Posts by Joanne Huestis-Dalrymple
Hope
We are very familiar with the parable of the Prodigal Son. And yet, the story presents itself anew every time it is read. Depending on where you are in your life’s journey, something from the text strikes you. For example, if you are a parent of a son or daughter who has strayed, you may…
Read MoreSeventy-Seven Times
“Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” Forgive. We are instructed to forgive, over and over and over again. At times it seems like a tall order, does it not? And then…
Read MoreNot Peace?
As I reflected on today’s gospel reading, the line about “not peace but the sword” stood out. After I did research about what it exactly meant, I couldn’t shake the memory of an experience I had long forgotten. I am sure we could all tell each other many stories having to do with each part…
Read MoreModels of the Faith
I have a beautiful hard covered book called, 365 Days with the Saints: A Year of Wisdom from the Saints by Carol Kelly-Gangi. Admittedly, I did not know much more about Barnabas than what we hear at Mass. In this book, it says that Barnabas was given the name “Joseph” when he was born. The…
Read MoreLight of the World
Be the Light. It is the last thing I say to our children as they pile out of my huge van in the school carpool line each weekday morning. I do not exactly remember when I started saying, “Be the Light.” It seems like I have been saying it for as long as I can…
Read MoreThe Tragedy with Judas
Have you considered that Judas could have been a saint? Judas should have been a saint? “The great tragedy is that Judas might have been Saint Judas,” our pastor recently said in a homily. Today’s gospel reading brings us to the house of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus six days before Passover. It is the last…
Read MoreDon’t Give Up
Sin. Sin results in death. Turning away from sin and occasions of sin. Anger. Saving your life. Forgiveness. Fear of the Lord. Hope. Mercy. Reconciliation. Today’s readings are packed with wisdom and advice for obtaining eternal salvation. “Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked?” says the Lord, “and not rather that he…
Read MoreHear My Voice
In the Psalm today the Lord says, “I am the Lord, your God: hear my voice.” This got me thinking about prayer and how we hear God’s voice. I wondered if God speaks to us similarly or if we all have unique experiences. I concluded it is probably a little of both. I hear God’s…
Read MorePour Out Your Prayer
Have you ever cried out to the Lord in such desperation, quite literally on your knees because you are too weak to do otherwise? In today’s first reading Hannah is pouring out her troubles to the Lord in such a way that Eli thinks she is drunk. She is so desperate to have a son.…
Read MoreHalfway Through Advent
For many years we went all out during Advent. We did all the crafts with our children, celebrated every Feast Day in December with a big to do. A Jesse tree adorned with home-made ornaments sat atop the dining table, a manger in which the children had to fill with hay by doing kind deeds.…
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