Corrie Ten Boom lived in Denmark during World War II. She and her family helped many Jews escape the Nazi Holocaust. Acting on information from an informant, the Nazis arrested the entire ten Boom family and sent them to Scheveningen prison. While in prison, Corrie watched her sister Betsie starveContinue Reading
Many of us are familiar with the traditions of the Amish from movies such as Witness. We know that theses traditionalist Christians generally avoid modern technology. Their homes do not have telephones or televisions and even electricity is relegated to the barn but not the house. To many people thisContinue Reading
Father Vincent Capodanno, the “grunt” padre, was a Maryknoll Missionary who served as a marine chaplain during the Vietnam War. The policy at the time stated that a soldier would be sent home within 48 hours after receiving his third purple heart. In 1967 Father Capodanno served with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines.Continue Reading
A vacationing American stockbroker, stood on the pier of a quaint coastal fishing village. He watched as a small boat with just one young fisherman pulled into the dock. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. Enjoying the warmth of the early afternoon sun, the American complimented theContinue Reading
Persistence is one of the hallmarks of Christian prayer. Abraham is persistent in interceding with God on behalf of the town of Sodom. Even so, God destroyed Sodom because not even 10 righteous men were found. Were Abraham’s efforts in vain? Surely God knew the number of good people in the doomedContinue Reading
What is the better part that Jesus refers to? The story of Martha and Mary may leave us a little confused. Why did Jesus rebuke Martha for her hospitality? Even looking to the first reading does not help much. Abraham’s hospitality to the Lord seems to be the focus there. ButContinue Reading
The Creator of all things is still present in the things He has created. St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians echoes the Gospel according to Saint John. “All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.” All of creation was made through Christ,Continue Reading
There are times when, despite our best efforts, we fail. Even though we know that our ministry is desperately needed, we are sometimes rejected. Jesus told us to work hard. He told us there would be difficulties because we are as lambs going out among wolves. He cautioned us toContinue Reading
The Church is often referred to as the Bark of Saint Peter. A bark is a type of boat. From its’ earliest days the Church was seen as a boat sailing on unpredictable and sometimes dangerous seas. It is unsurprising that this analogy was extended to the ship’s wheel thatContinue Reading
As Disciples of Christ we are called to decide every day to pick up our cross and follow Him. This goes much further than bearing our own little problems from day to day. It means that we are actually called to set aside those problems, and not let them distractContinue Reading