Before He ascends to the Father, Jesus breathes on His Apostles and imparts to them the Holy Spirit. Then just before His Ascension He tells them to wait for the Holy Spirit to come upon them. Are they receiving the Spirit twice? Not exactly, at Pentecost the Apostles receiveContinue Reading
As we mature, we begin to look for meaning in our lives. We spend our youth learning about the world and about ourselves. We discover our interests, talents and abilities, and sharpen them to a high degree. And then, we grow restless. We look for our purpose. We questionContinue Reading
We continue to suffer in this world because how we respond to our suffering matters greatly in the eyes of God. It is an opportunity for us to grow in our faith. Do we turn away from Him in anger and resentment? Or do we turn toward Him forContinue Reading
During this time of Easter, between the Resurrection and Pentecost, the readings at mass follow along as Jesus guides the Church in its first steps. As the day draws near for Jesus to ascend to the Father, He begins to prepare His followers for a time when He will noContinue Reading
There is a tradition still observed by some men. Before they propose to the woman they love they first go and ask permission of their prospective bride’s father. Those who do this have realized a great truth. A loving relationship does not isolate us, it involves us with the familyContinue Reading
We live in a fallen world and as such, pain and hardship are a part of our lives. But some people seem to be able to cope with adversity and persevere while others never seem to recover. What makes the difference? Life as a journey is an apt metaphor. ItContinue Reading
What can we learn from Saint Thomas the Apostle. After all, we are Christians; we do not have any doubt that Christ is Lord and God. But in reality we struggle with doubt every day. Every time we feel frustration, anxiety, and stress in our lives, we struggle with doubt.Continue Reading
Imagine the devil, sitting on his throne, very pleased with himself for thwarting God’s plan. After all, he knew this man, Jesus, was the “Holy One of God,” sent to usher in the new Kingdom. Satan even tried to corrupt Him by tempting Him. When that didn’t work he focusedContinue Reading
Palms are an ancient symbol. For the people of the Old Testament they meant the righteous person who walks in the ways of God. To the Romans palms were a symbol of victory. Conquering generals would bring them back as souvenirs of distant lands. It became a Roman tradition toContinue Reading
Lent is rapidly coming to a close. We are closer now to the end than we are to the beginning. The discipline of Lent will soon give way to the tragedy of the Passion and the joy of the Resurrection. And Jesus prepares us for the journey. Lent and EasterContinue Reading