Is this Heaven, or St. Simon’s Island?

“Welcome to St. Simon’s, which I like to call ‘the best view of heaven’” – a greeting to visitors offered at this morning’s Mass by Msgr. John Kenneally, Pastor of St. William Catholic Church on St. Simon’s Island, GA On this holiday weekend, we’re spending a couple of days at St. Simon’s Island. Among so […]

Learning to Be Content with God’s Blessings

My father Cliff came from a humble start in life, growing up in an orphanage, then transitioning to the US Army. In his early 20’s, Dad experienced World War II, and like many veterans of his generation, he never told us the whole story around what he witnessed. He married Mom as the post-war boom […]

A Mother’s Day Tribute

When we consider all the influencers in our lives, mothers unquestionably play a dominant role. My mom, Audrey, was no exception. Her life, cut short by cancer at age 56, was so impactful, particularly to my brother, two sisters, and me. Audrey Murray was born in the mountains of Pennsylvania. Her family struggled during the […]

This Easter Sunday – A Call to Action

This Easter day, as we thank the Father for the gift of His only Son, who redeemed us from our sin debt, and opened the possibility of life in heaven, consider the most recent attacks on our faith. This morning, we are hearing from Sri Lanka about an orchestrated series of blasts in churches holding […]

On This Palm Sunday, Don’t Forget to Rejoice

Let’s be thankful today: “Taste and see that the Lord is good and blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34: 8). As we begin Holy Week, remembering events leading to the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus, let’s remember to rejoice, not because Tiger Woods may lead in the Masters, instead […]

“Blood and Fire” – The Motto of the Salvation Army

A couple of weeks ago, I decided, after much prayer, to accept a Human Resources leadership position with the Salvation Army in Augusta. This is the organization with the red kettles and bell ringing at Christmas time, helping the poor in providing food and shelter, while offering other services to get people back on their […]

What Are You Giving Up for Lent?

Recently, I received news from my primary care physician that my Hemoglobin A1C was elevated again, meaning more attention to diet and exercise, and so forth. Like many, I have Type 2 Diabetes, which can be controlled with medication, combined with exercise and paying closer attention to foods that can spike glucose levels. Accordingly, I […]

Commit Your Life to the Lord, and He will Help You” (Psalm 37: 3-4)

When I read this passage last week, as one of the Responsorial Psalms to the first Scripture reading at daily Mass, I quickly associated the “commit to God and get help” with my tendency to question my own worthiness in receiving God’s help. I understood the grace of God as being freely given to anyone […]

Be Present and Pleasant in the Moment!

“Nothing can come between us and the love of Christ, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking food or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked. These are the trials through which we triumph, by the power of him who loved us” (Romans 8: 35, 37). Positivity in rain or […]

Lectio Divina – Adding a Deeper Dimension to Your Reading of Scripture

Jesus said to His apostles, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). I was asked a question about Lectio Divina, which I had mentioned in a recent reflection about my new life as a Lay Carmelite. To clarify, Lectio Divina, a Latin term meaning “divine reading”, has roots […]