I was listening to the Catholic Stuff You Should Know podcast yesterday and one of the young clergy on there informed us that Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert (where the Holy Spirit "led" Him) in order to prepare Himself for the battle to come. And that battle was to meet the devil … Continue reading The Battle
Lead Us Not Into Temptation
I'm including a couple of messages that address today's Gospel reading concerning Jesus' temptations in the desert. One is a homily by Father Mike Schmitz, one is a message from Matthew Kelly. Father Mike's video is the entire Mass; if you want to just hear his homily, fast forward to minute 9:15. It's really, really … Continue reading Lead Us Not Into Temptation
The Secondary Cause
I heard Father Mike Schmitz a couple of days ago on the Catechism in a Year podcast, (which I highly recommend!) speaking about Secondary Causes. I understand, sort of, Thomas Aquinas' argument that God is the Primary Cause and we are the Secondary Cause, or one of them, because there could be an infinite number … Continue reading The Secondary Cause
Not enough love in the world…
As I do from time to time, I'm sharing an article that I find compelling and worth considering. Let us love one another is what the wise, God fearing, New Testament writer begs of all Christ followers. John merely echoes the commands of His Lord and ours, Jesus Christ, in the Gospels. In this same … Continue reading Not enough love in the world…
Love is Sacrifice
Yesterday was my birthday. My age doesn't matter that much for today's reflection, but the fact that it was my birthday does help explain why I found myself watching The Last Bus on one of the many streaming services to which we subscribe. The service asks who is watching. I have my own profile and … Continue reading Love is Sacrifice
A lesson I never forgot
My grandmother explained to me one time what the Incarnation of Jesus was like. I don't mean the Word becoming flesh, the theological explanation that John's Gospel gives us. She was a simple woman, though a wise one. And a pious one. She just wanted to teach one of her visiting granddaughters about the what … Continue reading A lesson I never forgot
For the 4th of July
I came across this speech I gave 6 years ago on the 4th of July. I can't believe the wonderful city of Belton, Texas invited my battle buddy, Sandra Lee Smith, and me to be the "Grand Marshalls" of this parade! It was a great day! Not much to add to my remarks so here … Continue reading For the 4th of July
The Commission
I picked the readings for my husband's and my wedding over 38 years ago. He sort of gave me that honor, I'll say. The Gospel passage I chose for the presiding priest to proclaim during our wedding Mass was entitled in my Bible, "The Great Commission." I thought, "Well, how perfect! I'm marrying a U.S. … Continue reading The Commission
What matters most to me
One day, several years ago, I was sitting in an empty chapel praying and waiting for the families to arrive for the funeral of my cousin's mother-in-law. A man who looked to be homeless, in disheveled, dirty clothing with matted hair to match, approached my pew. His shoes were worn through and he shuffled when … Continue reading What matters most to me
Drowning in Lemonade 
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