And Now to Write

Remember the joy of having your work displayed on the fridge as a kid? Not only did your parents like what you did, they decided everyone who entered the kitchen should see it, too. Whenever you passed by, you'd look up at it and smile. You did something good - something that is there to be delighted in. From a technical standpoint, most of those things actually weren't all that great. None of my finger paintings could ever compare to the masterpieces of Michelangelo. Nothing about my portraits were perfect: proportions all out of whack, eyes were never level, no one had knees, feet always splayed out. But yet, they were worthy of display. Some of those art pieces are still on display at my parents' house. You know, it's the same with God. When compared to what God can do, the work we offer Him probably resembles the quality of those kid drawings most of the time. So imperfect. But given where we're at, so good. And our heavenly Father doesn't accept thes

A few years ago, I overheard a conversation in a locker room that has stuck with me. A girl was telling her friend that her mom was fasting for Lent and how she thought fasting was pointless and nonsensical. As the Lenten season comes to a close, I want to address this common sentiment using my own observation and personal experience (not by pointing to Bible verses -- but if you want that, click here ). First, even outside of a religious context, people fast. Take, for one example, the environmental movement’s Meatless Monday. Here, it is seen as a good thing to forgo meat one day per week in order to mitigate that industry's environmental impact. This parallels Catholics’ year-round observance of "meatless Friday," by which we recognize our failings and continual need for mercy and conversion. * Here's another example those of you who don't observe Meatless Mondays might relate to. When preparing for a delicious large meal, many people will skip a meal or e

This morning, I was thinking a bit about what I would respond if someone who had left the Catholic Church asked me why I choose to stay. While there are a whole bunch of reasons I could give, I would probably focus on two things: the Eucharist and being able to experience God's mercy in Reconciliation. How I could never give up that intimate contact with my beloved. Sitting with that answer, particularly in light of calling the Lord my beloved. In the context of receiving the Eucharist, that is when the Body and Blood of Jesus becomes one with His Church. Two become one flesh. When we eat something, it is literally incorporated into our bodies. 1  In this way, the Divine Bridegroom becomes one with His bride. And, moving along the lines of two becoming one flesh, this union is to bear fruit and bring life into this world that is dying of sin. This is the wedding feast of the lamb - what we call the Mass. In the Eucharist, Jesus gives His Body and Blood to us. He desires to be

Well, the new year is upon us! It's a perfect time to reflect on how we've done with our resolutions from last year as we plan new ones for 2020. In that vein, I'm coming full circle with this blog, by revisiting an old topic . Toward the close of 2018, I had chosen my word to focus on for 2019: everything. I wasn't entirely sure what that would mean, but that's what I felt drawn to. While I had spit balled a couple of ideas in that blog post, they only felt like that - sketches of ideas. I had noted that "everything" didn't just mean surrendering everything. It also involved God's presence in every situation, rejoicing in everything, and knowing everything that is good comes from Him. But I didn't quite know where to go with all of that. So, I unknowingly embarked on a mission to answer two questions: Is there something that unifies all of the ways the word "everything" is used in the spiritual life? Is it possible to grow in &qu