I recently heard a father speak about his daughter’s upcoming wedding. He said: “I’ll be glad when it is over.” He was excited for his daughter and son-in-law-to-be, but was also frustrated with how the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony was getting lost in all the other details of planning for Read more
Several years ago, while I was still a pastor of a parish, I felt that some parishioners were beginning to treat their religion as one more item to be consumed. Their consumer practices and attitudes were corrupting their understanding of what it means to be a member of the Body Read more
As I prepare to leave southern Indiana behind once again to return to Anchorage, I wish to share some final thoughts about our family’s experience of accompanying Mom through her final days. Please bear with me for one final reflection. At the prayer service the night before Mom’s funeral, each Read more
After 60 years of marriage and 82 years of life, mom’s journey of faith reached its goal Sunday evening around 7:30pm. I think she must have scripted the ending. By God’s providence, I was already in Southern Indiana rather than Alaska when we put her in the hospital Friday evening. Read more
One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ side. (John 13:23) These words describe the profound relationship that existed between Jesus and the Apostle, John. The same reference is made in the Gospel for today’s Feast, (John 20:2). Does this describe my relationship with Jesus? Read more
From my years as a student in Rome, I have had a great love for the Communion of Saints. But, St. Nicholas, whose feast we celebrate today, has been a favorite from my youth. Granted, my early memories are of the excitement going to bed the night before, anticipating what Read more
Yesterday, St. Andrew’s Parish in Eagle River celebrated their 50th Anniversary as a parish. Coincidently, their pastor, Archbishop-Emeritus Schwietz is celebrating next month his 50th anniversary as a priest! To say the least, we had a lovely Mass and celebration! The Gospel for Mass, Matthew 4: 18-22 recalled Jesus walking Read more
Today is the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, a day which Pope Francis dedicated as the World Day of Prayer for the Poor. Our Gospel today comes from St. Matthew (25:14-30) and is the familiar story of the talents. As is often the case, a clue for understanding this passage Read more
Our readings this weekend are about humility and gentleness in the manner in which we live our faith. Even though we do not hear from the Prophet Micah this weekend, his words echo in my heart: To act justly, to love tenderly, to walk humbly with your God. It is Read more
During the month of November, our liturgical celebrations draw our attention to the culmination of our earthly pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Heaven. We do well to ponder regularly the source of our life in God, the reason for our being expressed in God’s will, and our destination as eternity Read more