For any Christian with an affinity for St. Francis of Assisi, having the first pope to take the name Francis issue a papal encyclical at the tomb of St. Francis, on the vigil of the Feast of St. Francis, is enough to make you downright giddy. Pope Francis’ second encyclical, Fratelli Tutti — All Brothers … Continue reading Fratelli Tutti — a snapshot of what we are not, but should be
Author: jamesrneal
Live like a trash can
"Don't forget that you are just a trash can." As always, St. Josemaria Escriva pulls no punches as we discuss humility in today's Morning Prayer. https://youtu.be/CP4aLgpSh9s
Finding truth in the vineyard
Tammy and I have a precious Dachshund named Penny. She is a lovely dog, and truly one of God’s great gifts to us. But, one of the things you learn quickly about Penny is, she has very definite opinions about what is hers, and what she deserves. She lives her life by a simple ethos: … Continue reading Finding truth in the vineyard
Step aside, and make way for the Great I Am
As Americans, we are taught from birth to focus first, foremost and last on the great ‘I.’ How will I benefit from this situation? Look how I am being wronged. I am so offended. Look how I plot my revenge. Without the great ‘I,’ American culture would unravel itself. This culture of individualism — the … Continue reading Step aside, and make way for the Great I Am
Watch where you sit
“If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone.” When I was in the Navy there was one seat in which you never sat, unless you were the captain of the ship. The captain’s chair on the bridge was more than symbolic … Continue reading Watch where you sit
Walk with our Blessed Mother
Today, Aug. 15, is recognized in many traditions as the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Mary, the Theotokos. As I prepare for this day — one of the most important days of the Church Calendar for those who use Marian devotion as a path to closer relationship with Christ — it is natural … Continue reading Walk with our Blessed Mother
A forgotten pursuit
When I was racing and touring bikes in high school I thought it would be fun to someday fix up old bikes. Just for giggles. It’s funny how God works. I completely forgot about pursuing that hobby, for more than 25 years. Then, quite by “accident” I gave an old bike I meant to get … Continue reading A forgotten pursuit
Thoughts from Vespers, Aug. 5
1 Peter 5:5-7 Wrap yourselves in humility to be servants of each other, because God refuses the proud and will always favour the humble. Bow down, then, before the power of God now, and he will raise you up on the appointed day; unload all your worries on to him, since he is looking after … Continue reading Thoughts from Vespers, Aug. 5
Thoughts from Compline, Aug. 3
From Psalm 85 (86) O Lord, teach me your paths, and I will come to your truth.Make my heart simple and guileless, so that it honours your name.I will proclaim you, Lord my God, and give you praise with all my heart.I will give glory to your name for ever, for your great kindness is … Continue reading Thoughts from Compline, Aug. 3
Thoughts from Vespers, Aug. 2
Matthew 14:15-16 — When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said,“This is a deserted place and it is already late;dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.”Jesus said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.” The … Continue reading Thoughts from Vespers, Aug. 2
Get ready to exercise with St. Ignatius
Today is the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, co-founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and deviser of the Ignatian Exercises. Ignatian spirituality, particularly the Exercises, and their ability to take us deeper into Scripture and into our relationship with God, and with our own true selves, is a topic I think beneficial for … Continue reading Get ready to exercise with St. Ignatius
Thoughts from Lauds, July 30
From Lauds (Morning Prayer), Jeremiah 31 The young girl will dance for joy, young men and old men too.“I will turn their weeping into gladness,” says the Lord, “I will comfort them and give them joy after sorrow.” This world, at times, can seem like a constant burden of sorrows. And, we can come to … Continue reading Thoughts from Lauds, July 30
For the Feast of St. Martha
We hear of Saint Martha in two principal passages of the Bible. In the first, Jesus has come to the home of Martha and Mary, sisters of Lazarus. From Luke 10:37-42 Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord … Continue reading For the Feast of St. Martha
Thoughts from Sext, July 28
From Sext (the Sixth Hour, Noon Prayer) Proverbs 3:13-15 “Happy the man who discovers wisdom, the man who gains discernment: gaining her is more rewarding than silver, more profitable than gold. She is beyond the price of pearls, nothing you could covet is her equal.” In His parables of the Kingdom of Heaven, in Matthew … Continue reading Thoughts from Sext, July 28
Thoughts from Vespers, July 27
From Vespers (Evening Prayer), from Ephesians 1 “Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us, in Christ, with every spiritual blessing in heaven.In love, he chose us before the creation of the world, to be holy and spotless in his sight.He predestined us to be his adopted children through … Continue reading Thoughts from Vespers, July 27
