Have I ever told you how much I love St. John Henry Newman? He is a Doctor of the Church now! (If you know me, you’re probably thinking, “Yes, Carey, you’re always talking about how much you love Newman.” lol!) It takes a little time to get the knack for reading his work, but once you do, I think you’ll agree that his sermons, meditations, and poems are rich with truth, goodness, and beauty. They…
“The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity…’” – Luke 18:11 The Pharisee in Sunday’s Gospel reading (Luke 18:9-14) “despised everyone else.” His pride caused him to exalt himself to Christ’s judgment seat, making himself the judge of what is righteous. Notice that he “spoke this prayer to himself.” He offered the prayer to himself and addressed…
“…so must the Son of Man be lifted up.” – John 3:14 What does it mean to exalt the cross of Christ? In one sense, it means that we lift it up in honor because it is a “sign of salvation” for us (Wisdom 16:6). We cherish it because it is the altar of Christ’s sacrifice of Himself for us (see Hebrews 10:11 and 13:10). It’s interesting to think about the action of lifting or…
My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God. – Sirach 3:17 Do you ever pray for humility? If so, be careful! One morning I was praying for God to help me grow in patience and humility. Later that day I found myself waiting in my doctor’s examination room for over…
“Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough” (Lk 13:24). This verse from our Gospel reading this Sunday (Luke 13:22-30) is a paradox. Jesus tells us that some will not be strong enough to enter the narrow door to heaven. It seems like we must become small—not strong—to fit through a small door. In fact, both are necessary. We must become…
If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all. – Mark 9:35 There’s a lot of talk these days about who is the “greatest of all time”–the GOAT–especially in sports. The world would say that you are the “GOAT” if you are the best ever at whatever it is you do. But to be great in God’s eyes is a whole different ball game (pun intended).…
I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me. Isaiah 1:2 Have you ever rebelled against God? I know that I have–repeatedly. It might not look like outright rebellion, but I have definitely resisted God’s will for me in various ways. The rebellion usually sounds like this: “I want (insert situation here) to go my way!” This willful disobedience leads to anger, resentment, and conflict in my soul. It’s only…
Jesus “did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well.” – John 2:25 In the last line of our Gospel passage this Sunday*, St. John tells us that Jesus knows our human nature. What does he mean by this? For one, Jesus knew how fickle the crowds in Jerusalem were. They were coming to believe in Him because of the signs He was doing (John 2:23). Because He is God…
“People…were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins.” – Mark 1:5 Advent is a time of preparation and penance to help us prepare our hearts for Christmas. One of our parish priests said recently that lighting the candles on our Advent wreaths reminds us that “Christmas is near, not here.” It’s so easy to want to rush the Christmas festivities. But our Church,…
“The greatest among you must be your servant.” – Matthew 23:11 Last Sunday we considered the Greatest Commandment to love God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). A key to loving God and others well is having a virtuous attitude of humility and service. Jesus pointed out a vice and pitfall to this attitude in this Sunday’s Gospel passage: pride (Matthew 23:1-12). Jesus warned His disciples not to follow the bad example set by the Pharisees. They…