[Pearls Episode 139:  Preparing for Sunday.] As we look to this Sunday’s Gospel reading (in the postscript) we are focused on the disciple’s plea to Jesus, “increase our faith.”   In yesterday’s message we were reminded that we must do our part to cultivate the gift of faith that we receive from God. And we saw Read More >

[Pearls Episode 139:  Preparing for Sunday.] In this week’s Pearls of the Interior Life, as we start setting our mind on Sunday’s Gospel reading (in the postscript), we consider the disciples’ plea, “Lord, increase our faith.” That’s a high-quality request.  There’s never a wrong time for us to follow suit. Faith is mostly a gift Read More >

[Pearls Episode 138:  Answering atheism Tuesday.] In reflecting on the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, we focused on this from Jesus, “If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.” What is it that makes atheists so determined? Ben Stein, Read More >

[Pearls Episode 138:  Monday motivation.] On Friday we were musing on why Jesus doesn’t just show up in the sky or at our kitchen table, and convert the world. There are many reasons, but not the least of which, is that it wouldn’t play out as most people would have it were they writing the Read More >

[Pearls Episode 138:  Preparing for the Lord’s Day.] On Sunday, we’ll hear these words from Jesus, “If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.” Jesus is clearly pointing to Himself. It leads us to consider the question, why doesn’t Jesus just Read More >

[Pearls Episode 138:  The rich man and Lazarus.] This Sunday brings us the parable of the wealthy man and Lazarus (see the postscript). Our focus in this week’s Pearls on the Interior Life is the closing line: Then Abraham said, “If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded Read More >

[Pearls Episode 137:  Answering atheism Tuesday.] We hope you’re finding little ways to grow in poverty of spirit. As we complete our reflection on the parable of the Dishonest Servant, we turn to this statement by Jesus, “The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person Read More >

[Pearls Episode 137:  Taking Sunday into the work week.] As we carry Sunday’s Gospel message into the week, we can think about how it sheds light on the beatitudes. Jesus’ persistent warning to keep mammon at arm’s length calls to mind the first beatitude – Blessed are the Poor of Spirit.   Which comes with this Read More >

[Pearls Episode 137:  Preparing for Sunday.] As we turn our minds to this Sunday’s Gospel message, we note that perspective has a powerful effect on how we see and engage life – doesn’t it? Approach a cornfield one way and it’s a disorderly array of stalks.  Face it from a different direction and orderly rows Read More >

[Pearls Episode 137:  The Dishonest Steward.] This Sunday’s Gospel, the Parable of the Dishonest Steward (we’ll pass on the shooting-fish-in-a-barrel reference to the federal government), takes us back to the topic of detachment. This shouldn’t come as a surprise.  St. John of the Cross said that if he were to write about all the scripture Read More >