Liturgical theologian Peter Mazar once wrote: “For three days Esther fasted and Judith kept vigil, the exiles came home to Jerusalem, and the Hebrews marched to the waters of Marah. For three days darkness afflicted the Egyptians, Jonah was entombed … Continue reading
Thoughts and Inspirations
Lent
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 26th. The word “Lent” comes from an old English word that means “springtime.” Spring reminds us of spring cleaning and the new life in nature that develops after winter. In a similar way, … Continue reading
7 Ways to Slow Down in Prayer
I’ve been thinking about the topic of slowing down (in prayer and in life) for quite a while, inspired in part by preparing for a talk last weekend, inspired in part by Word by Word, inspired in part by what … Continue reading
Have You Ever Wondered? #8
Welcome back to my series of blogs titled, “Have you ever wondered?” All of the blogs in this series have begun with and continue to ask the big questions, Did you ever wonder, “Who am I?” … Continue reading
To be upset, or not to be… that was the question…
Awhile back, Chris and I traveled to Knoxville to attend a friend’s wedding. Normally, when we’re getting ready for a trip, things get a little tense. The anxiety of planning, packing, and getting on the road within the right time-frame … Continue reading
Flowers for Mary as Mediatrix of All Graces
There’s something irresistible about flowers to my young children. I notice it the moment they can walk: they aim for the dandelions and, wobbling, grasp the stem in their chubby hands. Their first reaction, bloom in hand, is to hand … Continue reading
How To Be a Long Distance Godparent
John Paul is my only godchild (so far), but I’ve never actually met him. Kristen’s life took her to Minnesota, mine has taken me to Georgia, and neither of us is rolling in the dough which means that visits are … Continue reading
The Curé d’Ars on Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament
Today we welcome the newest member of our guest bloggers. They are called Big C Catholics. Saint John Vianney, the Curé d’Ars, spent countless hours in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. He was completely devoted to Christ in the Eucharist … Continue reading
Consecrated Persons – Humans or Angels?
Welcome back to my series of blogs titled, “Have you ever wondered?” In my last blog we explored God’s call to the Ordained Priesthood and reflected on the primary role of the ordained priest as capacitating the laity for their … Continue reading
Coming Home for Christmas
We usually think of Christmas as a time when family members come home from near, far and wide. Grown children who live in a neighboring town come home; college students come home with laundry in tow; grandparents invite everyone to … Continue reading