Posts by Dr. Tina Facca-Miess
Courage of a Lion, Requires Trust of a Lamb
Images of Jesus leading a flock of sheep, or holding just one special lamb, remind us how our relationship with Him ought to be. Picture yourself as the lamb being held by Christ. You are able to snuggle up and comfort Him, just as He comforts you, kisses your head, tickles you behind your ears.…
Read MoreServing for the Greater Glory of God
The Jesuits have a common saying based on St. Ignatius’ instruction, Ad Majorem dei Gloriam. Often it is denoted as a simple AMDG, to signify doing things all for the greater glory of God. Today we see Abraham quickly scurrying to serve The Lord’s messengers as best as he possibly can with physical nourishment. In…
Read MoreStoring up Treasures in Heaven
The eternal relevance of the scriptures continually blesses us with a lens through which to consider the events and culture of our times. In today’s first reading we encounter Athaliah, a wicked woman, bitter over her own son’s death, setting out to kill off the princes of the royal family. However, Jehosheba, princess and industrious…
Read MoreNo, We Don’t Do That
Growing up in the Catholic faith tradition, we were blessed with a common spiritual sense, which we were expected to utilize in order to face the world ahead of us. When off base, we would hear, “No, we don’t do that.” Simple, straightforward, black, and white were the guidelines. If we did not understand why,…
Read MoreThink of What is Above, and Do Not Be Afraid
Easter Sunday Easter Blessings to all of you! Easter is “our” special day because we are “chosen by God in advance” (Acts 10:41) to “think of what is above, not of what is on earth” (Col. 3:2). On Easter Sunday it all comes together; we rest assured of our eternal life through our faith in…
Read MoreHope and Trust vs. A Great Chasm
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord. (Jeremiah 17:7). Familiar with this message from the prophet Jeremiah, I typically reflect on it from the perspective that my hope and trust should be in the Lord. This is true, but today I noted that the futurist of his times,…
Read MoreWho Do You Say that I Am?
This line in today’s gospel has been resonating with me these past weeks. Next time the day’s pressures trip you into anger, aggression, or sarcasm, imagine Jesus stopping you, gently grasping your arm and saying “But who do you say that I am? (Mark 8:29). Like Peter, do we say “well, uh… ‘you are the…
Read MoreChildlike Obedience to Love
In today’s challenging times, we often feel compelled to act. We want to do something, anything in response to very strange new social requirements. First, we might discuss the latest off-center news with friends who think as we do. Although, it is hardly a discussion. It is usually a quick text to our small group…
Read MoreGod Is Love and Love is All You Need
Today’s Gospel clarifies Jesus’ family lineage, all the way from Abraham to David, to the Babylonian exile, to Christ. Interestingly, with fourteen generations between each landmark person or event. In ways, it is hard to relate to all the names in Jesus’ family tree. Yet, this element of the Gospel reassures us that we are…
Read MoreAccomplishing The Lord’s Work
Today’s Alleluia verse reminds us how important we are to God. And that He created us for a specific purpose of His own. I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord. (Jn. 15; 16). The more we recognize and appreciate Him, the more we want to…
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