“For me to be a saint means to be myself. Therefore the problem of sanctity and salvation is in fact the problem of finding out who I am and of discovering my true self.” ― Thomas Merton New year's resolutions and Lenten commitments have one important common thread, they are only as effective as they are… Continue reading Knowing Thy True Self
"It is better to be a child of God than king of the whole world!" St. Aloysius Gonzaga With the approach of the Epiphany (Matthew 2:1-12), we behold quite a scene- one of perceived royalty and the other of unassuming divinity wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. And here, this quote by… Continue reading This Epiphany: Still Seeking?
The following guest post comes from an Advent Taize service led by my close friend and colleague from Loyola Chicago, Paula Kowalkowski. Readings: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Luke 1:26-38 The idea for this reflection came to me right after the 4th of July – lots of hot… Continue reading Guest Post: The Present
You may have heard the expression that "cleanliness is next to Godliness" and without a doubt this would not be a beloved mantra by most. Yesterday just so happened to be my opportunity to catch up on all the neglected household chores of the week. From the kitchen to the bathrooms, floors and counter tops,… Continue reading This Advent: Clean House!
"A man going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one-- to each according to his ability..." Mt 25: 14-30 Today's Gospel reading, if only taken on its surface, can leave us with a challenging understanding of… Continue reading Good and Faithful Servant
From those knowingly facing death to those whose life is suddenly and unexpectedly ended we are given a glimpse of the brevity of our time on earth and the urgency to be prepared. Yet, what are we preparing for, and what awaits us thereafter? Are we preparing for the end of our life, or a transformation to… Continue reading Worth Revisiting: See You Soon!
Beyond the treasures of abundant color, pumpkin lattes and cool crisp days, fall carries the promise to unwind, unplug and connect in a distinct way. With open windows, the tall sheer curtains stirring amidst the early morning breeze lays the invitation to allow the outside in. Beckoned to welcome the sunrise, to encounter the stillness,… Continue reading Worth Revisiting: Open Windows
Over the last few months, a potential mission opportunity has been occupying a special place in my prayers. Our collaborative, having already made two trips to Haiti for teens with another in February, has decided to embark on an adult trip next July. This mission, though only a week has born great fruit among the… Continue reading Take it All to Prayer
"An awareness of smells can illuminate our present. It can help us live more mindfully and gracefully. It can help us recognize that God's goodness saturates the world, in scents that are both obvious and subtle." Ginny Kubitz Moyer, Taste and See ( Loyola Press) Early morning dew, the scent of grateful peonies and roses greet… Continue reading Worth Revisiting: The Scent of Her Presence
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will… Continue reading In Our Weakness
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