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Years ago, I was in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Walking across a plaza, I saw a small group of people staring up at a mango tree. I looked up but saw nothing extraordinary until a man next to me … more
November is the month of All Souls. This special time allows Catholics to remember and pray for those who have gone before us. Perhaps this treasured, and very Catholic tradition is one of the … more
It is the most unmistakable sign of autumn. More than changing leaves, shortened days or cooler nights, it’s the falling locust pods that tell me that summer is past and winter is fast … more
On the surface, Jesus sells pretty well. Who wouldn’t want forgiveness, grace and eternal life? I know I do. But once you get into the weeds, it can be a little more challenging. … more
This is the second in a series of teachings and reflections offered by the moderator of spiritual formation for the Jefferson City diocese. Mystery does not mean we cannot understand something, … more
We were on a retreat in the rugged Ozark foothills — a day aside for prayer and reflection. In one of our silent hours, I ventured into the pathless woods.  The woods have always … more
The other day, we were watching a couple of our granddaughters. Out of the blue, the 4-year-old informed me, “I don’t know why Grandpa, but I love you.” I smile … more
This is the first in a series of teachings and reflections offered by the moderator of spiritual formation for the Jefferson City diocese. Like so many faithful souls around the world, I am a … more
The Germans have a word for it. From the people who gave us schadenfreude for that pleasure we get from another’s failure, and  zeitgeist  for the spirit of the times, we get  … more
One of the joys of presiding at Mass is the perspective it provides — the ability to see and appreciate the many faces who have come together to offer the Eucharist, the “source and … more
Una de las alegrías de presidir la Misa es la perspectiva que brinda: la capacidad de ver y apreciar los muchos rostros que se han unido para ofrecer la Eucaristía, la “fuente y … more
Recent congressional testimony of UFOs and alleged “non-human biologics” intrigued me. I recalled a story which now may not be apocryphal after all. Not that long ago, our … more
We looked like an intergenerational field trip as we gathered at the trailhead. Twenty of us, from a backpacked toddler to a couple of older dawdlers, were intent on tackling a hike that started … more
In  King Lear , it’s the fool Edgar who has the last word: “The weight of this sad time we must obey, Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.” Behind the … more
The disciples, desperate for something more tangible than homespun allegories, asked Jesus to teach them to pray. I wonder what their reaction was when he gave them the “Our Father.” … more
The Hebrew Scriptures have many takes on aging and death. There is the story of Enoch, the great grandfather of Noah, who “walked with God, and he was no longer here, for God took … more
It’s the season of caps and gowns, big dreams and a beckoning future. Commencement speakers are advising graduates to go for the gold, dig deep and change the world. The diploma-ed … more
When we were taking care of our daughter’s kids for a few days, one of the things we had to do was to take our grandson to Taekwondo practice. I’ve been to a near-infinite number of … more
When we were taking care of our daughter’s kids for a few days, one of the things we had to do was to take our grandson to Taekwondo practice. I’ve been to a near-infinite number of … more
I had an appointment with my oncologist. I like him, but after five years, I’m ready to just run into him socially. This was supposed to be when he released me, when he took me to the door … more
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