Reflections of a beloved son

  “Son of man, you live in the midst of a rebellious house; they have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house.” Ezekiel 12:2 Thursday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time There have been news of more riots and looting in recent days. One news outlet interviewed a leader of the movement and they justified those actions saying, whatever they took, they deserved it and that it was reparation. He said whatever clothes the people stole they did so because they needed it and now they have clothes, and so it is fine and justified. That’s just downright bizarre. Just because we need something it does not give us the right to do damage and steal. We all have needs, all different and of varying magnitudes, and we all have needs to be met, but it must be met in the right way. People may feel that the only way for them to live and survive is to steal and loot.  But we should ask them “how may we help you?” instead of justifying ...

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.” Matthew 18:15 Memorial of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Oftentimes I find that when people have a problem with another person, they would go and tell everyone about the problem except that person. Yes, it may have some therapeutic effects by venting and unloading with a trusted friend or mentor, but it doesn’t solve the problem. Jesus told His disciples that if we have a problem with another person, we ought to go to that individual in person and not everyone else first. To resolve any conflict, we must face it head on and we must encounter the other. If that doesn’t work then we bring other people in. There is something special about the 1 on 1 encounter. There is a vulnerability there as well as trust and humility. These enable us to reveal ourselves to the other in a way that touches the heart. It is only when the heart is reached will there be forgiveness, reconciliation, and resolution. When ...

“But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” Matthew 14:30 Memorial of St. John Vianney We are in the midst of hurricane season. Rain is pouring, winds are gusting, and property is being damaged. For many, power will be lost. For some, lives might be lost. There will be many storms in our lives. Storms are natural parts of life. Some will be more violent than others. Some will cause more damage than others. But storms are not everlasting. All storms eventually come to an end. Even though there may not be anything we can do to prevent the storms from coming or magically make them go away, we can learn to do the proper precautions and proactively brave the storms. There will be times in our lives that make hope seem distant or joy and peace seem nonexistent. But we must hold on to them – hope, joy, and peace are everlasting!  They come from God. When Jesus asked Peter to go to Him on the waters, Peter did...