To cut “right to the chase,” we are moving forward in faith, or we are going backwards; there is no standing still. If we get caught in a comfort zone we begin to make it about us because it’s “nice” and it feels good to relax. However, it’s when our guard is down that the evil one looks to infiltrate …
Side by Side – Day 18 “Lord Have Mercy”
If you are like me, it can be easier at times to be merciful toward others than to be merciful with myself. I am constantly beating myself up for things that I have done or mistakes I have made. In these moments, I have to offer it up in prayer and ask the Lord to share His mercy with me …
Side by Side – Day 17 “Jealousy”
If there is one trait that can derail our progress instantly, it is jealousy; desiring and despising what others are blessed with in life. In our readings for this day we hear how hating someone else for what they have leads to murderous thoughts. As we talked about with the fifth commandment, in our lives, it might not be physical …
Side by Side – Day 15 “Servant Leadership”
What makes a good leader? Our entire Lenten journey has us reflecting on Jesus who led twelve men, with different professions, into ministry to carry on the same church we celebrate thousands of years later. Jesus Christ came down from Heaven as a human being to humble himself to share in our humanity. Never asking us to do anything that …
Side by Side – Day 16 “Follow the Leader”
When we were kids we loved playing “Follow the Leader.” It was so much marching or doing silly things and having others mimic our movements. Life pretty much plays out the same way whether we choose to recognize it or not. People are following our living example of faith… people we care about and love deeply. Our goal is to …
Side by Side Day 14 “Man of Few Words”
Strength, courage, obedience, faithfulness, and leadership are all qualities we admire in others. Joseph, husband of Mary Our Blessed Mother, possessed all these things. Yet, he doesn’t say one word in all of scripture where he is mentioned. It’s his quiet nature to give all of himself for the will of God that makes us want to live like him. …
Side by Side – Day 13 “Pound for Pound”
The scales of justice are a pretty good visual for today’s message. You see, the Gospel is telling us that how we measure others, we will be measured. Simply put, however you judge other people, that’s what you’re asking for from God when he looks at you. There is a simple quote that says, “Never judge the inside of your …
Side by Side – Day 12 “Valley Living”
The story of the Transfiguration is one of my favorite stories as it relates to how we react when God shows up in our life. Peter is so excited on the mountain to see Christ’s glory that he just wants to set up tents for everybody and stay there forever. However, once the clouds come over, he basically freaks out …
Side by Side – Day 11 “Keep Your Enemies Closer”
I must admit, forgiveness is a rough one for many of us. It’s nice in theory but the memories we have of our hurt make us never forget. This is exactly why it’s necessary. Yes, we offer forgiveness to loved ones to let them know we can move on. What about our enemies? We have to keep them closer in …
Side by Side – Day 10 “Taking the Fifth”
We are ten days into lent and we are hit with a biggie, “Thou shall not kill.” The short version of the fifth commandment can have us breathing a sigh of relief. “If I haven’t physically murdered anyone, I am clear of having to confess this one…” WRONG! The beauty of our Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us of …