Posts by Dr. Tina Facca-Miess
Mercy Give Us Grace to Trust
I always grin when I think about the Apostles getting snarky with one another, especially when James and John’s mom steps in to ask Jesus what His plans are for her boys (not as explicit in St. Mark’s version). We all have a propensity to want to know the future. Why are we doing what…
Read MoreSpiritual Poverty
Today’s Responsorial Psalm can be confusing, even for a believer. Imagine what the non-believer or seeker might think when reading, “Blessed the poor in spirit; the kingdom of Heaven is theirs!” Maybe their inner dialogue goes something like this, “well, I was in for inheriting a kingdom, but the poverty part just won’t fly with…
Read MoreGo with the Strength You Have
In today’s first reading Gideon is encouraged by the Angel of the Lord, “Go with the strength you have, and save Israel from the power of Midian. It is I who send you.” (Judges 6:11). My dad used to say, “Kiddo, the Lord never gives you more than you can handle.” Much like the Lord…
Read MoreGod’s Got This!
Today’s readings put things into perspective. As I stress about audience members’ responses to my academic presentation earlier today, I smile when I reflect on the Israelite’s patience. They waited 430 years for relief (Exodus 12:40), whereas I am feeling all proud-of-myself for getting over their critiques in 43 minutes! But,… am I over it?…
Read MoreFive Orchid Blooms to Remind Me To Forgive Without Resentment
A quick search on “forgiveness without resentment” yields myriad frameworks for solutions such as “10 steps to letting go of resentment”, “30 tips to let go of anger”, or “Stuck in resentment? Four ways to move forward.” Further options include learning the “6 myths about forgiveness” or you could try “7 Lessons on How to…
Read MoreUsing Our Gifts to Find Peace in Christ
Today’s readings remind us of our real power, our very real strength. Many of us were baptized as infants and have no recollection of the experience. It is more likely we remember receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Think back to that moment when your Bishop laid his hand on your head. Something very real happened,…
Read MoreArriving at the Shore
In today’s reading from Acts of the Apostles we see the Apostles dealing with the complaints of the people they are serving. The Hellenists complained that the Hebrews were not treating their widows fairly. Picture their faces (reminds me of the “eyes-rolling” emoji). Considering the big-picture, how much they had been through in recent months,…
Read MoreBeing One of God’s Works and Letting Go
Today’s readings stir up reminders of God’s eye watching over us, pitying us. It is also St. Patrick’s Day, always a major festivity for Americans with Irish in their bloodline. Or, at least that’s how it is in my family. At the age of sixteen, St. Patrick (389-461) was kidnapped from his village in Roman…
Read MoreBeing Ambassadors for Christ
We each have infinite spiritual resources within us, just waiting to be applied to the needs of others. And, for this Lent, maybe it is not a grand financial contribution, or intense immersion experience (i.e. do not blow a trumpet before you, Matt. 6:2), but the simple ways in which we can offer our personal spiritual resources to meet the personal spiritual needs of those with whom we interact. Christ asks us for humility regarding these internal, less explicit, offerings.
Read MoreHere I am. You called me.
Today we reflect on Samuel’s call, our call from the Lord. Eli patiently sends Samuel back to bed twice before realizing there was something more going on with young Samuel. Eli suggests that next time Samuel is to respond “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.” The strategy works, and as Samuel grows up “the…
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