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 …
Side by Side – Day 9 “Knock Knock”
There’s an old joke who talks about a woman waiting for months to win the lottery. After crying out to God in anguish one night, the heavens open up and a voice says, “Hey Lady, help me out a little and go buy a ticket.” Our expectation of faith is that God will just do things for us. Even the …
Side by Side – Day 8 “Great Power, Great Responsibility”
In the movie, Spiderman, there is an awesome line: “With great power comes great responsibility.” As Catholic Christians we are all given gifts and talents to play our part in changing the world; it’s called our vocation. Every once and a while we don’t like what we are being asked to do…we have to do it anyway. Today our readings …
Side by Side – Day 7 “For Crying Out Loud”
Reverence in prayer is a beautiful thing. Surrounded by candles, lifting our soul up to God in quietness of the church so He can hear our desires. While that is a beautiful picture certain videos and movies depict, it’s not always reality. I would go deeper to say that it’s not what God wants all the time. He loves our …
Side by Side – Day 6 “Who Me?”
We can tend to forget what Christ is asking from us in order to live a holy life. When He gives His Sermon on the Mount, He is explaining to the people that yes there were laws given in the Ten Commandments, but now there are new laws. These are laws of action. It isn’t enough to just try and …
Side by Side – Day 5 “Daily Battles”
One thing we don’t talk about enough is “Spiritual Warfare.” Anytime we desire a closer relationship with Christ, the devil will work harder to do what he can in order to persuade us away. The Father knew this would be part of our humanness, so the Spirit leads His Son, Jesus, into the desert to be tempted before he begins …
Side by Side – Day 4 “Perfectly Imperfect”
“I’m not as holy as that person.” “God could never love someone like me.” “My life is a mess, I can’t even think about praying.” These are all expressions I’ve heard from people at one time or another. It’s sad to me because they’re missing the point of the healing love found in Jesus Christ. We don’t have to have …