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How to sing “Happy Birthday” to Mother Mary
A scene I witnessed at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City filled my heart with wonder. Among the hundreds of people milling about this most visited Catholic shrine in the…
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Is this the banquet Jesus had in mind?
Lunch is a central activity at Strong Life Rescue Mission for the homeless. As the hour approaches, there’s an anticipation. Some set up the tables, arrange the desserts, or pass out drinks, and ask…
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What is the fruit that ripens with silence?
Saint Teresa of Calcutta had an interesting business card. On the front, it simply said Mother Teresa, MC. No address. No phone number. No other contact information. On the back, she had a…
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New Additions to the Litany of Humility
Many Catholics form a love-hate relationship with the Litany of Humility. They love to pray it, but hate to be convicted by it. I’m guessing most people are like me. The first time through,…
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How to Wait with Blessed Hope
Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. (Lk 12:32-48) When I combine the message in all of the readings for the liturgy, one phrase comes to mind:“As we…
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How to name that spiritual ‘funk’
“Is this a dark night, spiritual desolation, or the cross?” That’s a question I asked a person who was going through a tough time. He assumed the burden of caring for his adult…
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A New Image for the Star of Hope
I’ve been preparing my notes for a day of reflection for Campus Ministers. The theme is “Hope”. With hope on my mind, I’ve also been working with a homeless man named Tom. He’s…
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Homeless in a World of Unforgiveness
In my work with the homeless, I’ve run across a puzzling situation. Many may have a place to live – with a sister, a mother, or a father – but don’t. Instead, they’re…
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How to live with goats in the rear-view mirror
When I leave my house, I drive along the Catawba River. One morning, I happened to look in the rear-view mirror. Much to my delight, I saw the pink sun rising over the water. Much…
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Prodded to be a Good Samaritan
The question the scribe had for Jesus was, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answers with the parable of the Good Samaritan. A man is robbed and abandoned on the side of the…
