Dig Deeper into this Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 2:1–12
“Dad, can you come upstairs?”
That was my first clue something was amiss—something in my heart immediately sensed it. I heard my husband’s footsteps as he walked the upstairs hallway into my oldest son’s bedroom.
Fifteen minutes later, [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 1:18–24
As I sat down to pray with Sunday's gospel, I asked the Lord, what do Your precious daughters need to hear?
He brought to mind your faces, your hearts, your stories, your longings, and your fears. I was reminded that even though Christmas is only a few days away, [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 11:2–11
Gaudete Sunday invites one and all to rejoice. A rose-colored candle is lit, signaling that the long night of waiting is nearly over.
Named for the entrance antiphon, “Rejoice (gaudete) in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice.” Gaudete Sunday and the rose candle point us to the hope found in our waiting. [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 24:37–44
It seems peculiar, perhaps, to think of death in the days leading up to Christmas. Isn't this the time for coziness and merriment, for joyful preparation, and nostalgic hymns, wrapping paper, ribbons, stockings, cookies, and an enjoyable sense of frenziedness? [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read: Luke 23:35-43
Here we are, my friend, at the end of another liturgical year. On the precipice of a new year, our Church presents us with a profound paradox this Sunday. So, put down the wreaths and candles and resist the temptation to bring all of those bins filled with decorations down from the attic. [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read John 2:13–22
Sunday's readings highlight an essential truth: the stone temple, which was the sacred dwelling place of God, serves as a symbol of the living Church, the body of Christ. Saint Paul reminds us that with Christ as our foundation, [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read John 6:37–40
I keep photographs of my grandparents close by in my home office. They are my guiding stars. Each of them, in their own way, shared their faith with me and led me to this very moment.
When I reflect on the deposit of faith their examples left me, [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Luke 18:9–14
The podium was at the perfect height, my notes were in place, and the microphone system was cooperating. I was minutes away from giving my most personal talk yet, a heavy subject suited for a mature audience. Moments before taking the stage, [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Luke 18:1–8
You know when God keeps placing something on your heart, repeatedly, until you can no longer ignore it? That's where I've been lately. And the thing God keeps saying to me is this: persevere in prayer. [...]
Recently, I spent far too much time on hold with an insurance carrier only to be told they didn’t have a satisfactory solution to my dilemma. Having to call back multiple times and re-explain the entire situation almost caused me to lose faith in humanity. “They really don’t care,” I thought, [...]
