A Year End Reflection

So here we are — at the end of yet another year.  New Year’s Eve!  For most tonight and tomorrow are just another reason for parties and plans.  Someone once told me “Christmas day is for kids and families and New Years eve is for adults and friends.”  Maybe so.  For me I never could [...]

Resolution to Love

Beloved, I am writing no new commandment to you
but an old commandment that you had from the beginning.
The old commandment is the word that you have heard.
And yet I do write a new commandment to you,
which holds true in him and among you,
for the darkness is passing away,
and the true light is already shining.
Whoever says [...]

Fragile! Handle with Care

In the world of computer games I love any kind of puzzle game but I do have a favorite — Wonderland.  I discovered it probably about 5 years ago and have been playing it ever since.  The creators have you in this situation in which you must get from point A to say point D [...]

Christmas Tears

As the scene opens we see a beautiful home fully but tastefully decorated for the holidays.  There is a fresh blanket of snow on the ground and the night sky is clear and crisp.  As the camera moves closer to the window we see a wonderful scene of a family preparing for the holidays.  The [...]

Partner vs Servant

Yesterday I heard an excellent homily at Mass.  It is sad but it has become a rare thing.  Having been educated in how to critic homilies (in a past job) and having given homilies (at Word Services and Funeral Vigils) I know it is no easy task but I think so many of our clergy [...]

Still Waiting

My daughter thinks I am nuts.  One of the things I love to do during this pre-Christmas season is watch as many of the hokie seasonal movies as possible.  You know the ones — usually there is a younger child or a pre-teen who wishes at Christmas time for their parents to get back together [...]

Snow Day!

A snow storm is raging outside.  Right now they are predicting anywhere from 8 to 12 inches.  That in and of itself isn’t so bad but they are saying that in some places its mixed with freezing rain and sleet.  Not a great combination if you have to drive anywhere.  And it happened just at [...]

God Writes Straight with Crooked Lines

Last night one of my most favorite Christmas specials was on — Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown.  I am old enough that I remember watching the first time this show aired.  My younger brother loved the Peanuts comic strip and it was the beginning of what is now a common occurance — Christmas specials.  So, we [...]

Not Invisible to God

Have you ever felt invisible?  You know, something occurs and you get the feeling that you being there doesn’t matter.  I remember as a kid one of my parents introducing my three brothers and I to their collegue.  Sad part was my brothers got introduced with their names and successes:  “This is my oldest son, Dave [...]

Christ Comes in Darkness to Bring Light

Darkness.  Gray days.  Cold.  Bitter cold.  Tired.  So tired.  When can I rest?  When can I crawl back into my bed and sleep?
I hate to say this but this is exactly how I feel today.  (And most days in December and January)  Suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder can be so difficult.  Everything, and I mean [...]