Platitudes can be absolutely infuriating when you are in pain. And, usually, a person in pain hears things like "Oh, just trust God" or "into each life a little rain must fall" as uncaring dismissals of their very real heartache. To be sure, most folks mean well, but deep in...
Someone once said that God has four answers to our prayers: "Yes", "No", "Wait a while", and "You've got to be kidding me!" When I think of our requests we make of God, I find my own requests break down into a few categories - Personal needs, Family concerns, Parish...
"That's not fair!" My daughter was quite upset over what she perceived to be a bigger piece of cake given to her sister. The depth of indignant and obvious heartfelt wound was unmistakable in the tone of her voice, her crossed arms, and the tears welling in her eyes. She...
I confess to being both addicted and often overwhelmed by daily news headlines. I am an information junkie and have my daily routine of reading different sites and news aggregators that (I hope) keep me informed about my world. From politics to disasters, to cultural and social trends, to even...
There seems to be something of a cottage industry about what to eat nowadays. I keep hearing about going "gluten free," or "no white foods." Friends tell me that "processed" foods are poison. And to make sure my fruits and vegetables are "organic." I am also warned about "antibiotics"...
Well, here is a statement filled with the potential for misunderstanding: "For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving; for then it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer." (1 Timothy 4:4-5) There is great danger in...
There is a direct correlation between delayed gratification and intelligence. In the famous Stanford study a group of children were told they could have one marshmallow now, or they could have two marshmallows if they waited for 15 minutes. The children were observed for the period of time and...
A recent meeting of the G-20, that group of nations whose economic policies tend to drive the world's economy, met with the usual protesters in the streets. The groups that represent the "anarchists" movements are always prominent and always vocal and violent. Well, I guess that makes sense if...
A recent article in the New York Times suggested that up to 35% of the Twitter feeds most people follow aren't real people. They are programs designed to mimic the postings of real people but are used to shape opinions and influence behaviors. These programs are called "bots." Isn't it...
Here's a chilling phrase: "And they prayed and said, 'Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show which one of these two thou hast chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside, to go to his own place.'" (Acts 1:24-25) "...to go...
