Journal

Tag: Church Year/Liturgical Seasons

Resources for Ash Wednesday and Lent

Every year I look forward to the liturgical season of Lent for the sober opportunity it provides to take stock of my relationship with God, and take on or put off a few things that are hindering my intimate with God.   It feels for the soul like the season it falls...
Christmas Mystery of Marriage

Christmas Mystery of Marriage

In the Joseph portion of the Christmas story (Matthew 1: 18-24), Joseph reverses his decision to put Mary away due to his encounter with an angel of the Lord who comes in a dream. In the Mary portion of the Christmas story (Luke 1: 26-56), Mary accepts the word of the...

A Christmas Story

It was a chilly evening in Bethlehem. No snow, but definitely a bitter wind that made you want to seek cover. Not long after graduating from college, I was there.  Privileged to attend a Christmas Eve Mass at the 4th century Church of the Nativity, I prayed just a few...

Blossomed and Fed

A Homily in Memoriam for Peggy Buresh, December 15, 2013 My enduring memories of Peggy Buresh will not be her body in the last year of her life on this earth the way that this earth is now.  They will be of all her years of life leading into this past year, and there...

Opening Day

I wasn’t much of a baseball fan until the Nationals arrived in Washington. They just drew me in. Their youth and exuberance were contagious. The broadcasters helped me learn the game and appreciate the stories of individual players. Before I knew it, they were...

Stripping of the Altar on Maundy Thursday

My thoughts lingered on the stripping of the altar as the mood in the Maundy Thursday service shifted from Holy Eucharist to Gethsemane. All was cleared: left over bread and wine, communion vessels and fine linens, and candles. These items won’t be needed now....

Lent Rocks!

I love Lent…I love Lent.  It’s like a long, hot shower for the soul, spring cleaning for our spirits.  There’s such value in observing the church year, such pastoral help.  Lent helps us come clean through self-examination, confession, repentance, and amendment...

From John Michael Talbot on Christmas

I’ve deeply appreciated John Michael Talbot for many years.  His music and his life has shaped my heart.  And I found his Christmas letter this year beautiful.  Merry Christmas! We have seen a lot in the year, months, and weeks prior to Christmas 2012. Just to name a...

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