Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Luke 1:39–45
December 22 marks the final Sunday of Advent. Though some years we are granted nearly a full week to savor the closing days before Christmas, this year, the fourth week of Advent is fleeting—only three days long. With so little time, [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Luke 3:10–18
When I ask you to think of John the Baptist, what are the first few words that come to mind?
Perhaps the word cousin or maybe locusts? You might think of the River Jordan or repentance. [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Luke 3:1–6
There are two kinds of people: prepared and unprepared. I’m definitely on “team prepared” and amazed that not all of my children got this gene. How do I know? Well, when your kid doesn’t practice parking thinking he can “wing it” on his road test, [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read John 18:33–37
As I read My God and My All: The Life of Saint Francis of Assisi by Elizabeth Goudge, I was struck by Saint Francis' conversion as a young man. In a profound moment, he realized that his deepest desire was to live for God, [...]
Dig Deeper into this Sunday’s Gospel: Read Mark 13:24–32
Years ago, when my children were relatively young, it was always a hoot when my husband would return home after an extended absence. Their squeals of delight intensified as they glimpsed his car pulling into the driveway. [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Mark 12:41–44
Occasionally, in passing, the Lord sends someone my way who makes a lasting impression. A few weeks ago, it was a young lady with the Sisters of the Resurrection. While waiting for our boxed lunch at a women’s diocesan conference, [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Mark 10:46–52
Growing up, my family would hold hands and say grace before dinner. We'd pray the familiar, "Bless us, O Lord" and then go around saying our own prayers of thanksgiving and petition. During my 8th grade year, my aunt and her three children came to live with my family for six months. [...]
Dig Deeper into this Sunday’s Gospel: Read Mark 10:42–45
My morning routine is similar to many other women's; there's nothing particularly special about it. Arising before dawn, I take our dog for a nice long walk and then return home to prepare for my family’s morning rush: ensuring backpacks are good to go, [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Mark 10:17–30
I was doing everything right—okay, not everything, but most things. I prayed every morning, no matter how exhausted I was. I hauled myself to daily Mass, no matter how inconvenient. I thoroughly examined my conscience, noting the number of times I fell short of God's glory. [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Mark 9:38–43,45,47–48
In high school, I was a wannabe popular girl. I desperately wanted to be part of the elite social circle of the prettiest and most athletic girls, and I spent my high school days slowly climbing the social ladder until, [...]
