As the stars reflect the light of the sun, so does Mary, Stella Maris, Star of the Sea, reflect the light of Christ, guiding us to Him through the stormy seas of the secular world, holding the Church safely in her arms. As we navigate the storms of our dailyContinue Reading
Why is Mary Magdalene often depicted with a red egg? Therein lies a story. According to tradition, after the Ascension of Jesus, Mary traveled to Rome, telling the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection along the way. Arriving in the eternal city, being a woman from an influential family,Continue 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 Annunciation, the moment the angel Gabriel came to the Virgin Mary, is usually celebrated on March 25. This year, because March 25 fell on Good Friday, it was moved to the first Monday after the Easter Octave, today, April 4. In honor of the day I offer a samplingContinue Reading
“And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked, and lo, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed.” Exodus 3:2 There is a tradition in the Church that the burning bush which Moses witnessed,Continue Reading
For a while I considered a career in the merchant marine. I even attended the Maritime Academy in Vallejo, CA, preparing for a career as a deck officer. And while my life has taken many twists and turns since then, the sea has always had a certain hold onContinue Reading
Recently completed private commission. A samurai kneels before the Blessed Virgin Mary and the child Jesus. Executed in a style reminiscent of Japanese woodblock prints.Continue Reading
As we near the end of Advent, God begins to unfold His plan. David contemplates building a temple to God. But like so many of us, David is thinking in a small and limited way. God’s plan is much larger than we can comprehend. He confirms that David is theContinue Reading
In today’s Gospel John the Baptizer tells us “there is one among you whom you do not recognize.” One verse before the beginning of today’s readings we hear “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Or as the Douay Rheims translation reads, “And theContinue Reading