The Parable of the Sower and the Seed needs to be viewed from two different perspectives in order to unlock its meaning – from that of the sower and that of the seed. Whether sowing or growing – the point is a plentiful harvest and much fruit. Reflection on the Mass readings for the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year […]
perseverance
Daily Catholic Quote — from Saint John Paul II
“The way Jesus shows you is not easy. Rather, it is like a path winding up a mountain. Do not lose heart! The steeper the road, the faster it rises towards ever wider horizons. May Mary, Star of Evangelization, guide you! Docile like her to the Father’s will, take the stages of history as mature and convincing witnesses.” (Pope St. John […]
The Qualities of Prayer Taught by the Lord
In my parish ministry and work around the archdiocese, one of the questions I receive most frequently is like the question posed to Our Lord in Luke’s Gospel, “He was praying in a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’” (Luke 11:1) People simply […]
Do You Want to Know the Essential Qualities of Prayer?
In my parish ministry and work around the archdiocese, one of the questions I receive most frequently is like the question posed to Our Lord in Luke’s Gospel, “He was praying in a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’” (Luke 11:1) People simply […]
How One Child Transformed His Dad
Fathers make a difference. When they go missing, suffering is inflicted upon the family which then bleeds out into the community in so many ways. Children also make a difference in the lives of their fathers. Science has even revealed that fatherhood actually changes a man’s brain when he is an active caretaker. Neurons make new connections and hormones increase […]
Encountering the Word — Romans 12:11
A Daily Quote From Sacred Scripture “Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord.” (Romans 12:11) Print this entry
Advice for Parents with Children Who Have Left the Church
My child has left the Church, what should I do? Why does it seem like my prayers are not answered? Those two questions are heavy in the hearts of many faithful Catholics. Fr. Thomas Grafsgaard, pastor of St. Wenceslas of Dickenson, North Dakota, made these questions the topic of his two talks at the Women’s Simple Lenten retreat for the […]
Encountering the Word — 2 Timothy 4:7-8
A Daily Quote from Sacred Scripture “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing” […]
Encountering the Word — Matthew 10:16-23
A Daily Quote From Sacred Scripture “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and […]
What are the Essential Qualities of Prayer?
In my parish ministry and work around the archdiocese, one of the questions I receive most frequently is like the question posed to Our Lord in Luke’s Gospel, “He was praying in a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’” (Luke 11:1) People simply […]