A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me. R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn. My preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, always Read more
If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions. I’ve used these words from Matthew’s Gospel hundreds of times on my kids. I’ve used them so often, in fact, that they’ll probably swear Read more
Today’s words from Leviticus outline the way to holiness and we can recognize in them the Ten Commandments. The last verse really caught my eye: You shall not bear hatred for your brother in your heart. Though you may have to reprove him, do not incur sin because of him. Read more
Luke’s Gospel tells us about the call of Levi (Matthew), the tax collector. Of course, the Pharisees try to trip up Jesus (again), by accusing him of hanging out with the less-desirables of society. This is his response: Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not Read more
Today’s First Reading from Isaiah talks about the fasting that God desires of us, not the fasting we desire of ourselves. He says: This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your Read more
When I think of the number of times in my life that someone acted wickedly toward me – everything from cutting me off on the highway to undermining my work and apostolate and harming my family – I’m reminded of today’s Psalm. For as angry as I get at them, Read more
Will you join me this Lent in returning to our Lord with our whole hearts? Each day of Lent, I’ll post a few lines that will hopefully draw us more deeply into the heart of our Suffering Savior. Please feel free to add lines of your own. Our holy Catholic Read more