With Liberty And Justice For All
“Oh freedom, oh freedom, oh freedom over me. And before I’d be a slave, I’d be buried in my grave and go home to my Lord and be free.” The lyrics from this post-Civil War African American spiritual resonate with…
Dad’s Presence Felt Every Day
Associate Pat Maddux with his son and father. This will be my first Father’s Day without my dad. Clyde’s battle with Alzheimer’s ended in September. He was an amazing man, bigger than life, the center of attention, and full of…
World Environment Day: Ponder the Beauty of God’s Trees
One of the many flowering trees at Mount Carmel Trees I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree. A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast; A tree that looks…
Teaching Trust in God: A Mother’s Day Reflection
What is the meaning of mother? A mother is a female parent; mothers nurture and mother children. It’s also a term for an elderly woman or mother superior. Your mother is a woman who gave birth to you; mothers are…
Make Every Day Earth Day
April 22 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. The first Earth Day was the brainchild of Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson and began as a national teach-in on environmental issues. It was held on April 22 to maximize the number…
Promises Kept: Easter Memories and Hope
Easter was my Mother’s favorite holiday. She loved dying, decorating, and hiding eggs. She always cooked a delicious dinner and set a beautiful table. All the kids loved Easter, thanks to Mom. And we always knew attending Mass on Easter…
Holy Week: A Potential Oasis for Stillness, Focus, and Hope
In a chaotic time surrounding an election, health fears, and technology overload, I pause and reflect about a simple group of believers and family who experienced the same. A messenger of justice, freedom, and charity, Jesus chose to die knowing…
Palm Branches of Victory and Triumph Or Olive Branches of Peace
Say to daughter Zion, See, your king comes to you, Gentle and riding on a donkey, On a colt, the foal of a donkey. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea.” -Zechariah…
Women’s History Month: Let All Women’s Voices Be Heard
“Ain’t I a woman!” was a statement attributed to Sojourner Truth in her address to the Women’s Rights Conference in Akron, Ohio, in 1851. Sojourner was an African American woman who was born into slavery but escaped and “walked away…
Do You Find Joy in Jesus’ Presence?
As the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord draws close, I again find myself called to deeper conversion by Luke’s Gospel reading. Over the last few years, as my faith has grown, I have become increasingly drawn in by…