“It was the worst of times; it was the best of times” My sincere apology to Charles Dickens. The real quote from A Tale of Two Cities is the reverse statement. However, when I read the Readings for this Sunday,
Are we too proud to listen and evaluate other’s advice? I, like most people, have difficulty in taking advice. Even when we seek advice, it can be very hard to put it into practice. Over the years we develop patterns
A Sober Mind I write today of a peculiar verse in the Second Epistle to the Corinthians. St. Paul, having already twice visited the people of Corinth, writes to them a defense of his past actions. It seems that the
The True Knowledge In writing this, I’m struck by how accurate the adage “history repeats itself” is. When new or revolutionary ideas are introduced into a society or group, individuals usually tend to form their generalized opinion of that idea
Being Well-Pleased The scene in today’s Gospel is the Baptism of Jesus. The evangelist Mark tells us a voice came from the heavens that said, “You are my Beloved Son, with you I am well-pleased.” My thoughts are based on
My brother Tom never grew up. Unfortunately, he didn’t grow old either, having died of a heart attack at just 48. But even if the Lord had granted him more years here on earth, I am convinced that Tom would
It’s almost here! After all the challenges of 2020, I am looking forward to starting over, moving forward, and taking on 2021. We can all pray that 2021 arrives with more blessings than challenges. As we reach the end of
As we celebrate Christmas together with our family and friends in unique ways this year, Joyce Rupp’s poem “Christmas Blessing” is a wonderful reflection preparing our hearts for the day that Christ is born. God Bless! – Becky VanKauwenberg “Christmas
“In Awe” As we approach the Christmas season, we prepare our hearts and minds for many gifts. Of course, the best of those gifts is Jesus, but we are also constantly surrounded by the commercialization of Christmas. How can we
Almost Christmas, right? But the word ALMOST is an incredibly sad word. It usually denotes a crushing sense of failure, disappointment, and regret. The Old Testaments abound with stories of “almost.” Adam and Eve ALMOST stayed in paradise forever until
