I was convinced I was going to die young. I am still young so I hope that is not true physically, but it has already happened spiritually. God knew me before I was born and in the time I pushed aside His love for a worldly life, He taught me to die to myself so I could let Him increase …
Side by Side – Day 26 “Happy Easter!”
Happy Easter!… No, you haven’t gone to the wrong reflection. Even in our Lenten journey we have to remain hopeful and recognize EVERY Sunday is a mini Easter. My family still has dinner every Sunday with my mother. I am the youngest of three boys (51, 49, 44) and have a sister who is 32. Yes, we still all come …
Side by Side – Day 25 “Humility”
We are now 25 days in to our Lenten journey. The simple fact that you are reading this means you are doing an amazing job… even if this is the first reflection you have stumbled upon after a while. Be thankful for your ability to desire growth in your faith life. Now for the reality check… you’re not great just …
Side by Side – Day 24 “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”
Love makes us do crazy things doesn’t it? Especially if it is pure. We all have the ability to witness those in relationships who have lived their vocation to love in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, with death being the only thing to make them apart. I’m a hopeless romantic who loves to see the …
Side by Side – Day 23 “Listen to Me”
The quote from the philosopher Epicetus tells us, ‘We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” Isn’t that the truth? Our words can often get us into trouble, not because we say bad things, but because we keep talking when we should be listening. God asks us to simply listen for His voice… …
Side by Side – DAY 22 “RULES”
Going back to my Catholic grade school years, I recall a time I cut in line as we lined up for the bathroom. Sr. Josephine, told me that if I was at the Cedar Point amusement park they would throw me out because I broke the rules and cut in line. While I didn’t think this was that severe, I …
Side by Side – Day 21 “Scripture”
I spent a lot of my early years being told what I should believe. I have to say, it wasn’t fair that people allowed me to think that is how a relationship with our Lord works. You must make an effort in your day to live in His word. It fills you in ways with grace that you cannot even …
Side by Side – Day 20 “Blessed Mother”
Some denominations of Christianity hold a very negative view of the Catholic recognition of Mary as the mother of God (Christ in His humanness). I don’t understand that. Mary was the first disciple, the first one to answer the call to follow Christ by her “Yes” to bring Him into the world. She was also the ultimate mother. Doesn’t every …
Side by Side – Day 19 “Moving Forward”
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 …