“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”

“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”

“One Simple Act”

Looking back, I can  easily recall the major “life changing” events of my life ….. my early family life, including happy and sad moments, my meeting and later marrying Judy, our children and grandchildren & GGC, major job changes, moves to various parts of the country, time in the service, and most of all the wonderful … Continue reading “One Simple Act”

“God’s NO — As Good As His YES”

Let me ask you a question. As a parent have you ever been worn down by your kids ..... they keep asking and asking until you finally give in. Is the following scenario at all familiar to you? “Daddy, can I have a donut?" No, it’s too close to dinner…. "But daddy, I’m really hungry….." I said, … Continue reading “God’s NO — As Good As His YES”

“4-9-1”

Discouragement is a heavy pressure that can cause a person to lose heart…and when you lose heart, you can lose the battle.  If you’ve watched any football lately, you have probably noticed that some teams have gotten beaten pretty thoroughly, and at a point, they look beaten…. their countenance becomes downcast…. their eyes glaze over, their … Continue reading “4-9-1”

“Return To God”

“A post-mortem is  an examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death.” Certainly it may help going forward, but the body is still dead and there’s no getting a “do-over”. The time to make changes is while the body is still alive.  The Mass reading from Oct. 6th was a passage from the Book of Baruch, … Continue reading “Return To God”

“Can You Spell Theological?”

Sometimes theology can seem so academic and so stiff. At times discussing theology  can feel like I’m sitting in a classroom listening to a lecture, taking notes, trying to figure out what’s being said, knowing that the exam is coming and I better be ready. Gee, theology can seem so – well -- so  “theological”… hmmmmmmm. The … Continue reading “Can You Spell Theological?”

Is Someone Trying To Tell Me Something?

You know, I tried really hard to accomplish that, but it just didn’t work out…maybe it’s not God’s will….. hmmmm.” Have you ever experienced things just not going your way, things just not falling into place? “ I’ve been trying to establish a routine of exercise for the last 77 years… getting into shape, dropping a … Continue reading Is Someone Trying To Tell Me Something?

“Our Last Years Should Be Our Best”

”You know Al, you’re not getting any younger”. When my co-worker would hear that line, he would turn red and say, “well who IS getting younger … are you getting younger…. tell me, who is getting younger…”. It was a sore point for Alan.  Msgr. Prus, a retired priest in our parish, was recently in the midst of … Continue reading “Our Last Years Should Be Our Best”