Perhaps one of the reasons why we as Christians only take our relationship with God so far is it becomes uncomfortable.  We become shamefully aware of our choices or thoughts that definitely could have been better. We may try to negotiate, minimize or rationalize our behaviors, but once our eyes are open to what our … Continue reading "…Uncomfortable with Mediocrity"

“From Bishop Barron: Friends, today’s Gospel reveals St. John’s report of Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Jesus. An interesting lesson follows from the disquieting fact of the Resurrection, namely that this world is not it. What I mean is that this world is not all that there is. We live our lives with the … Continue reading "…Unseen Reality"

In these blogs,  I hope that there is preaching as well as teaching.  My friend accurately (albeit derogatorily) described the Scripture passages as “preaching” but that she could relate to the personal reflections.  So if she is saying the Scripture preaches then the corresponding personal reflection hopefully teaches and illumines the Scripture in a personal … Continue reading "…What’s the Diff?"

A friend of mine who is reviewing this project emailed to tell me that it seems each month is better than the last and, if she dare say, she actually understands more each time.  So I smiled and thought well, it’s not me because nothing has changed but she just may be! I reflected back … Continue reading "…Each Step in Faith"

During Easter Mass, the priest was making the distinctions between the two sides of the elements of fire and water. Each are necessary basic elements that offer life and death.  Each one can either be life or death. Fire  – On one side, fire can cause death and destruction but on the other side fire … Continue reading "…Double Edged Sword"

Someone about 20 years my senior asked me for my outside perspective on a relationship problem.  After discussing sides, she exclaimed that I had a lot of wisdom. I think it was because I had lived through a similar experience and was able to share unbiased what I had learned through the why’s and how’s. … Continue reading "…When Wisdom Speaks"

The promotional email from a clothing store reads: “Who empowers you?” “Who is Your Hero?” Instantly I thought of the only One I just love these easy questions!   Pax, Paula  

I often pray for awareness. I pray for those “signs” so I can be sure of the correct direction. With that, I also ask God to hit me over the head with the sign because sometimes I just don’t see it…or perhaps don’t want to see it. But in any event,  I need help recognizing … Continue reading "…Wait, What?"

The topic of expectations has come up a few times recently in several close relationships. We all harbor personal expectations that we automatically believe others share as well.  Well, this is just not true. We are uniquely designed, created and programmed. We need to recognize our own expectations in relation to others. By this means, … Continue reading "…Mercy Anyone?"

Recently, an issue came up during selection of sponsors for a confirmation candidate.  Over the course of 50+ years the sponsor led an honorable, spiritually faithful, and upstanding life. But of course, with any life filled with many years, there were a few minor glitches that were not in line with church expectations.  It is … Continue reading "…A Manner Worthy of the Gospel"