Writings for the Journey

Jesus preached with words, but much of his preaching involved tales that were about acting in a certain way. The good Samaritan, the widow’s might, the prodigal son, the man who wanted to store up his grain in a second barn... these are a few examples of people who...

This past weekend a group of people on retreat made a one-year commitment as Holy Cross Associates (now called Spes Unica Associates). They promised to grow spiritually, create community, and serve others. Our vocation is a call from God. As Christians, we do not say...

What do I have that is truly my own? When I have thoughts about life, God, other people, is it only my thinking? Maybe these thoughts come from a cast of players who have had an influence on my life. There are my parents and the generations that preceded them, my...

Most of us keep a calendar. We record the events of our lives with its dates and times. There are obligations, meetings, and many other items. We sometimes are not tuned in to what is happening now. We find the days, weeks, months, and seasons slipping by. What we...

Jesus says that he is the vine and we are the branches. Where do the branches get its green leaves, and its ability to produce the grapes? In the metaphor it is from the vine that is Christ. It is Christ who creates the dynamic the gives energy, strength do produce...

One of the difficulties those on a spiritual path may have is a false sense of humility. If we are constantly reminded that we are sinners, we could lose confidence and the opportunity to walk with confidence in our faith. What could help us develop and live a...

As we explore the many aspects of Pope Leo’s encyclical, “Magnificent Humanity,” we need to understand what he means by humanity. Artificial Intelligence offers so many avenues of expanding our human capabilities that we need to know more and more our gifts as human...

There are two houses that we might find ourselves choosing that can consume our thoughts and the place where we usually dwell. We can live in the house of fear or the house of love. There are many things that can cause us to be afraid in these times. They include...

As we grow in the spiritual life, we realize more and more what it means to enter into a relationship with God in Jesus. There are times in our lives when we can put aside all our concerns with its confusion and worries in order to experience God’s presence. This...

Pope Leo’s pontificate has been devoted to two main areas: unity and peace. These important gifts of the Spirit are very much needed in these times. There are many divisions in families, communities, church, and world. People have made choices and taken a stand on...