Becoming People of Hope: Preparing for the Jubilee

Becoming People of Hope

As we celebrate the Jubilee of Hope, I invite you to consider finding concrete ways to live as people of hope in our daily lives. Today, we start a new year in the Church, a new year of grace. This means every moment of this year—every second, minute, day, and month—is filled with God’s love and…

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Becoming Saints: A Call to Holiness

Becoming Saints: A Call to Holiness Everywhere

Happy All Saints’ Day! This past weekend, I had the privilege of leading a retreat for the deacons and their wives from the Catholic Diocese of Fresno. We enjoyed the peaceful beauty of Three Rivers, California, close to nature, and immersed in deep reflection. It was a special prayer time, heartfelt talks, healing, and warm…

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My Love Story with Saint Theresa of Lisieux

My Love Story with Saint Theresa of Lisieux

As I approach a very special birthday, I decided to revisit some of the books that helped me better understand God’s love. Besides the Bible, the first book on my list is The Story of a Soul by Saint Theresa of Lisieux. There are other books: The Dialogue of Saint Catherine of Siena and True…

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Lesson from the Garden

A Lesson from the Garden

Imagine a garden where every element is a masterpiece. The flowers burst forth in a harmony of vibrant colors, and the trees are adorned with jewels of sweetness. In this paradise, Adam and Eve dwell in perfect harmony with nature and God. They are not bound by rules, but bask in the love and grace…

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The Canaanite Woman and the Eucharistic Mystery

The Canaanite Woman and the Eucharistic Mystery

One of the most misunderstood stories in Jesus’ teachings is the encounter with the Canaanite Woman, found in Matthew 15:21-28. Picture this: a mom’s heart is heavy with the anguish of her sick and dying daughter. She pleads with Jesus to heal her. The scene is tense. Jesus seems to ignore the woman, and His…

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Picture Love with Saint Alphonsus Liguori

Saint Alphonsus Liguori

In a previous year, I shared Saint Alphonsus’s unique contributions to moral theology through his teachings on God’s will and love. Today, I extend that conversation by dwelling on love. Imagine completing a puzzle, only to find a piece missing or discovering a cherished heirloom slightly damaged. It feels incomplete. That’s often how our understanding…

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Come to Me and Find Rest

Come to me and find Rest

Rest is often elusive in a world that lives from paycheck to paycheck. We chase after jobs, deadlines, ambitions, relationships, and bucket lists, only to find ourselves exhausted and yearning for something more. And yet, nestled within the Scripture is a profound invitation that promises what our souls desperately seek: “Come to me, all who…

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Seeking Spiritual Nourishment in a Distracted World

Seeking Spiritual Nourishment

Being nosy can be more than just annoying. The nosy are quick to jump to conclusions and just as fast to spill information not meant for the public. They are often rumormongers, fishing for the latest news and craving the juiciest gossip. This behavior can lead to a loss of trust and respect, making others…

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Caring for the Poor

Caring for the poor

Caring for the less fortunate is a vital part of our faith. Bible teachings tell us that God expects us to care for the poor. We also learn that wealth or accomplishment requires responsible generosity and kindness to others. Moreover, God does not take injustice to the poor lightly. His expectation is for us to…

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Signs We Are Mirroring God’s Love

Criteria for love

Matthew 5:48 is arguably the highest point of the teaching of the Lord’s Sermon on the Mount. Jesus said, “You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48). The context of this reading suggests it has to do with being perfect in our love for one another, the same way God…

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