Podcast

“I will make you a light to the nations that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”Isaiah 49:6I love the theme of this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18-25): They showed us unusual kindness.Here’s the background: When St. Paul arrived in Malta with his disciples, carrying the light of salvation, the people we...

“He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”Acts Chapter10 Verse 38Here’s a suggestion for the early days of January: Let’s make 2020 a “Francis Year.” If I sound mysterious, I don’t mean to. Our Holy Father wants us to be inspired to greatness, constantly renewed in the Spirit. So let...

“Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.”Isaiah chapter 60 verse 1Everyone has a ritual for ringing in the New Year and mine is pretty simple. The first thing I do is pause and thank God for my blessings.The year has been rich in Gospel witness—a blessing with so many rewards. Thanks to you,...

“Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another...”~ Colossians 3:12-13Time to get dressed up in your best finery. No, I’m not thinking of New Year’s Eve, although I love a good party just as much as anyone! I’m thinki...

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.”~ Isaiah 7:14Dear friend,Trust in God; do not be afraid. The Christmas story is filled with these comforting words.I think about the shepherds in the fields terrified at first by the appearance of an angel. But then they ...

“Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing.”~ Isaiah 35:4-6Dear Friend,What is your deepest longing? That’s the question I’ve been exploring wi...

“There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the Lord.”Isaiah 11:9The lion resting with the lamb... the leopard reclining with the kid. These are just two of the traditional images of Christmas that convey our message of peace and good will.The birth of the Christ Child is nothing less...

Life has a way of challenging our faith. At times it seems that God is asking us to carry burdens that are more than we can bear. We yearn to see things more clearly and understand God’s purpose for us and those we love. From time to time, I admit that includes me.The first step in receiving our “God of the living” is to trust. As I wrote las...

“Before the Lord, the whole universe is as a grain from a balance or a drop of morning dew come down upon the earth.”~ Wisdom 11:22Friend,The universe is almost unfathomable—more than we can imagine. It’s even more than scientists can grasp because with each discovery comes a puzzle, another awesome mystery to unpack.The human mind is natur...

When was the last time you updated your résumé?I’m kidding, of course, but not by much. The most important title any of us can have is “Compassionate Missioner,” although I imagine that’s not how you usually talk about yourself! As we begin our third week of the Church’s Extraordinary Month of Mission, I invite you to think about how yo...

For people of faith like us, we have a trove of inspiration to help us live our mission calling. I’m talking about the saints and martyrs—and the unsung heroes of everyday life who have crossed paths with us and left behind a blessing or two.This week, during our Extraordinary Month of Mission, our Holy Father Pope Francis asks us to deepen our...

Welcome to the Extraordinary Month of Mission!Our Holy Father Pope Francis invites each of us to practice our faith a little more deeply, with a little more fervor this month. Here’s why: In order to increase our faith, as Luke says, we must go out to others. That’s what mission is—a personal relationship with Jesus impelling us to be more a...