making sense of life in the details
In the past several weeks, it has become clear that American Catholics have both a new opportunity and responsibility to do something with which they may not have a lot of practice: spiritual discernment. In the time since the obligation and practice of mass attendance was suspended in March, individual Catholics have relied on their... Continue Reading →
“In all honesty, I have to say she was sent to me by the Holy Spirit.” My friend, Bob, was talking to me about the incredible care he’s receiving in hospice, and specifically the care he’s receiving from his CNA, Paulette. Paulette came here from Jamaica 33 years ago, raised five children, and worked hard... Continue Reading →
I was walking in one of my favorite places just now when I saw this wooden chapel birdhouse. It’s not the first time I’ve noticed it. In fact, I’ve taken hundreds of pictures of it over the years, in every time and season. Sometimes the leaves are green and full as they are today. Sometimes... Continue Reading →
I spent the afternoon away from home, walking and praying and asking God to speak into my next steps. There is so much up in the air. I’m a preschool music teacher who doesn’t yet know if the schools will open in the fall, or whether there will be funding for my programs, or whether singing... Continue Reading →
I am astounded by phlox. You know, the tiny little perennial flower that pops up in bright pink, purple, and white this time of year on hillsides and rock walls. We planted a couple of small bits on our patio around some larger planters four or five years ago and each year it comes back... Continue Reading →
I was watching this video last night and was about half-way through when I burst into tears. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUtll3mNj5U It’s a collaboration of over 65 churches and Christian movements in the UK, their music ministers calling down blessings over their country. And if you watch their faces, you see their connection to the Holy Spirit,... Continue Reading →
I’m a Catholic and my heart is broken, again. An audio recording of a meeting between Catholic bishops and President Trump reveals a modern-day exchange of silver. Catholic school funding + defense of the pro-life cause = political support and Catholic votes. Never mind this administration’s horrific, bungling, and careless late response to the pandemic,... Continue Reading →
I’m having a hard time today. I found I didn’t want to get out of bed and face another day filled with the same stresses, fears, and challenges we’ve been facing for weeks. I’ve been working hard to find the positive, and as a person of faith, to find the resurrection part of all this... Continue Reading →
It’s Good Friday, and in this coronavirus time, we’re not gathering in our churches for the Stations of the Cross or for the services we’re used to. We’re not venerating the Cross or singing the solemn songs together. It may be harder for Christians to enter into the Story than it’s been in Holy Weeks... Continue Reading →
