I spoke to the moon once and All I heard was the light of the night. I spoke to the sun too and All I heard was the heat of the day. I spoke to the sky and All I heard was the wisps of the clouds. I spoke to a tree and All I heard was the creaking of branches. I spoke to the rain and All I heard was the patter of droplets. I spoke to the ocean and All I heard was the rolling of waves. Then, I got to thinking ... These things that I saw and that I heard ... gave me peace ... A

My dearest St. Hugh of Lincoln (1140-1200), you who witnessed my baptism and helped to guide me along the dual paths of silence and pastoral care, on this day of your feast in the West (November 16), I plead with you to intercede for me before Our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of my sins, the removal of the stain of my procrastinations, and the reduction of my worry about human machinations. I also implore you to entreat the Holy Spirit to aid me in d

It's easy to think that everyone around us has it better. Very often, though, other people suffer in the same ways, and in similar intensities, that we do. Then there are the times when we come across people who are truly beset with problems that bury them in a pit of despair. Whether it's a physical, emotional, intellectual, relational, or spiritual issue (and regardless of the fact that it's most often a combination of some or all of the above) it's incumbent upon you as a

Life can be difficult. There's no doubt about it. One day you can feel like things are going your way. And the next day you can feel like work is too hard and money is too tight. The people around you may drag you down. People you don't even know can have an impact on your life too. What makes things tougher is when you feel like you don't fit in. Or that people you thought you could trust end up saying and doing awful things. That's why I am writing to you today. It's going

Sunrises and sunsets Holidays and Holy Days Births and deaths. Years turn into decades as Life fills with millions of Moments of change. Some we desire and Others are forced on us. Some feel like the questioning of the high priest (John 18:19). Others like the scourging at the pillar (John 19:1). Some even strike like a crucifixion (John 19:18). And yet... at the heart of every one of these moments is a resurrection (John 20). When change comes, we often experience it as pain

I am human. I sin. I disappoint people. And I hate that reality. I am human. I live. I fail me. And I hate that reality. I am human. I seek. I get lost. And I hate that reality. I am human. I pray. I get tired. And I hate that reality. I am human. I believe. I deny the path of Your will. And I hate that reality. I need Your mercy. I need Your patience. I need You more than I need me. But I need me in order to be You for others. And I love that reality. I will die for that rea

Oh, how the Apostles must have cried! When she, whose soul magnified the Lord, tasted death. Oh, how the Apostles must have been stunned! When Thomas, my dear Thomas, begged to behold Her face once more. Instead of her beauty and Without her loving countenance, Another tomb was found empty. Shock took over and doubt sunk in ...hard and fast... But she, who was without sin, Yet, still in need of Salvation, Kept in constant prayer, For those faithful servants who Served her Son

No doubt you had doubts Dear Fisherman and Apostle Peter. It is clear you had fear When accused by crowds, Leader of Twelve. You could not Stop protesting a Relationship with Jesus. "I do not know Him." "I am not" His. I don't "know what you" say. You objected three times To the questions Put to you that night. When "the Lord turned and looked at" you, With bitter anguish You wept. Then, there was a breakfast On a shore When you were asked anew. "Do you love me more than thes

When you were ill, Lazarus, Jesus said it would not end you. He transformed your misery, So the Glory of God could be revealed. Pray that our suffering is not wasted. The apostles warned Jesus not to go, But He reproved them. We must walk in the Light And stay far from the dark of night. Help us destroy the tombs we make. Thomas encouraged the disciples To die with you, Lazarus. When Jesus arrived, your body was buried. For the sake of life in the Trinity, Teach us to die a l

With eyes closed, Hands clasped, and On bended knee It rushes over me... The pain of others Reaching out For love and Forgiveness. How am I able To make them stable In faith and in hope? When it occurs to me... I have nothing to offer, Except, perhaps Love and love and love for you My prayer, too? They need more! Than my meager words And simple actions. For I am nothing. Without your mercy Without your love Without you as a gift Nothing will release them from the rift... That