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

Love is a Many Splendored Thing 

As I reflected on what to share in the February blog, Love dominates the month. You have seen enough ads for candy, flowers, and diamonds! That’s not where I am. I have been thinking of the lyrics from the song “Maria” that is part of the Sound of Music score. One of the lines is, “How do you solve… Continue reading Love is a Many Splendored Thing 

Opening a Door Called Hope

in January, 2025 Many of you may remember that the month of January is named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, transitions, and endings. As we are gradually moving into the Year of the Lord, 2025, I want to reflect on Hope. It’s not the first time I have written a blog entry about HOPE.… Continue reading Opening a Door Called Hope