As he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.”-John 1:36 Have you ever asked a small child how old they are? You have received a more detailed response than you ever imagined. For little kids, birthdays are a huge deal. When they are asked their age, the response is often nuanced,ContinueContinue reading “Behold & Share”
Category Archives: Christmas
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 theContinueContinue 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 toContinueContinue reading “Dear Santa, take me with you “
Sacred Souvenirs
“Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.” Isaiah 60:4-5 I didn’t expect to cry as soon as I pulled into the city limits. I was excitedContinueContinue reading “Sacred Souvenirs”
Contagious Generosity
“Give this to the Sisters to buy fruits and vegetables for their children in the orphanage.” My 6-year-old pressed the contents of her piggy bank, all 67 cents, into my hands. Our youngest son’s godmother had been on a two month sabbatical: teaching and leading retreats for her fellow Sisters in Africa. Each week theContinueContinue reading “Contagious Generosity”
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”
Unashamed
Sometimes wrestling fear is as futile as wrangling a toddler into fancy clothes for a picture. What if we stopped allowing that fear to control us?
Jen Coito: Ignatius at Home 