The oldest known photograph of a human being is of a man getting his boots cleaned on a street in Paris, France, in 1838.  In the eerie, black and white photo, the two silhouette-like figures look lonely on the deserted street.  It turns out that the photograph is deceptive, however. ...
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“Hear, O Israel:  The Lord our God is one Lord: and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).   Our memories of gatherings with friends and family at Thanksgiving and other significant times can p...
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When I first served as a director of religious education, many years ago ,I was very fortunate to be able attend conferences, workshops and retreats. I heard many wonderful presenters who shared good information, great wisdom and valuable insights about the faith and ministry. However, there was on...
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While on vacation and attending the Saturday evening vigil Mass a couple of weeks ago, I was humbled and moved by the participation of the faithful in attendance. The responses were not only clearly audible, but I sensed a tone of sincerity as well. The participation of the assembly in singing was...
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I recently attended the funeral of a man who, with his wife, raised a family of 15 children.  I find that totally amazing, but this family made it work.  During the homily, we learned that the family wasn’t able to do some things, but managed to have fun.  Camping trips looked...
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I recently led an RCIA session on the topic of the Bible.  Since the Bible contains sacred stories that point to God’s loving presence in the world, I shared one of my own sacred stories with the group.             In the fall of 199...
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“At dusk weeping comes for the night; but at dawn there is rejoicing.” –Psalm 30:6   Do you believe that God speaks through the Scriptures and that, in the hearing, we experience God’s self- communication personally? I suspect that many of you are responding to that que...
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On a recent Monday, as I moved a cart of material into the work station I was setting up, I brushed against a package of foam. As I did so, I noticed small holes in the huge plastic bag that contained four rolls of foam standing about six feet high. The holes were a reminder of a day some time ago...
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It’s been heartbreaking to see the people interviewed on the news who have been affected by the floods and terrible winds.  One lady made the simple statement, “I don’t even have a pair of earrings left!”  What becomes “our stuff” in life can mean a gre...
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‘And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” –Luke 2:7 Why was there no room for Mary, Joseph and Jesus “in the inn?”  What kinds of inns did they have in Bethleh...
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