Lift your spirit with encouraging, teaching, and healing words.

Pope Francis, a passing in glory
Church and State

Pope Francis: A Passing in Glory

Pope Francis came with a whisper, but his presence roared through our times. Rest in peace. Amen. I had just concluded my hours of prayer, the stillness that seeps deep into the soul. It was 4:20am EST, and I was about to shift into work mode—research paper open, books stacked ...
A jubilee Reflection on the Power of Hope
Easter

Easter Message: A Jubilee Reflection on the Power of Hope

It was still dark when Mary Magdalene walked to the tomb. It was not just the dimness of early morning but the kind of darkness overwhelming a grieving soul. Jesus had been crucified—hope, as she knew it, lay buried behind a heavy stone. But then, she saw. The stone had ...
The Spirituality of Feedback
SPIRITUALITY

The Spirituality of Feedback

A wise teacher said: "Every mark on your draft is a gift." When I first heard this, it felt like an attempt to soften the blow of a heavily annotated manuscript. But over the years, I've seen the truth in those words. Genuine, honest, generous feedback is not a correction ...
From Hosanna to the Cross_Palm Sunday
CHRISTOLOGY

From Hosanna to the Cross: A Journey of Love

It began with joyful noise—hosanna—along those ancient streets where thousands now walk on pilgrimage. Palms waved. Cloaks were spread along the dusty road. Women and men chanted praises. Children played, ran, giggled, and reached out to touch what felt like glory passing by. The cries of “Hosanna! Blessed is the ...
Sacred Geometry and the Symbolism of Numbers
SYMBOLISM

Sacred Geometry and the Symbolism of Numbers

I stood like a dwarfed creature in the middle of the giant sequoias in California some months ago, watching the late sun throw golden shapes onto the woods. The impressive trees stood tall with elegant pride. And then it hit me—how orderly the world feels when we stop to observe ...
Removes Your Shame: A contemplative image of open Scripture and a lit candle, symbolizing God’s mercy and the removal of shame during Lent.
PASTORAL THEOLOGY

God Removes Our Shame

As I sat with the Word of God this Fourth Sunday of Lent, preparing for Mass, I came face to face with something I couldn’t ignore—the radical compassion of God. It leapt from the pages and found me. I saw it first in Joshua 5:9, where the Lord says to ...
Finding Purpose in Doing One’s Task
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS

I AM: Finding Purpose in Doing One’s Task

After my early morning hours of encounter—praying the Rosary and sitting in the quiet glow of Adoration—I turn to Sacred Scripture. It’s Sunday, the Lord’s Day, and I feel drawn to linger longer in reflection. Today, I revisit my homily, which I began preparing a few days ago. Before I ...
A Newfound Insight on Prayer
REFLECTIVE

A Newfound Insight on Prayer as Intimacy

Prayer takes many forms, and we appreciate it in many ways. We may see it as communication with God, a simple conversation with our Creator, a surge of the soul to God, or a deeper dialogue that reflects our relationship with the Lord. Each perspective emphasizes various aspects of prayer. ...
True Friend
FAMILY

True Friendship

What defines a true friend? The following is a biblical perspective from the Book of Sirach, chapter 6.   When I was younger, I didn’t think much about this question. Life as a child, teenager, or young adult offers endless growth and learning opportunities. What excites us now often becomes ...
Our Mother and the Mother of God
MARIOLOGY

Our Mother and the Mother of God

This article explores the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. It shows its deep ties to the mystery of Christ, and how honoring Mary leads us closer to true worship of her Son. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May God’s choicest blessings be yours throughout this new year (2025), ...