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In the hustle-bustle of our everyday lives, many find it difficult to find some quiet time for Jesus. We get caught up in our chores, events, family needs, etc. When we lay our heads down at night, we are exhausted. It’s at times like these, that finding quiet time for Jesus is a must. Why? Because, we cannot succeed at anything without Jesus. Saint Francis de Sales is famously known for having quipped: Half an hour’s meditation each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed , So, if you want to get all the chores done, attend that basketball game for your eighth grader, and visit an elderly parent in a nursing home, then you need to find some quiet time to pray. Otherwise, it becomes difficult to make that all happen. When our focus is on Jesus, everything else falls into place. Find Quiet Time for Jesus Here are a few suggestions for how you can carve out quiet time for Jesus, to get life in order and accomplish all that is necessary: Read m

We were sitting in the pharmacy drive-through and my husband needed $.29 as change for our prescription.   I quickly told him I had it and started digging in my purse. After he got the prescription I told him he owed me the $.29 or a kiss.   Much to my dismay, he told me he had the change at home. Then, as we were getting out of the car, he noticed a quarter on the dirty mat under my feet.   I picked it up and asked him if this was my repayment, and he nodded teasingly. Oh brother.   Everyone’s a comedian. All joking aside, the truth is, I find being married to him such a joy.   We were joined in the Sacrament of Matrimony almost 38 years ago and I have found it to be such a life-giving union. A healthy marriage is a witness to the entire world that God isn’t done creating yet!   He joins two people together and gives them an essential way to participate in his divinity—to be fruitful and multiply, and to be a lighthouse for his saving mission. I fear, tho

While I try to avoid turning this blog into a political debate, I do believe that it might be helpful to share some things I have learned about moral theology (as well as a link) that might assist you in discerning your vote for the upcoming presidential election.   I have been observing the character of our recent political candidates carefully.   I have looked at independent parties that already exist, and one that is trying to grow.   I became aware of an element of the Democratic Party that I did not even know existed, known as Democrats for Life of America. I have debated with myself the ins and outs of voting for a presidential candidate that supports abortion and one that (supposedly) does not. To be sure, this political environment is extremely toxic and I have found it at once to be interesting, frustrating and disheartening.   I watched the debates as the field was being culled and I found them slightly informative. Anyway, I suspect there are a lot of people

Many people look at Lent as a season of punishment, denial, etc. (add your own negative words as a description). I say that Lent offers me an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus. I find that to be a very good thing! When I embrace Lent for all that it has to offer, I achieve the following: A new perspective on what I need to do to walk the journey Christ asks me to walk. The advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where I receive a clean soul, united to Christ. More time spent with Jesus, one-on-one, through visits to the Blessed Sacrament. It is here that He works on my soul, in the hospital of sinners. Increased insight to Christ’s salvific actions, performed for my benefit, by attending the Stations of the Cross. A greater awareness of the need for Christ’s unwavering love, forgiveness and mercy. Embrace Lent In what ways might you embrace Lent and glean the benefits of God’s Grace? How might you make this season a positive experience, removing all negative conn

I was looking for an item in the grocery store the other day and I asked an employee if he could help me find it.   I usually try to be cognizant of the fact that just because someone is stocking shelves, it does not mean that they are an employee of the store.   Often they work for the bread or pop company, for instance. On this particular day, the employee had a vest on that indicated he was an employee, so I asked him if he could help me; he responded by indicating that he was a “virtual shopper” and went on his way. At first I didn’t realize what he said, and then I looked at the bins he was placing items in and realized he was shopping for people who had ordered online.   This was the first time that I had come across someone doing this. I thought it was interesting that he didn’t help me, since he clearly would have known the placement of a ton of items in the store, since it was his job to shop! Anyway, a few days later I read with interest the article What We

Today we are in the Old Testament Book of Ezekiel (18:21-28), which is jam-packed!   Ezekiel was the first prophet to receive a call from the Lord outside the Holy Land.   In today’s reading, the prophet is talking about what happens to those who are virtuous in doing what is right and those who are not.   In a nutshell, here’s what he says . . . Using language a little different from what we use today, Ezekiel prophesizes that if a “wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed, if he keeps all my [God’s] statutes and does what is right and just, he shall surely live, he shall not die.” This is where we want to be, among those turning towards God! (Remember, the prophets were the ones who told the people what they should be doing in line with God, and warned them what could happen if they don’t.   Naturally, they were not always well liked.) Okay, so let’s continue with the virtuous man. But, “if the virtuous man turns from the path of virtue to do ev

Transfiguration of Christ Paolo Veronese [ Web Gallery of Art ] Readings   (New American Bible: Philippines, USA) Readings   (Jerusalem Bible: Australia, England & Wales, India [optional], Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa) Gospel   Matthew 17:1-9 ( New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition, Canada) Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves.  And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white.  Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.  Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’  While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen t