Called to walk in newness of life
We were celebrating the Easter Vigil Mass at the nursing home. Sister Claire nudged me to get the hand bells ready. As I rang...
Keeping an open heart while navigating the Valley of the Shadow of Death
Long before they understand the meaning of the prayer, adolescents internalize that Psalm 23 is comforting to adults under duress. They know that by...
Nothing but love
I stood in the doorway of my classroom. Behind me was the window that provided a vista to the bird’s nest. My students and I...
The call of the Good Samaritan
As a very young child, the first thing I learned about the parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10: 29-37) was to practice what...
The oh moment: Emptiness to exploration
I have always struggled with Jesus’ words that if one comes to Him without hating one’s own life, that person cannot be a disciple (Lk...
A hand up to walk together in kindness
As an adolescent, the tale of Martha and Mary (Lk 10:38-42) always puzzled me. We are called to be doers (and not just hearers)...
Surrender: Seeds grow
As an adolescent, I never understood Jesus’ words, “I have more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when He comes,...
The light beyond: Responding to the Face of God
A second-grader wailed in tears. What hurt more than the skinned knee was his friends laughing at him as well. Cardinal Van Thuan expressed it...
Love your enemies
The senior screamed, “I will grind him into the dust of the earth.” He pointed to the blackboard behind me as he continued, “And...
Happy Birthday Jesus
We were praying the Rosary. Sister Claire announced the Nativity as “Happy Birthday Jesus.” After we completed the Rosary, I gently suggested perhaps one...
