Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 23:1–12
Some people use hypocrisy for the reason that they no longer go to church because they believe the church to be filled with hypocrites. I’ve heard it many times, both from people who have permanently left the church and those who have thought of leaving. [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 22:1–14
Months ago, I splurged on a lovely dress that is now hanging in a plastic garment bag in my closet, unworn. I had spent countless hours thinking about what to wear to a much-anticipated wedding. Determined not to show up underdressed, [...]
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 21:28–32
“I am daringly confident that one day I shall become a great Saint.”[1]
These are the words written by Saint Therese of Lisieux, doctor of the Church, patron saint of Walking with Purpose, whose feast day we celebrate on October 1. [...]
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. [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 18:21–35
Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?” [And] Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:21–22). [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 18:15–20
My daughter received an intriguing text from her boyfriend. It read, “I am so embarrassed. I have to leave work.” Apparently, his office shares one small bathroom, and when he failed to lift the seat, [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 16:21–27
You may not know this about me, but I am a royal watcher. I researched their scandals, followed their family drama, and even cried when Queen Elizabeth II died. You can imagine my delight when my children’s babysitter handed me a book with Kate Middleton’s face on it. [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 16:13–20
As I write this, I’m sitting on the banks of a river in West Virginia. We come here every year. Rising twelve feet from the middle of the river is a massive rock, seventy feet long by fifty feet wide. [...]
I believe that America’s greatest idols are self-autonomy and self-reliance. It is all too easy for our identity to become wrapped up in ourselves—to be “self-made” women:
to be the best at what we set out to do
to have a “perfect” self-care regime
to be that healthy #bossbabe who drinks eight glasses of water a day
to have an immaculately clean house while being a fully present wife and mother
Our culture feeds us the lie that we only need to listen to our “personal truth” (whatever that is) to find happiness and wisdom. [...]
