He promised….
to turn hearts of stone into hearts of flesh…
to redeem that which was lost…
to seek after the wandering…
to give new life to the weary…
to bind and heal all wounds… Continue reading “Promises”
Promises
Category: Faith
On Highland
Most of what I have learned about the Lord’s mercy, I learned on Highland Avenue in Pittsburgh.
My younger sister and I were talking the other day about college. We agreed that perhaps even more impactful than the beautiful truths we learned in the classroom were the heart-wrenching experiences we had in ministry. Those were the moments that changed our hearts. Those were the moments when the truths of Christianity became living, breathing testimonies.
The first place I truly experienced a situation where I could love those who persecuted me was on Highland Avenue. Yet it was also the place where God reminded me that He never abandons anybody. There my heart was broken and there my heart was healed. Continue reading “On Highland”
The Things They Say
“That was the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen,” a student openly told another after I showed them (what I thought was) a funny video clip.
And we’re back. School was in its opening week and I already felt as though I was in the thick of it. Of course, my pride felt a little wounded at such a declaration. I was quick to think, “That is rather unlikely. You’ve probably seen far stupider things.” Another part of me wanted to put her in her place immediately. Continue reading “The Things They Say”
Speak Truth
There is something about truth that attracts.
It isn’t because the truth is always what we want to hear. Many times, it is the exact opposite. Truth, however, spoken ardently and sincerely can be a powerful force, a compelling and crushing beauty.
Challenging someone with unadorned truth can provoke change. And it can be a testament to the great love and respect the truth-teller has for the other. These reflections I’ve had spring from a rather unlikely source: I watched a movie. Continue reading “Speak Truth”
Intimately Universal
There is a coziness found in daily Mass. Slipping into a pew on a weekday morning, I like to think I am a member of an intimate family. It isn’t terribly early, but it feels like it is. The elderly are out in typical force, holding up the Church with their prayers and sacrifices. But there are also some younger people present: a couple moms with babies or children and a smattering of us who fall in the in-between, not very young or very old. Continue reading “Intimately Universal”
I Want Your Kids to Become Saints
“So in this class, essentially, I want your kids to become saints.”
They broke out into laughter. I meant for it to be funny in an understated way. But I’m not entirely certain we were all on the same page. Continue reading “I Want Your Kids to Become Saints”
Change
Change in oneself is often difficult to pinpoint. Growth can seem nearly nonexistent. Sometimes it is only after a decent length of time that we can begin to point out areas where we are different. Ah-ha! Something has changed! Finally! Continue reading “Change”
Receive Mercy
For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sinning. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrew 4:15-16)
One of the first times I really heard this passage, several things about it struck me as completely perfect for my life in that moment. And even if I don’t remember the specific state of my life, I am able to point to several parts of this passage that have a perennial blast of truth. Continue reading “Receive Mercy”
Know Christ
I’m reading City of Saints: A Pilgrimage to John Paul II’s Krakow and really enjoying it. (When I finish, I will post a book review.) Yesterday I read part of St. John Paul II’s speech to the youth during his first pastoral pilgrimage to Poland as pope. It was beautiful, so I decided to pass it along. Continue reading “Know Christ”
Ordinary
“What do your parents do?”
“My dad is a retired firefighter and now drives people at a retirement home. My mom stayed home with us when we were young and now works as a receptionist at a clinic.”
“Hmm. I thought it would be something different…I thought your dad would be a politician or something.”
“Nope. My dad is pretty ordinary.”
Some of the people at the table laugh and one says that the next time he sees my dad, he will tell him that I said he is ordinary.
“What did they do to teach the faith? Did you go to daily Mass?”
“No. We prayed the rosary sometimes and usually prayers at night. My parents just talked about the faith very openly and we always went to Mass on Sunday. My parents are pretty ordinary. They just did what they were supposed to: they were our primary educators in the faith.” Continue reading “Ordinary”
Seeking After His Heart 