Living in Love with God

Today’s Readings As I’ve been settling into St. Mary’s, I’ve have been trying to make a habit of a daily walk. As I have walked through the surrounding neighborhoods I’ve admired beautifully tended lawns and gardens. They didn’t become that way overnight. They required patience, care, and someone who knew when to water, prune, fertilize—and… Continue reading

Today’s Readings In today’s Gospel, Jesus reveals the heart of the Servant of God. He does not seek attention or power but quietly brings healing, hope, and mercy to those who suffer. His compassion flows from the love of the Father. The Church celebrates today the Memorial of St. Camillus de Lellis, whose life reflected… Continue reading

Today’s Readings The way of the just is smooth because it is the path God prepares, not the one we construct. Isaiah reminds us that the Lord “makes level the path of the just.” Yet how often do we spend our energy trying to build our own road instead? We map out our plans, establish… Continue reading

Today’s Readings In today’s Gospel, Jesus rejoices that the mysteries of God’s Kingdom are revealed to the childlike. He is not praising ignorance, but simplicity of heart—a heart humble enough to listen, trust, and follow. We have a remarkable ability to complicate things. We overanalyze decisions, fill our minds with endless distractions, and sometimes make… Continue reading

Today’s Readings In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls His followers to live according to the ways of God rather than the ways of the world. His words are directed first to the people of Israel, but they are just as challenging for us today. The Christian life often feels countercultural, making it difficult to remain faithful… Continue reading

Today’s Readings Moving to a new parish gave me an unexpected lesson. My goal was to fit everything I owned into one carload. I came close—but not quite. The hardest things to part with weren’t the large items. They were the little things: objects I rarely used but somehow couldn’t let go. Our spiritual lives… Continue reading

Today’s Readings When I was preparing for Confirmation, I received my first Bible as a gift. If I’m honest, it spent far more time on a bookshelf than in my hands. I tried reading it several times over the years, but the unfamiliar names, history, and difficult passages often left me discouraged. Everything changed when… Continue reading

Today’s Readings In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples more than once, “Do not be afraid.” Fear and anxiety can paralyze our faith, rob us of peace, and keep us from responding to God’s love. The first reading gives us a vivid example. Isaiah stands before the holiness of God and becomes painfully aware of… Continue reading

Today’s Readings Throughout this week the prophet Hosea has reminded us of both our weakness and God’s unfailing love. Today’s first reading includes a simple invitation: “Return to the Lord, your God.” It is not a call to earn God’s love but to receive it once again. The Church places Psalm 51 before us today,… Continue reading

Today’s Readings The prophet Hosea paints a beautiful and moving image of God’s love today. He compares the Lord to a loving parent who taught a child to walk, lifted that child into loving arms, and cared for every need. Even after the child turns away, the parent’s heart still longs for reconciliation rather than… Continue reading