think of revolves around it. Even when there is no celebrating, we still need it. Our earthly life depends on it. We can’t get very far in this life without it. Our spiritual life needs food too. The spiritual food that nourishes our soul is found in […]
To Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself
You have likely heard that statement before. ‘To love thy neighbor as thyself’ was the other half of Jesus’ stunning response to the religious leaders of the day who were trying to test Him: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This […]
Sister Clare Crockett: Surrendering Fame for the Abundant Life
A story about an ordinary Irish Catholic young woman named Clare Crockett really caught my attention the other day. Clare was an aspiring actress who grew up at a time of division and violence in Ireland. Worldly and attention-seeking, she wanted to achieve success making movies one day. By her own account, she didn’t want […]
Seeking God’s Refuge in a Pandemic Pandemonium
Lent had always been the one season of the Church year I looked forward to with such anticipation. Accompanying Jesus into His Passion, Death, and rising with Him in His glorious Resurrection on Easter morning. I was excited to welcome a new goddaughter at the Easter vigil. Then the pandemic stepped in and uprooted everything.
God’s Song for the World: ‘Jesus Loves You’
Jesus loves you! Yes, YOU! After enduring weeks of pandemic-induced emotional upheaval, fear and uncertainty, imagine being greeted with that simple message of His love. That’s exactly what I got today. From a chance encounter with a random stranger. Let’s be honest here. These many weeks of isolation and stay-home orders have not been […]