Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary Army, another had two sons captured….

“..not having any righteousness of my own based on the law but that which comes through faith in Christ… depending on faith to know him and the power of his resurrection. It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my…

During the American Revolution, a man dressed in civilian clothes rode past a group of soldiers repairing a small defensive barrier. Their leader was shouting instructions, but making no attempt to help them. Asked why by the rider, he retorted with great dignity, “Sir, I am a corporal!” The stranger…

Gentle readers, Do you think that we talk a lot about being baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire these days? Actually, it might not  even be considered polite in today’s religiously cautious world! Just so we’re using the same image, this is the Fire that underlies our passion for…

A few evenings ago, I was reading the Roman historian Josephus…I know that he’s not exactly entertaining reading, but as a history buff, I think that it’s wonderful to read about ancient times. Josephus mentioned John the Baptizer, saying, “for Herod slew him who was a good man and commanded to Jews…

When I first read today’s Gospel, I had the distinct “Ho Hum” feeling of “Startin’ all over again!” And then I read it again and prayed over it a bit and came up with the realization: Thank God we can start all over again! The new start may be the new Liturgical…

The holiday season has arrived and traveling with small children to Grandmother’s house can be quite a challenge. Still despite the restless squirming, the squabbles, and the endless questions and complaints, we make the journey. We figure the time with our extended family is worth it. Last month the Gospel set us…

After the Gulf War in 1991, black snow fell in parts of the Middle East caused by the smoke from all the burning oil in Kuwait. With the nuclear weapons that humanity possesses, the power to create a nuclear winter where the sun’s light would be blotted out due to so much…

My mother and I had some difficult times when I was young – she was a widow, caring for her invalid father and trying to provide for my needs with very little income and no material resources. Nevertheless, we all managed, and had a happy life. What made this possible? I think…

Love of God; Love of neighbor–the two Greatest Commandments and really the only two commandments. Of the Decalog, the Ten Commandments given to Moses, the first three tell us how we are to love God, the last seven tell us how we are to love our neighbor. And throughout the Gospels Christ…