“Second Conversion”

Have you ever asked yourself what’s missing in your spiritual life? “Gee, it seems that at this stage of my life in Christ, I should be in a lot better shape.” I read about the saints and think, “woe, I’m just not there.” Is something missing? Hmmmmmmm. St. Isaac Jogues We recently honored the North … Continue reading “Second Conversion”

“Let’s Be On Our Toes”

“Be vigilant at all times.” (Luke 12:35-38) When I’m feeling pretty good, I find this admonition inspiring; it gives me energy to go the extra mile in serving the Lord. Yet when I’m not feeling great, this passage can fly right over my head.  Recently I’ve been under the weather, nothing serious, but enough to … Continue reading “Let’s Be On Our Toes”

“We Will Always Be Friends”

The above quote was attributed to St. John Bosco. He directed it to a young man (St. Luigi Orione) who later entered the priesthood after his death. Friendship is such a powerful term, describing a relationship that is at the top of the list. We may have other wonderful relationships with our peers, co-workers, teammates, … Continue reading “We Will Always Be Friends”

“The Next St. Paul”

Originally Posted March 7, 2022 I think it’s likely that the great leaders of the Church for the next decades are sitting out in the marketplace, out in the government, out in some obscure family, perhaps in some classroom, or maybe even in some jail. They may not be aware of Christ or certainly haven’t … Continue reading “The Next St. Paul”

“Gaze of the Lord”

Originally Posted March 4, 2022 Back in around 1963, a group of us  snuck into a high school seminary to visit one of our friends; “Steve” met us at a prearranged spot. We felt like the CIA sneaking into the Kremlin…it was dark, the lights were out, we went to the refrigerator and got some food, … Continue reading “Gaze of the Lord”

“Practice Makes Perfect”

Originally Posted March 3, 2022 Have you ever watched a boxing movie where the old cagey manager slurs, “Hey Rock, never fight a southpaw …. you’ll get confused by their fighting stance, and he’ll knock you on your fanny…. and kid, you got to practice, practice, practice… if you don’t, once you get bonked on … Continue reading “Practice Makes Perfect”

“Trust… Involves Patience”

Originally Posted March 1, 2022 If you ever think you’re having a bad day, just look at Joseph in the Old Testament. Joseph, the son of Jacob & Rachel, after being cast into a well and almost killed, was sold into slavery by his brothers. After rising up into a position of influence with the … Continue reading “Trust… Involves Patience”

“Serving In A Company of Saints”

If I had to make a list of the “top five toughest cookies in the Bible”, I would certainly include St. Paul. Paul seemed to have had an answer for every situation; he never seemed to be at a loss. Even when he was experiencing great trials, he seemed to be on top of his … Continue reading “Serving In A Company of Saints”

“Never Just Get Along”

Many have heard of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. He was a “holy fireball” who died in 1925 at only 24 years of age. He once said: “To live without faith, without a heritage to defend, without battling constantly for truth, is not to live but to ‘get along’; we must never just ‘get along.” I guess … Continue reading “Never Just Get Along”

Focus on God’s Goodness

We’ve had the privilege of knowing a number of wonderful priests who have helped us over our lifetime. One in particular always exudes the love of God when he offers Mass; with a great smile, he begins with “ God is so happy to see you here at mass this morning.”  I once thought that maybe … Continue reading Focus on God’s Goodness