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…

With elections just around the corner, zealous believers rant about the fools on the other side. “Why can’t they see the kind of person that candidate really is? Are they blind?” Just what is it that makes the other person so blind? Culture is one influence. People have a need to…

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 apologized, dismounted,…

There’s an old phrase – money will buy you everything. But we, unlike the young man in the gospel who still wanted more, know that wealth has definite limitations. It won’t let us live until we’re 200, buy us good health, or bring us true peace of mind. And it wasn’t going…

The months of preparation have finally come to a close. The dress has been purchased and altered. The DJ hired, the place for the reception rented. The big day has arrived! He stands nervously, dressed in his tux, the collar probably too tight, waiting for his bride to appear. Finally it’s time!…