jencoito

In Life and Death

December 26, 2025Feast of St. Stephen Martyr “It took my grandfather a long time to die, in fact it took him my whole life.” I wrote these words at 11 years old, shortly after my grandfather died. My entire life had been marked by his cancer and heart attacks. Among my earliest memories are visitsContinueContinue reading “In Life and Death”

Making a List, Checking it Twice

Part of the Series “Hope Carried to Others” on the Into the Deep Blog. Santa is not the only one making a list and checking it twice as Christmas approaches. I have a Christmas card list, and an elaborate spreadsheet of gifts to purchase, ship, or wrap. Each of my kids has extensive wish listsContinueContinue reading “Making a List, Checking it Twice “

Sparkling Lights

What did you go out to the desert to see?A reed swayed by the wind?Then what did you go out to see?Someone dressed in fine clothing?Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.Then why did you go out? To see a prophet?Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.” -Matthew 11:7-9 We neverContinueContinue reading “Sparkling Lights”

Wretched Food… An Invitation to Hope?

The past few months have been filled with unexpected, everyday “emergencies”: a very sick dog, a bunny with a broken tooth, new brakes for the car (front and back), a minor concussion for one kid and major dental work for another. I have nothing to show for my summer: no exotic cruise, no bathroom remodel,ContinueContinue reading “Wretched Food… An Invitation to Hope? “

Lego Art

My 6-year-old is a master Lego builder. He carefully follows the detailed instructions and puts together sets far beyond his age range. If I don’t take a picture quickly though, the medications will already be underway. After finishing a double decker London bus, he immediately wondered “what if the bus got a flat tire andContinueContinue reading “Lego Art”

Measuring God

Saturday, September 27 Reading: Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15a I raised my eyes and looked, and there was a man with a measuring cord in his hand. I asked, “Where are you going?” And he said, “To measure Jerusalem—to see how great its width is and how great its length.” Then the angel who spoke with meContinueContinue reading “Measuring God”

Bee Stings and God’s Abundance

Saturday, September 20 Reading: Luke 8:4-15 When a large crowd was gathering, as people were coming to him from town after town, he said in a parable: “A sower went out to sow his seed, and as he sowed some fell on a path and was trampled on, and the birds of the air ateContinueContinue reading “Bee Stings and God’s Abundance”

A Thirsty Cactus

Saturday, September 13 Reading: Luke 6:43-49 “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, andContinueContinue reading “A Thirsty Cactus”

Interrupted Times

Reading: Luke 6:1-5 One Sabbath while Jesus was going through some grain fields, his disciples plucked some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them. But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” Jesus answered, “Have you not read what David did whenContinueContinue reading “Interrupted Times”

Straw, Sticks, Bricks

August 29, Friday Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist First Reading: Jeremiah 1:17-19 But you, gird up your loins; stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not break down before them, or I will break you before them. And I for my part have made you today aContinueContinue reading “Straw, Sticks, Bricks”