Many people I have met and counselled during the years have a common struggle: surrendering control to God in those areas of their lives that are out of their control. During my life as a dad, lawyer, judge and pastor, I have been relatively good at organization and balance. However, I find myself challenged when faced
Read MoreLike millions of Christians throughout the world, on Ash Wednesday we are reminded of our mortality. We have come from dust, and to dust we shall return. Thanks be to God, this is not the end of the story, but just the beginning, because God himself entered into my dustiness in Jesus Christ. Questions for
Read MoreSometimes I get asked, “What is Lent all about?” That’s when I often go into a lengthy discussion about the church calendar, the liturgical year, etc. I notice the inquirer’s eyes glazing over as they’re shifting from foot to foot and most probably feeling sorry they asked me the question! They often follow up with:
Read MoreWhile it seems we just put our Christmas decorations away, we begin Lent on February 14th this year… and that’s right around the corner! I will be talking about Lent these next few “takes” so begin thinking about ways you can prepare to follow Jesus more deeply and meaningfully. Unless we prepare now, we may
Read MoreRecently I was reading the Gospel account of what is known as “the conversion of St. Paul.” St. Paul’s conversion was quick and radical…he immediately asks the Lord, “What will you have me do, Lord?” Encountering the Lord’s promptings in our hearts is one thing, but willingly responding to such graces is another. In our daily
Read MoreMany of us are on some venue of social media, whether it be Linkedin or Facebook or another platform. It has become a way to connect with others and participate in discussions. As Christians we must be aware that these places are not always “safe” places to be. Nonetheless, it can be a place to
Read MoreMaybe you’re like me and you want the afterglow of Christmas to linger a little longer. It is such a consolation and reassurance we have in knowing that the incredible GIFT of the baby in the manger, is still here. right now, because He is Emmanuel, ‘God With Us’ and He is LOVE. He is
Read MoreI used to spend a lot of time making New Year resolutions. Sometimes there would be pages of lists! Then after a few years I sort of “gave up”! So few of my intentions would ever be realized. Maybe you’ve had the same experience. So let me share with you 10 resolutions for all of
Read MoreBlessed Christmas to You All The book of Genesis begins: “In the beginning…darkness was upon the face of the deep…. And God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good…” (Gen. 1:1-4). From the very beginning, God’s purpose has been to overcome darkness by his own
Read MoreLet’s continue to look at the Advent of Christ. In one sense, the kingdom of God has always existed since all of Creation is ruled by God’s divine providence. But Creation has been subjected to futility, says St. Paul. The disorder introduced into Creation by human sin needs to be rectified, but this is not
Read MoreIn a sermon Thomas Aquinas gave during Advent, he distinguished four advents of Christ: His advent in the flesh in the Incarnation; the advent by which he comes into our souls; the advent in which he comes at the death of the just; and the advent in which he comes at the end of time
Read MoreWe anticipate God becoming flesh in human nature as we approach the celebration of Christmas. We must remember always that God’s Word is a person, not merely a book or an idea. He became flesh. He dwelled among us. And He bequeathed to us the Holy Spirit out of love, and gave to us Holy
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