Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 2:1–12
It was the first graders that stole the show this year at my children’s Christmas pageant. Dressed in their Catholic school uniform best, they stood in front of the altar and, in all their glory, sang their little hearts out. [...]
In the Broadway musical The Lion King, there is a beautiful song called “Endless Night.” This song, which is not in the original movie, is sung by Simba at a pivotal crossroads in his life. Let me provide some key context for those unfamiliar with this story or who have not seen it recently (warning: there are some spoiler alerts). [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Luke 1:26–38
Can you think of a time when you were chosen for something special? What was it? How did it make you feel?
When I think of times I was chosen out of a crowd, a few moments come to mind. [...]
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 22:15–21
Many summers ago, during a mission trip, I walked into a bar with my mission leader. I was twenty-three years old then, and we both knew that the rule was that anyone over twenty-one could have one drink in one sitting. [...]
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 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. [...]
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. [...]
Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 14:22–33
We recently had some powerful summer storms come through our small Pennsylvania town. It was as though the skies opened up just seconds before I had to leave to pick up my youngest son from camp. I drive a big car, [...]
One of my favorite verses in Scripture is John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” I love that Jesus' desire for us is not merely to exist or cope with our circumstances but to live abundantly. [...]
