Our world, and particularly our nation, has seen such upheaval during the last year. Horrific fires ravaged the west, demonstrations for racial justice turned violent, the political climate has kept many on edge. A mob even stormed the Capitol. Say nothing of the pandemic. And these are just the public issues that we all know about – in the midst of these crises are an uncountable number of personal stresses and tragedies. Whew! It’s enough to make the most faithful among us throw up our hands and wonder where God is in all this mess.
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On the Memorial of St. Katharine Drexel
St. Katharine Drexel is my favorite saint. I am awed by this extremely affluent, young heiress who chose a life of voluntary poverty so that she could donate her wealth and life to share the Gospel with underserved minority populations. She is a paragon of generosity and radical cooperation with God’s vocation for her life. She is the embodiment of the verse from today’s gospel, “whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant” (Mt 20:26).
Pay Attention. There is Something Greater than Jonah
In today's Gospel, Jesus reminds the crowd of Jonah and Ninevites and tells them, "There is something greater than Jonah here." How often do I remember that at Mass? Maggie Phillips shares with us how she recognizes something greater than Jonah in her life.
Beyond the Day Spa – to a Hospital for Sinners
We all love a good cliché, even one about the Church. A quote attributed Saint Augustine comes to mind here: "The church is not a hotel for saints, it is a hospital for sinners."
Out of Love or Obligation?
“Do you do things out of love or only out of obligation?” Today's reflection examines our sense of duty and our sentiment of love.
On Being a Servant Leader
For the better part of the last 45 years, I have been mentored and guided by selfless servant leaders. Some were older than me and some younger, but all selfless and wise in their own right. Unfortunately, I also experienced some who claimed themselves as servant leaders, only to show themselves as wanting the world. The difference between the two was as clear as day. The true servant leaders understood and lived the conditions of discipleship and the others did not.
