My Christmas Wish List, 2025

Christmas is always a time for expectations, hope, joy, believing, and making a Christmas list. We are all familiar with the “happy ending” of Christmas movies. George Bailey, in It’s a Wonderful Life is ready to throw in the towel but is reminded by his Guardian Angel, Clarence, that George really has made a difference in the… Continue reading My Christmas Wish List, 2025

Adding a Touch of Music to Death

Those of you who know me personally know that I grew up in an Irish-heritage family, which means that death/dying is a part of who we are in a way that other ethnic cultures are not. It doesn’t mean we aren’t sad when we lose a loved one but we see it as part of… Continue reading Adding a Touch of Music to Death

A Mother’s Heart

A reflection shared from parishioner and friend, Sandy Spencer.Sandy spent 25 years as a Missionary in Guatemala. Friends, this is a Mother's Day story. This story comes back to my memory because it is Mother's Day. With a special heart, mothers come to know that community and belonging are a right for every human being. The nurturing, life-giving quality of LOVE is not biologically, nationally, or racially determined. Mothers know this from their hearts. This Mother's Day, I go back in memory to Guatemala. I remember Bonifacio Coz. He was five months old when his tuberculous grandfather hobbled into the clinic with him. Bonifacio's mother died – maybe a week before. The father was in the army. Boni weighed 3½ pounds. He did not look human. The fight for life in this little person was incredible. Every two hours, 1½ ounces of milk – after every feeding – vomiting – diarrhea. And yet – he lived. A young Indian mother whose own child was very ill was watching Bonifacio. After two days she said,“That little boy is hungry for more than milk from a bottle. He needs to feel a heart that beats with his own.” “What do you want to do?” “I want to give him my own breast to feed from; I want his hand to… Continue reading A Mother’s Heart

Mom Always Liked You Best!

The never-ending sibling rivalry Just in time for Thanksgiving family gatherings!   Recently I read a novel that reminded me how prevalent sibling rivalry is. If it is any comfort, sibling rivalry has been around for most of human existence. It certainly appears in the Hebrew Scriptures and in the New Testament. There are numerous examples… Continue reading Mom Always Liked You Best!

A Father’s Reflection

By Greg Stephen As we celebrate Father’s Day, I have invited Greg Stephen, friend and colleague to share his reflection on being a father and grandfather. Bridget Hear, O Children, a father’s instruction, be attentive, that you may gain understanding!  Proverbs 4:1 I am the father of two sons and have four adult grandchildren.  When trying to… Continue reading A Father’s Reflection