Hope

Here’s to Hope

Today I read a quote from Pope Francis that really touched my heart: “Hope would always have us recognize that there is always a way out, that we can always redirect our steps, that we can always do something to solve our problems.” I thought about this and how easily I can feel stuck in […]

Non-violence

I read the scripture readings for Mass today and thought it was interesting and timely that the Gospel was about the apostles asking for vengeance. Then I read the reflection by Bishop Robert Barron, which I always find insightful. These are the words that struck me most: “James and John (the sons of thunder) cry […]

Prayers for Attacker

Yesterday I heard about some students from Boston College currently studying in France who were attacked. A woman who has a history of mental illness threw acid into their faces. The girls were reportedly doing ok and would recover. Today I heard the rest of the story. As the girls wrote on social media to […]

Caregiver Workshop

Yesterday I was happy to be able to attend a caregiver’s workshop. There were about 60 people in attendance with all different scenarios. Just at my table, there was a woman living with her father, a woman whose mother was living with her and her husband who was also babysitting for their 3 year old […]

Hurricane Heroes

For days now since the hurricane pummeled Texas, there have been images and stories of heroism. People have come from other states to volunteer their time and skills. Fundraisers are popping up all over the country. Those who have resources are offering them to benefit others. “Regular” people are helping and even saving others. Even […]

Growing Faith

At church today, the priest talked about how faith is – should be – always growing. He talked about how we judge our own faith in different circumstances. Perhaps there are times in our lives when our faith is strong, we feel very connected to God. Then something may happen and we question that relationship. […]

Clothed With the Sun

Today, the Catholic Church celebrated the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, so my parents and I went to church this afternoon. One of the scripture readings was from Revelation. The book is about a vision that the Apostle John experienced. It describes, “A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, […]

Attributed to Prayer

A woman who I’ve been praying for had surgery about two weeks ago due to a large mass in her abdomen. I received word that she was doing well and the doctor felt he had removed all of the cancerous tumor. She has been home now for about a week. Today I learned that she […]

The Chef

This afternoon I attended a Fostering Hope event with about 8 young people and other adults. We were treated to a cooking class by the executive chef of a local breakfast/lunch restaurant. The eatery has a “farm-to-table” concept in that they purchase as much local, clean food as they can. They even have their own […]

His Ways

I read a Bible reflection today and there was one line that struck my heart, “God’s ways are not our ways”. This is so true in so many ways, but especially when I am hurting or very unhappy. I can’t understand why God is putting me through such an ordeal. However, if I can just hang […]