Bless the Lord, all birds of the air; sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever!Daniel 3:80 This praise was sung to God in the midst of flames. He saved the lives of those who trusted him, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. King Nebuchadnezzar tried to murder them for their faithfulness to God. He had … Continue reading Birds
Beatitude
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for … Continue reading Beatitude
Essential Spiritual Life
Someone who is not attentive to those experiences might think we're making it up or exaggerating. But to let him make the orders about where the line is would be like giving a couch potato the right to determine how much exercise is necessary!
Almsgiving
God caused the trees to growAs strong as they were tall.God made the wind to blowSo that the leaves might fall. Green leaves, pretty leavesScattered on the ground.Through the trees my path He weavesThat they might be found. Fistfulls of living green...Why have they been sent?Living green. Dying green...How can they be spent? These leaves … Continue reading Almsgiving
Ever Shall Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,World without end. Amen. Cold War Growing up in the 90's, I heard many stories influenced by the recent Cold War. For decades, people had been faced with the possibility of … Continue reading Ever Shall Be
The Storm
Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. Matthew 14:24 In praying for peace yesterday, this scene from the Gospel of Matthew came to mind. A storm is chaos. It signifies helplessness. We struggle to control the situation, but spending all our … Continue reading The Storm
Priest
In the Old Testament, only three types of people were anointed: priests, prophets, and kings. Christ, the Anointed One Himself, fulfills these three roles to the fullest in the munus triplex (triple office). In our baptismal anointing, we are brought into this munus triplex. We are called to live these three offices in Christ.
Still Face
My Love, I have your portrait to bring you to my mind.Within its painted eyes I look when I would comfort find.But its "eyes" are wells of paint; no tears they offer me;As for seeing, Jesus Mine, no help if you had three.And your face, my Love, so still... Can it be you love me? … Continue reading Still Face
Innocence
O God, the restorer and lover of innocence,direct the hearts of Thy servants unto Thyself:that being enkindled with the fire of Thy Spirit,they may be found both steadfast in faith and fruitful in deed.Catholic Collect Innocence is a confusing topic to me. On the one hand, many want to protect innocence, such as that of … Continue reading Innocence
Hope
I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.Jeremiah 29:10-11 God speaks these words to His people exiled in Babylon. He promises … Continue reading Hope
A Grain of Salt 