Ramblings
Be Not Afraid
Angels appear throughout Scripture as God’s messengers, warriors, and worshippers, but few realize that these heavenly beings form a vast and ordered hierarchy, each with a unique mission in God’s plan. From the Seraphim blazing before the throne of God to the humble Guardian Angels who accompany us every day, the angelic world reveals a breathtaking harmony that mirrors the perfection of divine love. Discover how the Church understands these mysterious beings, where to find them in the Bible, and what their existence teaches us about God’s providence and our place in His creation.
Where was Mary?
Luke’s Gospel recounts several people searching for Jesus after his death. One person is mysteriously absent from this search: Mary, Jesus’s mother. Yet, I have a theory, based upon my reading of the beginning of Luke, which suggests where Mary was and why she wasn’t looking for her son.
10 Plagues / 10 Commandments: Ideas for Catechists
The story of the Exodus captivates students like few others, revealing both God’s mighty power to free his people and his loving call to obedience. In this post, we’ll look at one of the ways I’ve helped teach students about the Plagues/Commandments. It’s an idea that helps spark student creativity, assist memorization, and breaks up the routine to provide something fresh and fun.
Why Genuflecting Still Matters
Genuflecting before the tabernacle is more than just a habit. It’s a profound act of faith that proclaims Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist. Rooted in centuries of Catholic tradition, this simple gesture reminds us that every knee bows before the Lord. Even when physical limitations make genuflecting impossible, the heart’s reverence still speaks loudly to the mystery we adore.
Confession, Penance, Reconciliation. What’s in a name?
Some Catholics call it Confession. Others call it Reconciliation. The Catechism calls it Penance, Conversion, and Forgiveness. But why so many names for one sacrament, and what do they reveal about the mercy of God? Behind each title is a different window into the heart of Christ: honesty about our sins, the healing work of grace, and the joy of being restored to God and the Church. In this post, we’ll explore where these names come from, what the Church teaches about them, and how understanding them can transform the way you approach this sacrament forever.
Praying the Rosary with Kids: One Small Step at a Time
Praying the Rosary as a family isn’t about perfect posture, quiet children, or everyone praying every word. It’s about persistence, presence, and planting seeds of faith that will take root over time. This post offers real, grace-filled ways to help your family grow into the habit of praying the Rosary together. One small, sometimes chaotic, but holy step at a time.
A Catholic Perspective on Family Dinner
Family dinner is more than a tradition. It is a Catholic practice that reflects the Eucharist and strengthens the domestic church. Around the table, families share presence, conversation, and gratitude, resisting the culture of busyness and distraction. In reclaiming the dinner table, Catholic families discover that even ordinary meals can prepare them for the eternal banquet of heaven.
Get Up and Do: A Lesson from St. Joseph
When God speaks, St. Joseph doesn’t hesitate. He gets up and acts. In an age obsessed with words, opinions, and noise, Joseph’s silent obedience shines as a radical form of faith. He listens, trusts, and moves without delay, showing that holiness isn’t found in eloquence but in action. Discover how Joseph’s quiet strength and unwavering trust reveal the heart of true discipleship - and what his example means for us today.
What “Catholic“ Really Means: Universal Faith for a Universal Church
The word “catholic” means more than just “Roman Catholic:” it points to the Church’s universal mission, rooted in Christ’s command to bring the Gospel to every nation. From its earliest known use by St. Ignatius of Antioch, the term expressed the unity, wholeness, and universality of the faith across cultures and centuries. To be Catholic is to belong to a Church that transcends boundaries and calls each of us to live out that universality in our daily lives.
I Can’t Understand It
Many people want to read the Bible but give up because they just can’t understand it. The truth is you’re not alone, but there’s a way forward. In this post, I share practical and spiritual insights to help you approach Scripture not as a textbook, but as a living conversation with God. Learn how to read the Bible with purpose, use the right Catholic resources, and discover how every passage can become a personal encounter with Jesus himself.
3 Common Misconceptions About Catholicism by Catholics
Even among faithful, practicing Catholics, a few persistent misunderstandings about the Faith continue to linger - often unnoticed and unchallenged. What if some of the things you’ve always assumed about Mass, the structure of the Church, or the purpose of Confession aren’t quite right? In this post, we’ll uncover three of the most common misconceptions that Catholics themselves often hold, and explore the deeper truths that reveal the beauty, universality, and power of our Catholic faith.