More than ten weeks after his death, the body of Francis Xavier was found uncorrupted, flesh colored, and had no odor of death. To this day, his body remains without blemish or sign of decay. Xavier was born in Spain’s Basque country in 1506, and before he was 24, he was a Master of Arts … Continue reading Saint Francis Xavier
Category: Short Bits
Blessed Nicholas Ferrar
Drawn to religious life and devotion to family, Nicholas established an extended Rule of Life at Little Gidding just outside London in 1626. Born in a time of significant travel amongst countries in Europe as well as the push into the New World of America, Nicholas also participated in travel that helped to shape his inward devotion … Continue reading Blessed Nicholas Ferrar
Blessed Charles de Foucauld
Born in France to an aristocratic family, Charles was orphaned at 6 years old. He rejected the Catholic faith of his grandfather and joined the army as a teen. While in the army, he desired to travel to Morocco for scientific research but was denied his petition. He subsequently resigned his position from the army … Continue reading Blessed Charles de Foucauld
First Sunday of Advent
Often we focus our attention on the Gospel readings for Sundays and perhaps using the Epistle and Old Testament readings as periphery or context. As we all know and are probably tired or frustrated of hearing this: 2020 has been a challenging year. And, given the vast array of emotions we have experienced, I would … Continue reading First Sunday of Advent
It Doesn’t Matter What They’re Doing
We “title” this text as the parable of the talents, and we view it as the one worker who squanders his gift. But, I want to highlight a different player in the game: the landowner. The Gospel text tells us that the landowner was “a harsh man, reaping where [he] did not sow, and gathering … Continue reading It Doesn’t Matter What They’re Doing
Saint Martin of Tours
It is said that years after the passing of Saint Martin, the part of the cloak was preserved in an oratory that came to be called “The Little Cloak.” In Latin: cappella. In Old French: chapelle. So, the place we now call a chapel originated from the story of Saint Martin. So, what is this story of … Continue reading Saint Martin of Tours
My Shadow
C.S. Lewis wrote in The Problem of Pain, “Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say ‘My tooth is aching’ than to say ‘My heart is broken.’ “ Sleep whispers … Continue reading My Shadow
November 1, 2020
We celebrate All Saints Day remembering all those mighty prayer warriors and giants in the faith who have gone before us. As we pause for a moment a reflect on their lives, I pray that we dig deeply into what characteristics of their lives strikes us. Was it the determination of Saint Teresa of Avila? … Continue reading November 1, 2020
October 25, 2020
Our passage in Deuteronomy informs us that God shares new information with Moses and Aaron. God has Moses climb to the peak of a hill and survey all the beautiful land below. As Moses views this vast land, God informs him that both he and Aaron will not enter into this land. And, while this … Continue reading October 25, 2020
Jesus, Take Your Time
Good Morning! When I wake up in the mornings, my cats are usually screaming at me to be fed while they herd me out of my room, down the hall, and into the kitchen to their food bowl. As my coffee percolates on the stove, I scroll through Instagram to see the pictures of baby … Continue reading Jesus, Take Your Time
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