Why Saints?
Searching to understand the best potential in the human condition has led me to a keen interest in the lives of saints. Many saints have found unique and interesting ways of dealing with their human limitations and temptations, rising to make a recognized contribution to society. Their lives inspire and enlighten. I am no saint, but I am trying to reach as high as possible.
Bede the Venerable- Impact From Our Corner of the World
Does it seem like it’s hard to have an impact from a little corner of the world? Here is St. Bede, a “bookworm” type, sheltered from the world, but passionate enough to create a voice heard for centuries. Read More
Saint Benedict- Courage to Aim High
All of us reach a point where we consider abandoning the norm, following our heart and aiming higher than we may be comfortable. I have found many people in history who demonstrated this path to a life of purpose, but none as motivating to me as St. Benedict. Read More
Saint Christopher- The Holy Enigma
When I was young, it was common to see men wearing a St. Christopher medal affixed to a chain around their necks. Known as the patron saint of travelers, his likeness also appeared on the dashboard of motorists as they gained comfort from his intercession over their safe passage to and from their destinations. Read More
Ephram the Syrian- Find Your Voice
Each of us is faced with trials and setbacks. Though we do not control the hand we are dealt, we can determine how we play our cards. St. Ephram the Syrian, uneducated and living on the wrong side of current events found a voice that inspired the people of his day and those of the millenniums that followed. He is an example of our ability to rise above our circumstance with our thoughts and words. Read More
Gregory the Great- Subordinating Desire for the Greater Good
How often does duty get in the way of our desires? Need an example of how putting our wishes aside can make this world a better place? Examine the life of Gregory the Great. Read More
John the Baptist, MLK and Pope John Paul II- Fearless Faith
Each of us is created with a unique set of gifts. Identifying how to apply those gifts to their highest and best purpose is a challenge for us all. Even those of us with the most determined of spirits and mental clarity are exposed to doubts and fears.
John the Baptist was blessed with unique gifts that none of us possess, but there is much for us to learn from the way he used those gifts. The Baptist fulfilled his purpose in a fearless manner, providing a model of courage we can aspire to emulate as Martin Luther King and Pope John Paul II demonstrated centuries later.
Leo the Great- The Power of Faith, Will, and Action
Think about the courage it would take to stand, armed with only words, and try to convince the leader one of the most brutally savage armies in history to spare your city. Need help facing your fears or getting ready to take on something difficult? Reflect on Leo the Great. Read More
Moses and St. Peter the Apostle- Dealing with Doubt
None of us has a crystal ball. Our inability to definitively know how our actions will impact the future brings anxiety, hesitation, and doubt. Ultimately, the ability to leap comes from some element of trust. Trust your experience, trust your logic, trust your instincts, trust God. Wouldn’t it be nice to know?
I am here to contend that knowing doesn’t make it any easier. I will cite two incidents from the Bible in defense of that premise.
Case #1- Moses Read More
Saint Peter Canisius- Passion and Compassion
Sometimes I get caught up in trying to prove I’m right. I want to win an argument so badly that my message can’t get through. Logic is impressive, but an action is meaningful. Saint Peter Canisius shows us how openness, charity, and humility may be more important in winning the day than the most compelling prose. Believe what I do. Read More
The Spirit, Joy, Broken Ribs, St. Anselm and You
Matthew 28: 16-20, the Gospel reading for the Sunday after Pentecost, is one of the shortest of the liturgical year. At the same time, we are given rich topics to reflect on, simultaneously touching the deepest mysteries and the core disciplines of our Catholic faith.
Today’s Gospel addresses concepts that some of our greatest saints spent their lifetimes contemplating. Knowing both that we are time restricted and that I am not one of our greatest saints, I will spend these few minutes scratching the surface of the limitations we face as humans and intercessions that allow achievement beyond our individual capacities. Read More
