Holding Jesus’ Hand

Memory is a very strange affair. As it pertains to our recalled past experiences and stored knowledge, it plays a huge role in our sense of identity. We often evaluate ourselves on what we have done or failed to do, and on what others have done or failed to do. How strange that our self-image … Continue reading Holding Jesus’ Hand →

Pondering Natural Beauty

Have you ever wondered why we are able to perceive the beauty of the natural world? Why we are moved by a stand of pine trees, or by a mountain vista, or by the crashing of the ocean surf against the rocks? It’s good to ponder why there is beauty in the natural world, but … Continue reading Pondering Natural Beauty →

To Have Never Known

I think about heaven a lot these days -- I think about it with hope. It's not eternal life that draws me, although that goes with the territory. No, it's the hope of seeing Him face to face -- the greatest Treasure, the priceless Gift -- the Christ. Like most Catholic Christians, I often pray … Continue reading To Have Never Known →

We Are the Gift

It’s wonderful how Scripture continues to provide new insights from passages we have heard so many times before. Today’s Gospel reading was from Matthew 22:1-14. To paraphrase: The ones that a king invited to a wedding banquet refused to come in favor of their worldly pursuits, so the king filled his hall with other guests, … Continue reading We Are the Gift →

The Gift of Freedom in Prayer

St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila) is well known for her writings on prayer. She recognized our real need for freedom in our prayer lives. This freedom is one of her greatest gifts to us, and at the same time, it can be a real challenge. The general way of praying recommended by St. Teresa is known … Continue reading The Gift of Freedom in Prayer →