We humans do many things we don't mean to do, some of us more than others. But I have known no man who has escaped the Sneeze. Though it comes in various forms--the Sneeze of Suspense, the One That Sneaks Up On You, explosive, silent, painful, relieving--all sneezes are uncontrollable. You can learn to yawn … Continue reading A Christmas Sneeze
Humility
Seat of Wisdom
Seat of Wisdom is one of the titles of Mary. It is a significant title to me, because it reminds me that someone, at least, has achieved the perfect balance between wisdom and love. Balance When I was young, my life was balanced. I lived in the present. I was growing in wisdom, but just … Continue reading Seat of Wisdom
Time
Inspired by a homily by Fr. Thaddeus Hanes. Money Once a man inherited a very large sum of money from his rich, eccentric relative. A strange stipulation was on the inheritance. Every morning at 5:00 a.m., the man was to receive from the bank $86,400 in cash. He was to use the money as he … Continue reading Time
False Humility
About myself I will not boast, except about my weaknesses. Although if I should wish to boast, I would not be foolish, for I would be telling the truth. But I refrain, so that no one may think more of me than what he sees in me or hears from me because of the abundance … Continue reading False Humility
The Inefficiency of Love
This culture [of death] is actively fostered by powerful cultural, economic and political currents which encourage an idea of society excessively concerned with efficiency… The first to be harmed are women, children, the sick or suffering, and the elderly. The criterion of personal dignity—which demands respect, generosity and service—is replaced by the criterion of efficiency, … Continue reading The Inefficiency of Love
Love Is Come Again
In the grave they laid Him, Love by hatred slain, Thinking that never He would wake again. Laid in the earth like grain that sleeps unseen: Love is come again, like wheat arising green. Easter Carol Now the Green Blade Rises ____________ Love Is Come Again For me this Easter, finding humility was a lot like … Continue reading Love Is Come Again
Sheep
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and … Continue reading Sheep
Gracefulness
"Hail, full of grace!" Luke 1:28 ____________ Gracefulness Grace and gratitude It is interesting that the words "grace" and "gratitude" have similar etymologies. They derive from the Latin word gratus, which means both pleasing and thankful (pleased). This reveals a practical way of understanding John Paul II's description of mercy as "bilateral", or two-sided: An act of … Continue reading Gracefulness
The Joy of Humility
We proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:23-25 ____________ … Continue reading The Joy of Humility
Adoration
I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26 ____________ Adoration Humility Humility can be summed up in this prayer: "Jesus, help me to love myself as you love … Continue reading Adoration
