faith

This makes me think… how clear am I when I talk about Christ and the Church?

The Characteristics of Effective Evangelization If, then, our encounter with Christ is the premise of evangelization, what are some of the other characteristics of evangelization that will render it effective in our time? Let me suggest the 4 Cs of effective evangelization – namely that it needs to be CLEAR, CHALLENGING, COMPASSIONATE, and CONVINCING. First,…

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This makes me think… about the feminine soul

The soul of woman must therefore be expansive and open to all human beings; it must be quiet so that no small weak flame will be extinguished by stormy winds; warm so as not to benumb fragile buds; clear, so that no vermin will settle in dark corners and recesses; self-contained, so that no invasions…

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Splinters from the Cross… on disappointment.

It’s another Friday. And this is what this post is about. There are other posts on  anger, worry, perfectionism, and overworking… and today is on disappointment. ::: Splinter from the Cross Little headaches, little heartaches Little griefs of every day. Little trials and vexations, How they throng around our way! One great cross, immense and heavy, so it seems…

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Among Women 158: Greeting the New Pope, Plus Meet “Theologian Mom”

In this new episode of Among Women, I talk about this history-making week with the election of our new pope, Francis, formerly known as Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio from Argentina. Plus in our first segment I discuss the significance of the Pope’s early morning visit on day one to pray before Our Blessed Mother at her…

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Splinters from the Cross… on perfectionism

So I missed a week of blogging due to my travels… but now I’m back. ::: For the Fridays in Lent, I’ve been reflecting on the trials we have in life, and looking at them as if they are splinters from the Cross of Christ. To catch up on this theme on “splinters from the…

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This makes me think… about the genius of Benedict, and the clarity of his teaching…and the meaning of life

Benedict XVI is a biblical scholar and an expert in Augustine’s writing and teaching. This section of his encyclical, Spe Salvi, is simple and profound, much like Augustine himself would teach. ::: 27. [I]t is true that anyone who does not know God, even though he may entertain all kinds of hopes, is ultimately without…

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Splinters from the Cross… on worry

I’m a worrier by nature. But I don’t have to live that way. There’s more on this below. ::: What’s with the splinters from the cross? Read this post from last Friday to catch up. This is my little attempt at keeping Fridays a bit more solemn in Lent. Last week’s post dealt with anger. This week, it’s…

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Faith and friendship and evangelization: Who has invited you “come, and see”?

From Morning Prayer: “The Lord’s friendship is for those who revere him; to them he reveals his covenant.” – Psalm 25:14 I’m contemplating the sheer graces of God’s friendship this morning as I chew on this little morsel from the psalms I found in the Magnificat this morning. Often the call to be a saint starts…

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Among Women Podcast #153: Joy!

This week’s episode is a special edition of Among Women, where we depart from our normal format and take time to consider a subject more in depth, with input from our listening audience. In this episode I spend some time sharing on the subject of joy, and how J.O.Y. is an acronym for a Christian…

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Adventing… a microcosm of real life

So, my latest column at Patheos is the requisite nod to the liturgical calendar, but its more about ALL the comings of Christ in my experience… that the season of Advent really lights up an awareness of the sacred found in every day. Here’s a excerpt: Advent is not just a liturgical season, it’s a…

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