Posts by Joanne Huestis-Dalrymple
Called by Name
Today’s readings remind us we are called by name. There are no gods before the One and True God. We should give thanks and remember we are loved and chosen. Ultimately, we are called to give to God what belong to God. Every Hair The First Reading from Isaiah says, “we are called by name.”…
Read MoreUnderdog
I love a good underdog story. Especially when they win! In America, the underdog is a person or team who is decidedly expected to lose. He or they may have a huge disadvantage. Perhaps a previous hardship or situation is the cause for the underdog title. Nevertheless, I often find myself rooting for the underdog.…
Read MoreA Tribute to My Son
I love to write late at night when the house is quiet. Often, I pushed deadlines to the wee hours. It drives my husband crazy when I have a big writing assignment due. My best thoughts come at the 11th hour as the saying goes. Here I am tonight, collecting thoughts about our son that…
Read MoreThe Story of the Rich Young Man
Today’s Gospel from Matthew is probably a familiar one. A rich young man encounters Jesus and asks him what he must do to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. It is a great teaching moment for not only the young man, but for us 2,000 years later. It really comes down to this: nothing is to…
Read MoreBe Merciful
The Old Testament reading from Micah explains the sins of wealthy people trying to trick others to increase their wealth and make personal gains. It expresses God’s judgement on them. The Gospel reading from Matthew is the fulfilment of Isaiah 42:14, which states, “For a long time I have kept silent, I have said nothing,…
Read MoreOur Father
Today’s gospel reading is pretty self-explanatory. Jesus reminds us we need not babble and add a bunch of unneeded words to our prayer. Be direct and concise. Your Father knows what you need. He Knows God knows what we are thinking. He knows what we need before we ask for it. So, what is the…
Read MoreHave Courage
Yesterday we celebrated the Ascension of our Lord. For the last week, we have heard messages of the coming of the Holy Spirit, encouragement of acceptance, hope, the prophecy of hardship, and the promise that hardship shall not have victory. Peace in Christ Today’s Gospel reading, yet again, reminds us to find peace in Jesus…
Read MoreFear Not
It is a common saying that it says, “Do not be afraid” or “fear not” 366 times in the Bible. Once for each day of the year, including leap year. And although I have never actually counted, I have no reason to doubt this. The Lord made it very clear that we are to trust…
Read MoreQuiet Moments
Our ten-year-old daughter has been very sick since Christmas. She has had appointment after appointment. We have gotten a few answers. In truth, my attention has been very focused on her, and the season of Lent has felt, well, not very productive in terms of my spiritual life. Or so I thought…. Even in the…
Read MoreReturn to Me
The first line of the first reading is an appropriate start to Lent. Today, Ash Wednesday, begins our Lenten journey to Easter. “Return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God” Joel 2:12. It is the perfect time…
Read More