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. [...]
In the midst of uncertainty, when we do not know which path to take; during the seasons of our life when the seas are stormy, and Jesus appears to be sleeping in the boat; in times of darkness, when grief has a stronghold on our heart, [...]
