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

Feeding of the Five Thousand
CHRISTOLOGY

Feeding of the Five Thousand: The Eucharist and Us, Part II

In a previous reflection, I emphasized the importance of recognizing what Christ sees and does. Christ sees our needs and thirsty souls, offering His body and blood to quench our parched spirits and unite us with Him. Also, I hinted that what we bring to worship is of lesser importance ...
A group of people sitting on top of a hill.
CHRISTOLOGY

Feeding of Five Thousand: The Eucharist and Us, Part I

The miraculous feeding of the five thousand (John 6:1-15) is not just a testament to Jesus' compassion but a profound revelation of his identity as the Messiah and the divine mystery of the Eucharist. In this miraculous event, we see more than just a miracle of provision; we witness the ...
A view of the ocean at sunset from an airplane.
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

Blessing: A Theological Conversation

Participants from across the United States gather for the National Eucharistic Congress, a momentous event in the history of the Catholic Church in the country. The congregation, united in gratitude and worship, celebrates the Eucharist, sharing stories of renewal, conversion, and faith-affirmation–extraordinary blessings that resonate deeply. The US 10th National ...
A sunset over the water with buildings in the background.
CHRISTOLOGY

Come to Me and Find Rest

Rest is often elusive in a world that lives from paycheck to paycheck. We chase after jobs, deadlines, ambitions, relationships, and bucket lists, only to find ourselves exhausted and yearning for something more. And yet, nestled within the Scripture is a profound invitation that promises what our souls desperately seek: ...
A statue of an old man with beard and mustache.
REFLECTIVE

Keep Bearing Witness Anyway

The stigmatist Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, Padre Pio, was one of the most beloved modern saints. Reports of his holiness, love for God and neighbor, and the incredible miracles that the Lord worked through him were numerous. Many flocked from different parts of the world to see the monk who, ...
A close up of yellow flowers with green stems
GRACE

The Mustard Seed: Understanding the Workings of God’s Grace

A reflection on the working of grace like a mustard seed. I had a warm and uplifting conversation with a teen in Dublin who is passionate about his faith. He had a unique boldness regarding his identity as a believer in Christ. The freshness of his love for the Lord ...
Two men in white robes standing at a alter.
CHRISTOLOGY

The Eucharist as Thanksgiving for Sanctification

Previously I wrote about the Eucharist as thanksgiving and praise to God for creation and redemption. In this last of three articles on the Eucharist as thanksgiving, I will discuss the aspect of sanctification. Trinitarian Dimension of the Eucharist The trinitarian dimension of the Eucharistic praise relates to the Father ...
A statue of jesus holding the cross in his hands.
CHRISTOLOGY

The Eucharist: Thanksgiving and Praise for Redemption

In the first part of this blog, I discussed the Eucharist as a thanksgiving and praise to God the Father for creation. Now, let's look at the Eucharist as an act of thanksgiving for redemption. I'd emphasize the role of sacrifice. Thanksgiving for Redemption With two decades in Holy Orders, ...
A priest is holding his hands in prayer.
CHRISTOLOGY

The Eucharist: Thanksgiving and Praise for Creation

In this series of reflections on the Eucharist, I will explore various topics centered around the theme of the Eucharist as the "source and summit of our Christian life." These reflections will include discussions on the Eucharist as an act of thanksgiving and as the bread of life, with a ...
A close up of the eye of a person
REFLECTIVE

What Does Seeing Jesus Mean Today?

In the endless streams of Internet notifications, pop-up ads, AI signals, and binge-watching demanding our attention, the quest to "see Jesus" may seem like a throwback to a bygone era. Yet, the idea of wanting to encounter Christ, to truly see and understand his message, remains as relevant and urgent ...