News - March 2022 RSS Feed

How do you pray? I know, it's a very personal question. There are many different ways to pray and methods of prayer. I would like to share a bit of my personal prayer life. I am especially attracted to some prayers that are found in the gospels. I have tried to make them my own and to use them frequently. I would like to share a few of my favorite prayers here.

"Regrets, I've had a few," the Sinatra song says. I suppose we all could say that as we look back at our past. But this Sunday as we near the end of Lent, the word of God is exhorting us not to look backward but forward. Our readings today urge us to break with the past, especially the sinful past, and look ahead to new life in Christ.

There's something about sharing a meal together that enhances fellowship. I once heard a company executive say that he thought, at least in New Orleans, more business deals got done over lunch than in the office!  Today's readings talk about reconciliation, restoration, and communion - symbolized by eating a meal together.

"Remove your sandals! Take care not to fall! Repent or you will likewise perish." Sobering messages all, on this Third Sunday of Lent. The word of God challenges us today to respect the holiness of God!

The Second Sunday of Lent is a liturgy of contrasts. The first reading relates God's covenant with Abraham, using fire, shining in the darkness. The gospel describes the glorious Transfiguration of Jesus, probably in the dark of night. In the second reading, there is the contrast of our lowly body with the glorified body of Christ and the promise of our own transformation.

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) has been around now for 55 years. ​I have been involved with the CCR for 54 of those years, nearly all of them in leadership. Over the years, I have heard my share of criticisms of the movement. Some have been valid and worth taking seriously. One of the most unfair criticisms I've heard, however, is that the CCR is not really Catholic.  The fact is, the Renewal has made some very significant contributions in the life of the Church and to the Catholic faithful. I have reflected on some of these in the past and would like to do so again here.

On this First Sunday of Lent, our thoughts naturally turn to fasting, sacrifice, "giving up" things we like. However, Lent is also a time for feasting...feasting on the word of God! And today's Scriptural fare is a great beginning for us.