Do you want to know the problem in the Church today? It is simple, a lack of sinners. Continue reading “The biggest problem in the Church today …and an idea to fix it“
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Jesus smiled…on the cross
I found out recently that I grew up Protestant. Continue reading “Jesus smiled…on the cross”
The Quest: A reflection on priesthood
I am going to offer another reflection based on The Man of La Mancha. Sorry, it’s been on the swimming mp3 player for a bit. Anyway, during the story, as the residents of the inn at which Don Quixote takes up residence as his castle, he is asked to explain his quest. In musical theatre, a request for a explication of this sort almost invariably leads to a musical number. Don Quixote is no exception; he sets out with a challenging and beautiful song that lays out his quest, his vision of his knighthood. I realize that this song was so overplayed for a time, that for many it may be trite or cliché, but I think that, if we really take a moment to dig into what it’s saying, it is both real and very challenging. Within the context of the story, in fact, it is the quest that brings Don Quixote back from his final senile stupor for a final burst of strength before he dies. Continue reading “The Quest: A reflection on priesthood”
A plea to girls and women everywhere – Inspired by The Man of La Mancha
“May I set the stage?”
I probably have alluded this before, but it came to mind recently. In case it’s interesting, I was doing my lap-swimming in the pool a few days ago, and I had decided listen to The Man of La Mancha while I was swimming (can I just point out that waterproof mp3 players are an awesome idea?). Continue reading “A plea to girls and women everywhere – Inspired by The Man of La Mancha”
I’m a little teapot
This entry is my journal entry from my holy hour on Monday, August 25, 2014. I’m trying something new for my journal. I’m using an app for the iPad that I just write in, so I’m gonna try something new here, too. I’m putting up a PDF of my original handwritten (albeit electronically) version. I’m also going to transcribe it (perhaps with minor edits) as my actual entry. Continue reading “I’m a little teapot”
…As we forgive those who trespass against us.
Only you can prevent…
There used to be (maybe there still is) a series of advertisements in which Smokey the Bear opined “Only you can prevent forest fires.” I’ll come back to that. Continue reading “Only you can prevent…”
Scene from an abortion clinic
I received this as part of the 40 Days for Life campaign this is going on this year. One of the professors here at the seminary has been praying outside one of the local abortion clinics for years, and he shared this story with our seminary community. Since, before entering the seminary, I spent such a long time working with teenagers, it truly struck a chord with me. Sadly, I could picture many of my kids in this story. It’s not that I think any of them are bad or even make bad decisions, but I constantly wonder if we, as the adults, have shown the kind of support they would need in this sort of situation to find the strength—both in themselves and in Christ—to get through what I have little doubt would be among the most frightening and difficult experiences of their lives. Continue reading “Scene from an abortion clinic”
Go show yourself to the priest!
To start, I would like to acknowledge for some of the ideas in this (the good ones at least) my indebtedness to Fr. O’Doherty. I’ve spoken of him before. A not insignificant portion of what I’ve written here is appropriated from him, though. To be fair, I’m sure he got it from elsewhere, also. Surprisingly little good stuff is new. Continue reading “Go show yourself to the priest!”
“Late have I loved you” or “What’s in a name?”
This topic started kicking around my head as I prayed the office of readings before Mass today. It’s been kicking around all day, and I realized that it is one that has really been in me for years. Continue reading ““Late have I loved you” or “What’s in a name?””