November: Remembering All Saints and All Souls
The month of November begins with two important feasts: All Saints and All Souls. On these days we remember in prayer those individuals who, though not formally canonized, led exemplary lives. We remember those individuals who, though not perfect, inspired us by their lives. We remember parents, grandparents, spouses, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and acquaintances. And we remember individuals like Jim Skerl. (more…)
Autumn: The Season of Letting Go
It is autumn where I live—here in the northern hemisphere. As the earth gradually tilts away from the sun, the change around us is quite dramatic: the days are getting shorter, the temperatures are going down, and (most amazing of all) the leaves have turned bright colors and are falling from our trees. Autumn is the season of change, of letting go—letting go of light, warmth, and lush green foliage. (more…)
"I Was in Prison and You Visited Me"
Today I’m taking you to a place you may not want to go: inside a prison. Why am I doing this? Because Jesus told us we could find him there. In his parable of the Final Judgment (Mt. 25:31-46) he lists some specific places we can find him and some specific acts we can do to show our love for him. These places include prison; these acts (later called “the works of mercy”) include visiting inmates. (more…)
“I Was in Prison and You Visited Me”
Today I’m taking you to a place you may not want to go: inside a prison. Why am I doing this? Because Jesus told us we could find him there. In his parable of the Final Judgment (Mt. 25:31-46) he lists some specific places we can find him and some specific acts we can do to show our love for him. These places include prison; these acts (later called “the works of mercy”) include visiting inmates. (more…)
Stance
Years ago I taught at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, NC. At that time the school had some great basketball teams. I figured if I was going to relate to my students, I’d better brush up on the game of basketball So I asked one of my students to recommend a good book on basketball. He did better than that. He loaned me one of his. I don’t remember everything I read in that book, but I do remember the first chapter entitled, “Stance.” (more…)
