Mar
2
The Blind Man’s Parents
March 2, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Today’s gospel (John 9) is about the blind man on the side of the road who is cured by Jesus. Everyone remembers the story because it’s the one where Christ mixes his spit with some dirt and puts the mud salve on the eyes of the blind man. Growing up, the boys all thought this story was [...]
Feb
26
Where is God’s Majesty in February?
February 26, 2008 | 1 Comment
Friday, January 25th - it was a beautiful sunny day here in Cincinnati. If I’d known then that I would spend 30 of the next 32 days suffering through a black, white and grey landscape, I probably would have enjoyed that Friday a heck of a lot more than I did. (And I know it’s been 30 of 32 [...]
Feb
8
Orphans & The Face of Christ
February 8, 2008 | Leave a Comment
I sat with my little girl last night talking about the things she has in her life that too many others may not - food, house, toys, clothes, the basics.
As I was getting ready this morning, I realized that I really didn’t discuss with her the most important thing she has that many other children do not [...]
Jan
24
The Devout Life
January 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Today’s first reading in the liturgy continues the saga of David. In the reading, he’s basking in the glow of his victory over Goliath and receiving the adulation of the Israelites.
Of course, all of this attention makes King Saul envious and we find him plotting David’s death. That is until Saul’s son, Jonathan, steps in and mediates a [...]
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
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
5
It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way!
December 5, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Wow, I love nights like I had last night! When God slaps me across the face and says, “Son, you got it good! Be grateful. Make the most of my blessings to you.”
I was in Columbus (Ohio’s state capitol) all day. I was returning home around dinner time. As it’s a two hour drive home, [...]
Nov
16
A Saint for our Wives
November 16, 2007 | Leave a Comment
I’ve remarked in the past how few saints are known for being mothers. And it’s a shame because our wives - our children’s mothers - and thousands of generations of mothers who have come before them - perform such a sanctifying role in our children’s lives and our lives that we do them an unforgivable disservice [...]
Nov
9
“Welcome Home”
November 9, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Today, the body of the Church celebrates the dedication of an actual church - the Lateran Basilica in Rome (or St. John Lateran). The Basicila was built by Emperor Constantine and is considered the mother church of Christianity. It is the Cathedral of Rome, “The Pope’s Church”, and used to be the pope’s residence.
But why do we celebrate a [...]
Oct
22
Keep Repeating - A Lexus SC is Just a Car
October 22, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Should we constantly remind ourselves that a house is just a house and a car is just a car? When should we legitimately want more and better material goods and when should we be content with what we have?
I often ponder these questions as I look around our home. We intended to be here about 7 years and we [...]
