Jonah: A Type of Jesus
In a Gospel this past week Jesus referred to Jonah. Quite some time ago I gave talks for catechists based on Jonah. I’m resurrecting it here, not only for religion teachers but for anyone who might enjoy another look at this delightful short story. . . . For too long the prophet Jonah has been […]
Dying Words of St. Anthony
Last week I came across the dying words of two famous people. This reminded me of my book I Am Going . . . Reflections on the Last Words of the Saints published by ACTA. It contains the dying words of 87 saints. As a sample, I copied here an excerpt about one of the […]
Reflecting on Fear
I’m working on my next book, a set of reflections on Scripture verses. Who knows when it will be finished. I keep getting sidetracked by other projects. Today I offer you a pre-publication view of one of its pages. And I ask your prayers for the perseverance and inspiration to see the book to its […]
Prayer Pictures: An Idea
A friend told me that she could never visualize things in her mind. I said, “If I say ‘red,’ don’t you see red in your mind?” “No,” she replied. “What if I said, ‘house’? Can you see a house?” “No. Nothing.” That day I learned to appreciate another gift if have: the ability to picture […]
Saint John the Baptist, Prophet
John the Baptist is a towering figure in the Bible. Jesus said of him, “Among those born of women, no one is greater than John” (Luke 7:28). This prophet stands at the crux of the Old Testament blossoming into the New Testament. He is a relative of Jesus and paved the way for him. Here […]
God the Father
Sunday was Father’s Day. I was reflecting on God the Father. He is at the very top of everyone’s family tree. We all came from him! I’m guessing that most people pray to Jesus rather than specifically to God the Father. Also, it’s strange that there is no feast in the Church year to honor […]
Cherishing Creation, God’s Gift
On Saturday we Sisters of Notre Dame spent an hour on Zoom focusing on caring for creation. It was based on Pope Francis’s Laudato Si’ where he says, “There is a nobility in the duty to care for creation through little daily actions, and it is wonderful how education can bring about real changes in […]
Month of the Sacred Heart
June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Some people might dismiss this devotion as outdated. That is a shame. The meaning behind this title is awesome and makes it relevant. To us, a heart means the entire person, one’s whole being, the core of oneself, the most important part. We say, “I love […]
SNDs Helping Migrants in Texas
My community opened a House of Hospitality in Texas for volunteers who work with migrants. Two of our Sisters run it and distribute needed items to the migrants at the Catholic Charities La Frontera. Through these SNDs we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, and clothe the naked. (Matthew 25:35) […]
Flowers for Mary, Legends and Gardens
Last week I planted seeds for flowers in pots on my balcony. If they were not too old and if the soil wasn’t too bad, the result should be a beautiful sight for people passing by. Sadly, I have more of a black thumb than a green thumb! In the northern hemisphere, May is the […]
