Writings for the Journey

Pope Francis has designated this Jubilee Year 2025 with the theme: “Pilgrims of Hope.” Maybe we should consider the difference between “hope” and “optimism.” “Hope,” as we think of it here, is one of the theological virtues along with faith and charity.  That...

Often our mind is filled with many things which can lead to worries. It is often taken up withfuture events and how parts of our busy schedule will come together. These worries cancause us a lack of sleep. How can we let go of these worries to find rest? Is it...

Often our mind is filled with many things which can lead to worries. It is often taken up withfuture events and how parts of our busy schedule will come together. These worries cancause us a lack of sleep. How can we let go of these worries to find rest? Is it...

Let’s face it. We are a society motivated by competition. We see it in our schools, in ourpolitics, in our relationship with other nations, in our sports, and in all aspects of life whenwhat we do is primarily done to receive an award.What the Church needs to ask, is...

The new liturgical year has come with the first week of Advent. It is a time for newbeginnings in our Christian life. In these days, many have not appreciated formal religion andinstead have chosen an individual spirituality. Then there are others who have turned...

During this time of year, it is good to give thanks for all the gifts that God has given us.In this especially challenging time, it might be beneficial to pray this universal prayerfor peace. Abbot Cyprian Consiglio sings a beautiful version of this prayer. It can...

Jesus gives us an example of caring for the poor, the outcast, the sinner, the foreignerand those in need. More than our foibles and weaknesses, St. Mathew’s Gospelcompels us to care for the poor. “When I was hungry, you gave me to eat, etc.” Thesecret of this passage...

When we observe what is going on around us, we see many people searching for love in all ofthe wrong places. They might be addicted to shopping, sex, food, the power that comes fromwanting to be number one. Underneath these surface attempts is the desire to be loved...

Pope Francis has just written a new encyclical, “Dilexit Nos, On the human and divine love ofthe Heart of Jesus Christ.” In an age of isolation, reluctance to join communities and theemphasis on personal fulfillment, Francis writes about the importance of human...

We as humans carry the heavy burden of making judgements. Many times, we arerequired to make judgements about our own behavior and the behavior of others. Thiscan take on a responsibility as we ascertain what is right and what is wrong in a particularsituation. Then...