“Choosing Christ Brings Eternal Reward”

Today is the feast of the great Japanese martyrs Saint Paul Miki and his companions. They suffered terribly as  they took refuge in the cross on which they died for Christ. “These servants of the truth were raised with Christ above the heavens, while their enemies, like all who boast of their violent power, died unremembered.” (ref. … Continue reading “Choosing Christ Brings Eternal Reward”

“WE ARE SO BLESSED”

The grace of God allows you to do things you just couldn’t do on your own. It doesn’t make it easy, it makes it possible. Personally I’d prefer that grace would make things easy and enjoyable and funny and cheerful and wonderful. Ultimately doing the will of God thru God’s grace, makes it all those … Continue reading “WE ARE SO BLESSED”

“Even The Saints Fail”

Over the years I have enjoyed reading about the saints. Their stories inspired me to want to love and serve the Lord. Yet to be honest many of the portrayals of these “Hall of Famers” described them as sinless, having never made any mistake, at least no serious mistakes. While one part of me is … Continue reading “Even The Saints Fail”

“Take Courage And Be A Man”

I love the passage from the first book of Kings that recalls the death of King David. This great warrior king is coming to the end of his life, and what a life it has been ….a life filled with incredible “ups and downs”. A simple shepherd boy who is anointed by Samuel as the … Continue reading “Take Courage And Be A Man”

“Experiencing God’s Pleasure”

“We’re leavin on a jet plane, don’t know when I’ll be back again…..oh babe, I hate to go…” Anyone remember that John Denver song? Well. Judy and I are leavin on a jet plane tomorrow and we do know when we’ll be back again…actually we’ll be back in 5 days. We’re going to visit our daughter … Continue reading “Experiencing God’s Pleasure”

“What A Family”

I think I’ve mentioned how I enjoy the books of Samuel and the stories of King David. I first remember reading them back in the late 1970’s. In fact I was so touched by the friendship of David and Jonathan that we named our first son “Jonathan David”.   Today’s reading from the first book of … Continue reading “What A Family”

“Can Loose Ends Be Good ?!?”

I often experience a certain “literary tension” when I’m preparing my BLOG. It goes something like this: I’m trying to make a particular point, but realize that several loose ends are hanging . Yet in order to write a daily BLOG, I’m limited in time and unable to tie up all the loose ends; this BLOG needs to … Continue reading “Can Loose Ends Be Good ?!?”

“Work Cabrini, Work”

The mass readings in November stir my heart. We of course have the great feast of All Saints where we honor the “Hall of Fame Saints”, but then we celebrate All Souls Day where we look to the rest of the holy men and women …more like you and me. These are the souls also precious to the Lord.  But … Continue reading “Work Cabrini, Work”

“The Kids Will Be Okay”

The news of the day is not encouraging…. wars, declines in our culture and society, an inability to agree on even the most basic of truths, and the trends seem to be heading the wrong way. With that in mind, it’s not uncommon for the elderly to express concern about the life they’re leaving to … Continue reading “The Kids Will Be Okay”

“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”