The More Empty, the More Room

While we may not think of being "empty" as a good thing, we must realized that these moments of spiritual and physical "poverty" happen in life. Sometimes this emptiness comes to us like the widow in today's gospel (who gave all she had from her poverty) and sometimes someone like Fr Leger, a Cardinal of … Continue reading The More Empty, the More Room

Your Role in the Play

From central casting agency. You have been cast in our upcoming production for the following role: “Immigrant.” This is a leading role and an essential character to the story. Immigrant: role description and back story You are journeying to a great destination that will provide you with freedom and peace. You are willing to do … Continue reading Your Role in the Play

Yearning for the Stable Moon

Last night we ventured out as a small group of friends to an area nearby on a mountain where the Vanderbilt Observatory is tucked at the top of a clearing. Saturday nights once a month, the famous Bluebird Cafe offers live music with some of the originals and best singer/songwriters in this talented place called … Continue reading Yearning for the Stable Moon

The Gaze

Waiting in the hospital while her husband was in an important surgery, she saw him. He was walking between two armed officers, chains bound his wrists and feet. As he shuffled toward her she noticed his disheveled appearance--tattoos everywhere, long unkempt hair and his prison jumpsuit. Do not avert your eyes....she reminded herself. Last week's … Continue reading The Gaze

How to Increase Our Trust in Times of Desperation

A text popped up on my phone the other night, "Jesus, I trust in you." One of my bestie's pics popped up with her name. "Everything ok?" I texted back. The response was not surprising, that anxieties are mounting. Sometimes, all we can do is muster a short act of faith like one prayer St. … Continue reading How to Increase Our Trust in Times of Desperation

Truth

“Turn me inside out”…”This is the meaning of true love; to give until it hurts.” St Teresa of Calcutta.
Beautiful reflection.

Reflections from the Pew

Surely it is foolishness
That to be fulfilled
I must empty myself
That to be esteemed
I must humbly serve others
That to taste the nectar of freedom
I must be wholly obedient

So it is for those who are perishing
The wise see the Cross as folly
But believers see His saving power
So shred my worldly wisdom
Do not cast me aside
Turn me inside out
So to live in Your Truth

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O Come! King of all Nations!

My brother-in-law makes these beautiful nativity scenes out of old mint tins. None of them are the same. Each has a unique posturing of the Holy Family. The tiny gestures of hands, tilted heads, and open arms all pray in me a most profound peace and worship of the newborn King.

A Letter of Support and Hopefulness to Pope Francis — The Simple Catholic

Dear Pope Francis, God bless you and your priesthood, dear Holy Father. For it is in this mysterious gift the papacy rests in your hands, stirs in your heart, and witnesses with your life. Providence has brought you to us. I am always grateful for Providence. I am a spiritual daughter of St. Mother Theodore… via … Continue reading A Letter of Support and Hopefulness to Pope Francis — The Simple Catholic

Three Virtues I have Learned From Ohio State Fans

Here in Music City, we get over 14 million visitors a year, many of which hope to grab that coveted ticket to the Bluebird, drink a beer at Tootsie's, or walk the hallowed halls of The Ryman. Ironically, questions about visiting these places often rank second to the all-time number one question we get from … Continue reading Three Virtues I have Learned From Ohio State Fans

These Words From Mother Teresa Will Give You Hope

By Kristine Bruce, founder of "Praying for Our Prodigals" When thinking about my kids who are away from the church, my “prodigals”, I so want to wake them up to the urgency of getting back into the fold of faith.  I know many parents feel this pressing desire.  I often feel so burdened not only … Continue reading These Words From Mother Teresa Will Give You Hope

Three Worthy Reactions from the Man in the Tree

Zacchaeus, which means "clean, pure" in Hebrew, may not have seemed to be aptly named to those who knew him.  He was a small man with big greed; like most tax collectors during the time of Christ, he was most likely despised for extorting money from people thereby making himself a wealthy man.  Choosing physical … Continue reading Three Worthy Reactions from the Man in the Tree

Peace and Division

Back to school week for most of us means back to business, including meeting to Encounter Christ in the upcoming Sunday gospel together as a group.  Usually one of our well-attended gatherings, we were happy there were a few more than normal in attendance for digesting the challenging nature of this gospel passage.  Christ explains … Continue reading Peace and Division

Bedtime Stories

When my children were little, we would have what was called a "Book Picnic".  Sometimes we would read together in an elaborate "fort" made from kitchen chairs, couch cushions and blankets.  Sometimes we would pile all the blankets and pillows on the floor and lay on our tummies together reading our favorite books. My personal … Continue reading Bedtime Stories

Get Out Of The Way

We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. --Romans 8:28 While juggling graduations, women's retreats, surprise visitors and more, I worried.  I worried about everyone.  I didn't want anyone to feel overwhelmed, overextended or anxious.  So, I stepped in. In order to soften any inconveniences for … Continue reading Get Out Of The Way

Good Friday

"The cross represents all of the love of God, which is greater than our iniquities and our betrayals. In the cross we see the monstrosity of a man, when he allows evil to guide him; but we also see the immensity of the mercy of God, who does not treat us according to our sins … Continue reading Good Friday

“Bad Moms” and Fire-Fighting Storks

As we reflected on this Sunday's gospel about the woman caught in the act of adultery,  the current headlines involving rich and famous parents trying to buy their kids' way into reputable colleges lingered in my mind.   Like the media frenzy in this "bad moms" of college students scenario, I could similarly envision the ruckus … Continue reading “Bad Moms” and Fire-Fighting Storks

Vanity of Vanities

Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity! (Ecc 1) I used to think these words were Shakespeare's, and even then, their truth rattled my ears.  Now knowing that these words are from the book of Ecclesiastes, they are even more sobering.  Indicating perhaps meaningless time and effort we waste in our lives on that … Continue reading Vanity of Vanities

Put Out Into The Deep Water

This weekend's gospel teaches us about the abundant blessings that await us in the "deep water", a timely indication of the need for deep prayer, especially just having finished our silent retreat which was themed around hope. Traditionally, we use the first Encounter With Christ meeting after our retreat to talk about the beautiful things … Continue reading Put Out Into The Deep Water

All That I Have Is Yours

HEB 6:10-20 Brothers and sisters:God is not unjust so as to overlook your workand the love you have demonstrated for his nameby having served and continuing to serve the holy ones.We earnestly desire each of you to demonstrate the same eagernessfor the fulfillment of hope until the end,so that you may not become sluggish, but … Continue reading All That I Have Is Yours

Encountering Resolutions: The Best of 2018

Celebrating the New Year has always meant a stream of old movies or opening a new book, and of course, getting organized.  I guess the best thing about New Year's is the sense of personal renewal we all feel, making resolutions to better people; physically, financially, and personally.  I also feel the blessing of renewal … Continue reading Encountering Resolutions: The Best of 2018

Make Haste Not Bustle

Looking up "haste" on thesarus.com , ("extreme speed, hurry") I noticed an almost perfectly divided list of 43 synonyms that have nearly as many negative connotations as positive.   I was thinking about "haste" as I reflected on this upcoming gospel reading for the fourth Sunday in Advent, and I have to ask myself the question, … Continue reading Make Haste Not Bustle

Watching Verses Waiting

Rounding the second Sunday of Advent, and on the beautiful feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, we held our annual Advent By Candlelight.  These evenings of reflection for women during seasons of Advent (and Lent) provide women with a peace-filled fellowship in an elegant, candle-lit atmosphere. Fr Peter Hopkins, LC, joined us this year, … Continue reading Watching Verses Waiting

Spiritual Muscle Memory

As a dancer, my daughter spends hours each day developing what is called "muscle memory".  Her muscles are being trained to engage together for a specific reactive form that becomes a skill which plays out on a stage as art.  Requiring thousands of hours of strengthening particular muscles so they create the perfect ballet form … Continue reading Spiritual Muscle Memory

These Belong To You

I once read a beautiful story about a woman who was very attractive.  She received many compliments during her days.  Graciously, she took each compliment and imagined it was a lovely rose.  She envisioned putting each complimenting "flower" to her nose, luxuriating in its sweet scent. Next, she added the "flower" to a "bouquet" of … Continue reading These Belong To You

Vacancy

My First Understanding of Vacancy; A Happy Memory Four girls ages 8-19 stuffed into a car, bags packed with swimsuits and excitement, round the West Virginia turnpike while counting mile markers on the road until the next mountain tunnel on the trip tic; three tunnels means progress. The static on the radio occasionally breaks to … Continue reading Vacancy

Florence, Falls and Feeding the Hungry

  September is the month of recounting some big disasters.  The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and hurricanes past have been on my heart lately, and seem to evoke the same sense of looming that we have been experiencing in news reports of the Catholic Church.  I have ready many related articles and posts … Continue reading Florence, Falls and Feeding the Hungry

Be Opened

Riding through the desert nearing Palm Springs, we noticed the field of often photographed wind turbines.  I was transfixed by their soothing flow; all coming from wind and solar energy, but spinning at different speeds and even different directions. These turbines stand together in a crowd but starkly individual, drawing their power from the same source.  … Continue reading Be Opened

Caution: Fog Ahead: Reduce Speed and Put on Lights

Six states.  Four schools.  Three days.  Two worn out people. One thousand miles. I have been blessed to have a mother/son adventure with both of my boys to investigate colleges.  This summer, it was JD's turn and he was honing in on schools that were "driving-distance".  We have always taken long road trips in our … Continue reading Caution: Fog Ahead: Reduce Speed and Put on Lights

Bloggers Support Bloggers Award

I want to thank Valerie Cullers for nominating me for this award!  I love to read Valerie's conversational posts about situations in her life that have lead to inspirational revelations or "life lessons".  They are entertaining and meaningful and pair up perfectly with a cup of coffee, like chatting with a friend. Please check out Valerie's … Continue reading Bloggers Support Bloggers Award