Dec
29
Power, Anger & Fear
December 29, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Yesterday, we dealt with the devastating consequences of one man’s fear for his power - Herod and his massacre of the Holy Innocents.
Today, we deal with the devastating consequences of one man’s anger arising from his thirst for power - King Henry II and the assassination of St. Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury.
Here’s how the [...]
Dec
28
Kids Taking the Brunt
December 28, 2007 | Leave a Comment
It always seems that kids take the brunt of adults’ most selfish of impulses and desires. Whether it’s using kids as soldiers, sex objects, punching bags, or the means to other similar ends, too many adults throughout the world prey on defenseless kids. Too many adults treat kids as “things” instead of their fellow man.
We can also look at the high abortion [...]
Dec
27
Revealing the Mystery of the Word
December 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Everyone knows about St. John the Evangelist - wide receiver catches a touchdown pass and we all see the sign (”John 3:16″). Foul ball gets hit into the stands - same sign. Guy shooting a free throw - same sign.
But too often, we hear St. John in the liturgy or read him in our scripture [...]
Dec
26
The Twelve Days of Christmas
December 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The running around is finished - now the inner contemplation of the mystery of the Nativity can begin.
It’s the day after Christmas. I’m back at work reflecting on the incredible rush of the last four days (yes, 4 days). All of it good - but none of it spiritual.
Saturday brought my Answer the Call get-together, a [...]
Dec
25
Merry Christmas!!
December 25, 2007 | Leave a Comment
A little child is born for us today; little and yet called the mighty God!
May everyone have a blessed and merry Christmas.
Dec
20
What if Her Answer was “No”?
December 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
This week’s gospels present a great “what-if” in history. What if Mary had said “no” to the Incarnation?
I’ve been thinking about this question as we progress through the weekday Gospel readings leading up to Christmas. The readings are those most of us know so well.
Monday - St. Matthew’s geneology of Christ; Tuesday - Gabriel appears to St. Joseph [...]
Dec
19
Inability to Pray
December 19, 2007 | Leave a Comment
It’s a serene morning - the clouds are rushing by, exposing pockets of sun and a brilliant blue sky. A short respite from the gray and precipitation that has been our lot for the past month or so.
It’s also respite from the killer week I’ve just had to get through. I’ve been overwhelmed at work and have battled [...]
Dec
12
Miracles Do Happen
December 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment
I knew that Our Lady of Guadalupe (whose feast the Church celebrates today) is the Patroness of the Unborn. But I didn’t realize the significance until I read One Bread, One Body today. The reflection discusses a certain pregnant, unmarried teenage girl who was poor and just starting out in life. Yet, she gave birth to [...]
Dec
11
How Dare Us!
December 11, 2007 | Leave a Comment
I didn’t want to weigh in on the controversy surrounding Golden Compass. I figured the subject was being beaten to death - and rightfully so.
But, I read a post on Ignatius Insight Scoop about the L.A. Times editoralizing (or is it reporting - who can tell nowadays?) on the religious groups’ protests against the movie. The [...]
Dec
10
The Highway
December 10, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The season of Advent is a journey - one that should lead us closer to Christ.
But on this journey, what road should we travel on?
Today’s first reading (Isaiah 35) tells us -
“A highway will be there, called the holy way; . . . [it] is for those with a journey to make, and on it the redeemed [...]