Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read John 20:19–23
I’ve noticed a pattern in my relationship with the Lord that goes like this: I pray for something very specific and then watch that very thing blow up in my face. This took me out at the knees for quite some time until I realized something peculiar yet consistent about how God answers my prayers: It always gets worse before it gets better. [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Luke 24:35–48
When life's storms hit and peace (along with my sanity) flies out the window, it’s hard for me to see straight. The brokenness feels like too much. Paralyzed by fear, I tend to sit in the shards of a broken dream, [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read John 3:14–21
It was how he held his fingers that got me. I have seen many images of our crucified Savior, but this one differed. It grabbed me because, unlike the familiar, sanitized versions I have grown accustomed to, this one did something to me. [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Mark 1:29–39
Sometimes, Jesus’ ways don’t make sense. For instance, years ago, I went to a healing mass, clutching a photo of a loved one I desperately wanted Jesus to restore to health. Despite my confidence in the power of God, [...]
Anxiety is the most common mental illness in the United States. More than 19% of adults (ages 18+) and more than 31% of adolescents (ages 13–18) live with an anxiety disorder.[1] This means, dear sister, the odds that you have first-hand experience with this mental illness—either because you struggle with anxiety or because someone you love does—are extremely high. [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Luke 2:22–40
A few years ago, I quit sending the Christmas card family photo. Why? Because trying to get my family to sit perfectly was torture. The whole endeavor, without fail, included tears, frustration, and the complete lack of ability to keep our eyes open. [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 25:31–46
Have you ever wanted to crawl out of the confessional? I have, just a few weeks ago, when loving words of correction on the other side of the screen were interpreted as, “You idiot, don’t you know anything?” Caught off guard, [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 22:34–40
I descended the aisle, genuflected before the tabernacle, and pivoted left. Placing a neatly folded bill into the wooden offering box secured to the wall, I assumed I’d light a blue votive and take my usual place before the statue of our Blessed Mother. [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 21:33–43
Did I ever tell you about when I entered a contest to be on a reality TV show and won? They were looking for a mom desperate for a home, wardrobe, and life makeover. Entries included a written submission stating why you deserved the prize and a video of a day in your life with your children. [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 20:1–16a
“But WHY? It’s not FAIR!”
You may think I’ve got a story for you about one of my kids, but nope. That was me—last week.
I had my heart set on something. Something that definitely didn’t happen. Something that I had prayed for—begged God for—and told myself would be good for me. [...]
