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When your plate seems way too full
Some weeks feel especially packed. This past one certainly did for me. Yet in the middle of it, I stumbled upon a new way to sort through the “delicacies” on my overflowing plate.…
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The Tap-Tap-Tap of the Holy Spirit
While hiking in the woods, I noticed an unusual sight: two trees standing side by side. They appeared to be the same age and type, likely sprouting from the same mother tree. Yet…
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Don’t romanticize the high in the spiritual life
A couple of weeks ago, I had a good heart-to-heart talk with Mark (who has given permission to share). He’s homeless but on a hopeful path. Eight weeks ago, he was sleeping in…
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Unhurriedness – the key to a rich spiritual life
Early Saturday morning, my wife and I set out on the two‑and‑a‑half‑hour drive to Raleigh for my grandson’s birthday party. As we were getting ready, my wife asked me to sign the card—a…
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A Lenten Challenge: Respond to Holy Discontent
Last Saturday, I had the privilege of presenting on Dilexi Te, I have loved you, Pope Leo’s exhortation on the poor, co-sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Catholic Charities of Charlotte. Seventy generous…
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Surprised by some unexpected evangelists
Pope Leo, in his inaugural exhortation Dilexi Te, says something that initially struck me as almost unsettling: “Let [yourself] be evangelized by the poor and acknowledge the mysterious wisdom which God wished to share…
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How to be the light of your world
Homily for the 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time Jesus tells us today, “You are the light of the world… set on a lampstand, it gives light to all in the house.” (Mt 5:13-16) …
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Suscipe: A beautiful prayer when Jesus is silent
I was meeting with a man in the middle of an ugly divorce. All he wanted—desperately—was reconciliation with his wife. Each attempt to reach out, however well-intentioned, was reported as a violation of…
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A dream: from the altar to the world
I awoke in a panic. Two different groups have recently asked me to do Lenten days of reflection (see below). I chose as an organizing theme Pope Leo’s inaugural exhortation, Dilexi Te (I have…
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How to remain in the right story
Last week, I helped facilitate a residency at Divine Mercy University. Twenty-four men and women were gathered there, each in the final stages of formation as spiritual directors. The group included priests, deacons, religious…
