Good Friday of the Lord's Passion March 29, 2024 “They will look upon him whom they have pierced.” - Jn. 19:37 As the Passion narrative was proclaimed on Palm Sunday, when my daughter Clare (1-years-old at the time) became fixated on the soldiers. She pointed to the Stations of the Cross and said, “Soldiers, takeContinue reading "Look at Him"
I’d rather hide….
Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent “So Jesus no longer walked about in public among the Jews, but he left for the region near the desert, to a town called Ephraim, and there he remained with his disciples.” John 11:54 Sometimes we can carry ourselves with dignity in the face of adversity, and sometimesContinue reading "I’d rather hide…."
Smells Like Jesus
Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent, March 15, 2024 "Is he not the one they are trying to kill?...Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ?” - John 7:25-26 Sometimes at Mass, there is a certain “aroma.” It is harsh, foul, and uncomfortable. And I can’t ignore it. The source? A homelessContinue reading "Smells Like Jesus"
Made Visible
Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 10 2024 “... the works of God might be made visible through him.” - John 9:3 I have no idea what’s coming… or who… toddlers or teenagers, 5 kids or 35 kids. The amazing thing about Children’s Liturgy of the Word is that all children present at Mass are invitedContinue reading "Made Visible"
I Thirst…
The wildflowers on the side of the road look cheerful and welcoming. The rolling green hills and lush foliage look like a picture-perfect postcard. I can’t enjoy the beauty; the scene fills me with dread. Soon they will become the dried up kindling of the summer wildfires. I live in an area of California constantlyContinue reading "I Thirst…"
Capturing Joy
Second Sunday of Lent, February 25, 2024 Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”Continue reading "Capturing Joy"
Babbling Away…
Babbling Away… “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:7 Are my words anything more than meaningless babble? Recent challenges have stirred a cloud of confusionContinue reading "Babbling Away…"
Those Who Lie in Unmarked Graves
Recently I rode on a leaking bus for two hours in the pouring rain with 40 fourth graders. Our destination: Mission Santa Barbara. Our group finally landed in the Mission Church with a shell-shocked Franciscan, conscripted into service after the scheduled tour guides got trapped at home in the rain. Having no idea what theContinue reading "Those Who Lie in Unmarked Graves"
Dear Santa, take me with you
Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 24, 2023 "Go, do whatever you have in mind, for the LORD is with you." 2 Samuel 7:3 Dear Santa, For Christmas, I made a list of what you should give to places that don’t have stuff that are life essentials. I am going to start with asking you toContinue reading "Dear Santa, take me with you "
Remember the Dance
Second Sunday of Advent The prima ballerina entered from stage right and I felt the pricks of pain in my toe as if it were only yesterday. The silk of the ribbons around my ankles and the gentle friction of the tutu skirt on my legs were as real today as they were a lifetimeContinue reading "Remember the Dance"
Jen Coito: Ignatius at Home 