Fire, Salt, and Light.

When I worked in Insurance, as a Theft Investigato...

2012-02-13T21:15:20.440-07:00

When I worked in Insurance, as a Theft Investigator, I seemed always to have a claim where the person reporting the theft claimed a devotional item was stolen from them.

You wouldn't believe how many car thieves have a penchant for Bibles and other devotional books! LOL!

I still remember, clear as day, one of my customers telling me, "You're not going to believe this. I had a Bible on the front seat. When I saw my car at impound, most of my stuff was still there but my BIBLE was gone!"

They never could figure out why I'd laugh. I'd have to explain, "Honey, if they're stealing your car, they are more in need of your Bible than you are!"

LOL!

Excellent! Left open for a reason, I guess!

2012-02-13T19:38:23.418-07:00

Excellent! Left open for a reason, I guess!

Oh, Father, the nail has been hit on the head! You...

2012-01-30T19:08:02.367-07:00

Oh, Father, the nail has been hit on the head! You are so right when you say (I paraphrase)'the respite of Christmas'. It seems to be one constant onslaught outside our doors. The Face of Jesus? He is there, but He is quiet, His time has not yet come. You-know-who is having his day, and he is crushing the world, even as most people are loving the world. Father, thank you for your strong and brave voice, proclaiming against the darkness. The faithful are praying...

I must learn more about Catherine Doherty... Thank...

2012-01-19T11:06:00.225-07:00

I must learn more about Catherine Doherty... Thanks for the post, I always look forward to reading them. Lately I've been holed up, quiet, trying, REALLY trying to let the Holy Spirit guide me. Forgetting about self...that has been on my mind alot lately.

Grace, Redemption and Peace! We invite you to put ...

2011-11-26T06:34:13.822-07:00

Grace, Redemption and Peace!
We invite you to put this blog the image of the Lady of All Nations and the prayer taught by her for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the world!
"This prayer was given for the salvation and conversion of the world!
www.virgemdeguadalupe.blogspot.com

Hello Father, I just want to point out a site wit...

2011-11-18T04:51:57.962-07:00

Hello Father,

I just want to point out a site with free catholic books, written by the saints

http://catholic-books.blogspot.com/
http://www.saintsbooks.net/
http://www.storyofasoul.com

I hope they are helpful

Your thoughts have left me filled and squirming wi...

2011-09-06T13:49:58.357-06:00

Your thoughts have left me filled and squirming with emotions, with feelings that are usually oppressed in any given moment. What began as a cry to us ends with a word from God through you; ..."so I also love you..."
Thanks for sharing your thoughts again.

What a beautiful post! I can relate to her father...

2011-05-14T23:38:33.724-06:00

What a beautiful post! I can relate to her father and your words of compassion touch my heart.

God bless you
Catherine

A very good point, Father. When your post started...

2011-04-16T20:54:12.970-06:00

A very good point, Father. When your post started I felt a little anger with the Canadian Bishops for their actions, perhaps because it seems that a majority of Bishops do not stand up for what is truly right, just as many parish priests don't. I have been to D.C. and walked, and although I didn't realize it at the time, but those many graphic posters that I saw there did make me uncomfortable, but maybe they were supposed to. I see your point, though, and in my heart I know that this battle can only be won through love. Thanks for the reminder.

Nice post. This is a great blog and I have to cong...

2011-03-28T06:24:04.585-06:00

Nice post. This is a great blog and I have to congratulate you on the content.
Joseph Joseph

You are right Father, so many things weigh us down...

2011-03-22T11:09:12.877-06:00

You are right Father, so many things weigh us down and not only worldly things but issues inside of us, personal matters, family. One second everything is fine and then a crisis hits, and if we're not strong enough to stay focused with God in these times (I never am!) then we can be lost again and again. Thanks for the insights, as always. k

"His thirst for us becomes our thirst for Him...

2011-03-20T17:58:21.504-06:00

"His thirst for us becomes our thirst for Him!"

Wow...well stated! That alone is its own meditation.

Thank you!

Father, that is a mighty tall order, 'release ...

2011-03-07T11:02:43.106-07:00

Father, that is a mighty tall order, 'release from all forms of oppression of all the peoples on the earth.' A worthy lenten prayer, for sure. My lenten journey is still in prayer.

An extremely powerful post. Thank you, Father, fo...

2011-02-25T09:24:30.297-07:00

An extremely powerful post. Thank you, Father, for saying what needs to be said. I especially like two points: a) the need for courage among the episcopacy; b) the fact of the indellible mark of the priesthood.

Thank you again for making such a strong statement.

Father, you have given me much to think about in y...

2011-02-10T10:49:41.502-07:00

Father, you have given me much to think about in your reflection on loneliness. I thank you and God for giving you the graces to sit and write this, these words from deep inside. Your voice is a steady even keel for me, no matter what is on your mind. Keep that voice strong, as I pray for you in my intentions. k

Interesting you post on this today... This aftern...

2011-01-23T21:31:36.160-07:00

Interesting you post on this today...

This afternoon I was recalling a book I read as a teen, about a horse-crazy girl who finds a horse farm to live on over the summer, desiring the companionship of like-minded people. Before she went, someone who knew her said to her, "You can be alone in a crowd". She finally understood that at some point in the book, when she was indeed alone in the crowd she'd sought, finding herself completely without any bearing at all...and without companionship.

You also remind me of a friend of mine who grasps at identity from groups and STUFF as though her own personal identity is not enough. You finally helped me put my finger on it; at the core of her own struggle isn't identity, but an intense loneliness. (I'm not sure how to help her with that; she's not without friends but is a very popular person! I think it's something we humans can't touch.)

Still praying for you, Father.

Beautifully written, Father a beautiful story of l...

2011-01-21T19:22:50.330-07:00

Beautifully written, Father a beautiful story of love and grief. My prayers once again reach out to you.

Very beautiful words, Father. I myself cannot fin...

2011-01-14T20:28:03.167-07:00

Very beautiful words, Father. I myself cannot find the words, only the emotions spew forth, or rather, I keep my anger within me. But with your words I see anger is not right, and it is in prayer for not just the one who pulled the trigger but for our world as a whole, to pray to find some clue to find words to reach across the time and space of hate. Words, words, that fall upon deaf ears...Thanks again. k

Indeed He is risen! Hostels in Buenos Aires

Father, thanks for the glass of cold water to remi...

2011-01-03T19:23:56.827-07:00

Father, thanks for the glass of cold water to remind us just what the first day of the year is: World Day of Prayer for Peace. We here don't go in for the hoopla any more; it's just another day that I'm not at work, which means I can attend Mass in the morning and, if I"m blessed, spend time that day in quiet prayer. And as you beautifully show us, a time to reflect. Thanks for the mindful post. k

...step by step walking towards His eternal embrac...

2010-12-27T07:43:35.664-07:00

...step by step walking towards His eternal embrace." I like the imagery in that, and that is exactly what we are doing, or should be doing. And to think He's waiting for us, no matter what we've done. More mysteries...

Fr. J. -I see and feel by your post that your stru...

2010-12-17T10:56:40.879-07:00

Fr. J. -I see and feel by your post that your struggles have returned in force. I am praying for you and in the distance that stands between our souls I send my guardian angel to be with you in prayer. Prayer and action is all we have when satan prowls, as he is now earnestly with you. Be on your guard! and remember, (but you know this) you are never alone. k

Father, what a beautiful reflection on the Advent ...

2010-12-01T19:58:34.365-07:00

Father, what a beautiful reflection on the Advent season, the season of waiting. Your faith in Our Lord always strengthens mine. Come, Lord Jesus!

Thank you so much for sharing! I will pray for yo...

2010-11-22T00:17:02.651-07:00

Thank you so much for sharing! I will pray for you.

God bless you, Fr. Joe. Your post has put me in a...

2010-11-19T11:03:15.161-07:00

God bless you, Fr. Joe. Your post has put me in a somber state of mind, not only over the untimely death of Dominic but also your trials, both physical and mental. But then, to see your realization that through and during our trials, our stay in the crucible of Christ you can feel the presence of Him reaching down to you, saying 'Come up, Father and be with me in my garden.' A reminder to all of us that He is always with us, no matter when or where. k