When Gina Bauer visited our parish for the Advent Parish Mission, she shared a powerful message. “The Lord is great. And while He certainly wants all our requests – big and small – He might be growing tired of the limits we put on our requests. He is a great big God who can take our great big prayers.”

My brain translated this into we sometimes act like someone nervously asking a billionaire for five dollars.

(Now...I share the following only with the intention of giving glory to God and thus, spreading faith in Him.)

After hearing her say this, I sought her out for a conversation. She quizzed me for quite some time before saying the following: “So you and your wife worked incredibly hard to eliminate your college and vehicle debts within years. Then, through two failed adoptions, one reversed adoption, and – finally – the successful adoption of your daughter Georgiana, you find yourself back in significant debt?”

Continue

Often, we mentally miss Sunday’s readings. There are several reasons this might happen. We find ourselves distracted by something in the church. We are preoccupied with worry over struggles we weren’t able to leave at the door. Our minds wander to fear about our future. Exhaustion strikes as soon as we stop moving for the first time in days.

Whatever the reason, we miss something special.

I’m reminded of those horrible moments when I realized I drifted away while my wife was talking to me. I’m reminded of the hurt I caused in those moments. I’m reminded of the extra effort I’ve dedicated to ensure that rarely – if ever – happens going forward.

We need to do the same for our Lord. We have every excuse in the book, but we all know it’s better to live in such a way that excuses aren’t necessary.

Continue

In the tenth chapter of Acts, we hear Peter say some interesting things. “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.” “Whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him.”

The ramifications are pretty strong. God doesn’t love you more because of your gender, your race, your age, your political party, your nationality, or even your religion.

It’s true.

He can’t love you any more than he already does.

Continue

What if I told you there was a member of the staff who has worked tirelessly at Our Lady of Joy for 30 years? What if I told you he never asks for recognition? What if I told you we all directly benefit from his hard work? (Side note: How many of you knew this without seeing a mention in the bulletin a few weeks ago?)

There are people in our lives who take care of so many things we take for granted.

I am a blessed man. I come home to a cooked meal most nights. Yet, because I'm a man and my stomach is a pretty direct route to my heart, I always notice. But I admit I don't notice many other things my amazing wife takes care of while I'm working at Our Lady of Joy.

Continue