God Gives Matching Grants
Most of us are probably familiar with the concept of “matching grants.” They can work in a variety of ways. If we contribute $100 to a non-profit like PBS, for…
Read MoreThe Penance of Inconvenience
When we hear the word “penance,” we usually think of sacrifices we freely make for love of God: fasting during Lent, helping out at the parish fish fry, making a…
Read More“Two Strangers Who Meet Five Times”: A Short Film
Today I’m offering you a short film (12 mins.) entitled “Two Strangers Who Meet Five Times.” It’s a British film by Marcus Markou. It tells the story of two men,…
Read MoreWhy I Like Potluck Dinners
Over the holidays, I attended a family gathering that included a potluck dinner. It made me realize anew how much I enjoy potlucks. First of all, I like the name:…
Read MoreTime for a Little Humor
If you’ve been a follower of this blog, you know I often stress the importance of hanging on to our sense of humor. So, as we face the beginning of…
Read More10 Quotations on the Incarnation: A Christmas Reflection
I invite you today to take a few moments to reflect on the meaning and significance of Christmas. In order to facilitate your reflection, I am offering 10 quotations on…
Read MoreGleanings from My Annual Retreat
I want to share with you a few thoughts from my recent retreat, Nov. 27-Dec. 4. First, the setting. I made my retreat in one of the small houses on…
Read MoreDo You Ever Ask for a Sign?
I know some people who are always asking God (or some saint) for a sign. They ask God to send a bluebird, for example, to show that their deceased loved…
Read MoreAdvent Prayer: Come, Lord Jesus
Advent is a “peculiar” season. Its petition, “Come, Lord Jesus,” is the constant refrain throughout its four weeks. Those words pulse with a holy urgency. But an important question to…
Read MoreWhat Are You Grateful for?
It is fitting to celebrate Thanksgiving Day not only with family, friends, and food, but also with taking a few minutes this week to name some of the things in…
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