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 …
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. …