Overcoming Anger with Prayer

As I continue my series of articles offering some reflections based on my reading of Judith Valente’s book, How to Live: What the Rule of St. Benedict Teaches Us About Happiness, Meaning, and Community (Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing. 2018) (See my previous articles, “Being Spiritual in the World Today” and “Striving to be Disciples of Christ.”), I …

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7th Sunday of Easter, Year C – Homily

7th Sunday of Easter, Year CActs 7:55-60 Psalm 97:1-2, 6-7, 9 (1a, 9a)Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20John 17:20-26 May 29, 2022 Jesus knew He was about to be arrested, tried, and crucified.  The Gospel of John presents in chapters 14-17 Jesus’ final words to his disciples before his arrest.  Chapter 17 presents Jesus’ final prayer just …

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Striving to be Disciples of Christ

Last week I started a new series of articles reflecting on Judith Valente’s book How to Live: What the Rule of St. Benedict Teaches Us About Happiness, Meaning, and Community (Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing. 2018) with my article, “Being Spiritual in the World Today.” She uses the Rule of St. Benedict as the basis for this …

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6th Sunday of Easter, Year C – Homily

6th Sunday of Easter, Year CActs 15:1-2, 22-29 Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 (4) Revelation 21:10-14a, 22-23John 14:23-29 May 22, 2022 Some of the people had been upset by teachings they heard. It has disturbed their peace of mind.  This is not what Jesus desires for his people. Rather, Jesus says, “Do not let your …

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Being Spiritual in the World Today

“This is a book about living. Not about surviving, but living a balanced, meaningful, and attentive life” (1). These are Judith Valente’s opening words in her book How to Live: What the Rule of St. Benedict Teaches Us About Happiness, Meaning, and Community (Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing. 2018). Life can be a struggle. Sometimes …

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5th Sunday of Easter, Year C – Homily

5th Sunday of Easter, Year CActs 14:21-27 Psalm 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13 Revelation 21:1-5aJohn 13:31-33a, 34-35May 15, 2022 Paul and Barnabas continued to proclaim “the good news.”  Through their ministry and God’s grace, “a considerable number of disciples” were made. God gives us grace as his disciples.  The Sacraments are a vital part of this.  It …

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A Time of Distress

As we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Easter in Year C, our first reading continues to come from the Acts of the Apostles. The Acts of the Apostles tells the story of the early church. In chapter 2 the disciples receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. They then go out to proclaim the good news. …

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Invitation to a Deeper and/or more Frequent Practice of Faith

Today a letter I wrote, with comments and suggestions from staff, will be going out to all our parishioners in the two parishes I serve. While it is with St. Mary’s of the Lake and St. Benedict’s in mind, I think much of what it says is relevant for everyone. So, click here to read …

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