Why do we work?
When the crowds follow Jesus, he tells them, “Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which...
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Realizing our purpose in God's possibilities
A common question we humans ask is “What is my purpose?” We wonder why we are alive on this earth. We search for meaning in our...
Prayer at the end of a restorative retreat
My heart has been restless. My soul has been thirsting. I have felt buffeted by the winds of life, the chaos of daily activities. I've...
When we are weak, then we are strong
Following Christ is not easy. When we give our hearts and lives completely to Christ Jesus, we will experience backlash from others,...
Faith & Suffering
Jesus tells the woman who touched his clothes, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.” (Mark 5:34) Jesus...
Be still in life's storms
For a short story, Mark 4:35-41 is packed with meaning for reflection. Mark tells us that “as evening drew on” Jesus decided to cross to...
Intentionally sow seeds of faith, hope, and love
It is fitting that as Ordinary Time begins along with summer, we hear Jesus’ parables of seeds. Jesus tells us that the kingdom of God is...
Praying Amen
What do we mean when we say “Amen”? Amen is derived from the Hebrew āmēn, which means “certainty,” “truth,” and “verily.” It is a word...
Spring Morning on the Potomac
Sun's rays breaking through clouds. Ducks and geese float silently through Water ripples with the morning tide. Shells with crews scull...
Trinity of Relationship
We are created in God’s image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27), which means we are created for relationship. The Holy Trinity is...
Plug into the Power of the Holy Spirit
I love the Pentecost images of “a noise like a strong driving wind” and “tongues as of fire.” (Acts 2:2-3) These images are reminiscent...
Clouds of Glory
After Jesus’ Resurrection, he appeared to his disciples to encourage them and prepare them to continue his mission. Because they were...
Love as Jesus loves
Last week, I shared three ways that Jesus loves: by seeing the people he encounters, tending to the needs of the people he encounters,...
Saint Joseph's Mysteries of the Rosary
On this feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, May 1, as I was praying this morning, I considered Joseph's life with Jesus and Mary. So as I...
How does Jesus love?
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways… These words by Elizabeth Barret Browning came to mind when I read 1 John 3:18: “Children, let...
You are a Beloved Child of God!
Beloved: See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. (1 John 3:1) I am concerned that not many...
Jesus teaches, invites, and empowers
Today’s Gospel reading and the preceding account of the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), both from Luke, give us insight into how Jesus...
Shalom . . . True Peace
Peace is . . . The absence of war and violence. The absence of noise. The absence of disturbance. Peace is certainly all of this, but...
The Hush of Holy Saturday
Jesus died yesterday . . . and the whole world hushes, pauses and holds its breath. We have experienced this same hush and pause with...
Mary Magdalene: Model for Christian Joy
Mary Magdalene is a model for Christian joy. Other than the twelve apostles, she was one of Jesus’ closest companions. She accompanied...