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Whole Hearted

Wednesday of the First Week in LentEven now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart for I am gracious and merciful. – Joel 2:12-13 More than two weeks ago, our daughter Clare came home from preschool with a shoebox full of “kindness notes” (also known as Valentines). For two weeks, she hasContinueContinue reading “Whole Hearted”

Rewind, Fast Forward, Pause

“Tell God to rewind the day. I want to try again.” My four-year-old daughter sobbed uncontrollably in the parking lot of her preschool. After a mishap in the lining up for COVID-safe dismissal, she could not calm down enough to walk out with everyone else. After 20-minutes, one of the Sisters carried her to myContinueContinue reading “Rewind, Fast Forward, Pause”

Puzzling: Baptism of the Lord

In this way we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. – 1Jn 5:2-4 When I dump out theContinueContinue reading “Puzzling: Baptism of the Lord”

Rationing Love

Tuesday After Epiphany, January 5, 2021 I think the stuffed animals are reproducing; every time I turn around, there are more of them. They stare at me from under the couch. They hide under the blankets on the beds. They lurk inside every backpack and tote bag. Even before I get out of bed inContinueContinue reading “Rationing Love”

Where Does God Live?

“My God! What a wonderful title and what a beautiful description… Servants of the Poor! It is the same as saying Servants of Jesus Christ, for He regards as done to Himself what is done to them. What did he do on earth but serve the poor?” –St. Vincent de Paul Does God live inContinueContinue reading “Where Does God Live?”

Unexpected Epiphany

The wise men brought symbols of both life and death: gold, frankincense and myrrh. We watched other families bury their loved ones today. We looked around at the unique decorations and offerings on the tombs: tangible outpourings of love, grief, and healing. Our offering is small compared to the gifts the wise men carried to present to the newborn king.

Is It You Who Will Build a House for Me?

What I have to offer Jesus seems so small: kitchen, family room, garage. The sacred space I have is the world that Matthew sees through his little eyes. This year, these four walls (and the people who dwell in them) are the only manger I have for the Holy Family. It may be crowded, chaotic, and slightly sticky, but I trust it is a place that Jesus will want to come, to visit, to make a home.

“Yes, and” or “Yes, but”

The further we push God away, the more adrift we feel, and the harder it can be to realign ourselves.

Beautiful Things

Friday of the First Week of Advent “One thing I ask of the LORD… That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD and contemplate his temple.” – Psalm 27 “I am looking for things that are beautiful.” The eye rolls, the snarky replies, the know-it-all smirks. I get this kind of teenager attitudeContinueContinue reading “Beautiful Things”

A Stolen Advent

Second Sunday of Advent, December 6, 2020 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar and the elements will be dissolved by fire, and the earth and everything done on it will be found out. – Peter 3:10 The tracking numbers,ContinueContinue reading “A Stolen Advent”