Do you ever feel like your mood changes faster than the stock market? One day you’re in a very content, happy place, and a day later you’re feeling lonely, depressed or sad? Or better yet, do you feel wonderful in the morning and by the afternoon it’s like the tide has flipped your mood on its axis and you have no idea why? That’s how it’s been for me a… Read More »You Can Find Interior Honesty With God

Photography © by Randy Hain Dr. Scott Hahn reflects on the Mass readings for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A).. Isaiah 58:7–10Psalm 112:4–91 Corinthians 2:1–5Matthew 5:13–16 Jesus came among us as light to scatter the darkness of a fallen world. As His disciples, we too are called to be “the light of the world,” He tells us in the Gospel this Sunday (see John 1:4–4, 9; 8:12; 9:5). All three images that… Read More »Light Breaking Forth — Integrated Catholic Life™

At times, the truth can seem to be of little consolation to us.  That may seem strange to say.  But if we are honest, there are times when we suffer interiorly despite the fact that we know what we are feeling is not true.  For example, we may KNOW that God is with us and loves us, but we may not feel that or experience that at one time or… Read More »Reflection 41: Feelings Versus Faith

February 8, 2020 Daily Reading from the USCCB: Mark 6:30-34 https://www.franciscanmedia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/SW_020610_II.mp3   The ever present crowds wouldn’t let Jesus and His disciples alone long enough to rest or eat. People were after them wherever they went. And what were these people after? Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. The people saw and pursued in Jesus what sheep see and pursue… Read More »Sharing the Word for February 8, 2020

At the beginning of each year, many of us make resolutions toward become a better person. We resolve to develop a healthier diet. We resolve to learn more about an important topic or two. Our intentions are good. In the first days and weeks of the year, we do fairly well at keeping these resolutions. We join a fitness club. We cease eating at fast food establishments, or partaking of… Read More »The Hidden Virtues in Habits of Dining, Learning, & Spirituality

Recently I was late getting a manuscript to an editor. My excuse? By far the most popular one in America: I had “no time.” Let’s examine that excuse. Why do we all seem to have no time for anything, much less for prayer? I am constantly feeling guilty about this, and I suspect most of you are too. I think the single biggest obstacle to our relationship with God (after… Read More »Time — Integrated Catholic Life™

There are three words to ponder today: humility, simplicity and sincerity.  Humble souls see and know God because they do not turn to themselves in their need.  They recognize that God is everything and, without Him, they are nothing.  Simple souls do not get caught up in the complications of life.  They are able to cut through the countless distractions and live a childlike trust in God.  Sincere souls are… Read More »Reflection 37: Humility, Simplicity and Sincerity

ABOUD, West Bank (CNS) — The pews at the Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Church were full Feb. 2, as children led a procession for the feast of the Presentation of the Lord and received candles from Father Firas Aridah. Watching their children, parents of the parish said the announcement of U.S. President Donald Trump’s “deal of the century” peace plan did not bode well for their future. “We’d like… Read More »Palestinians say Trump peace plan does not bode well for the future

Now the virginity of Mary was hidden from the prince of this world, as was also her offspring, and the death of the Lord; three mysteries of renown, which were wrought in silence by God. How, then, was He manifested to the world? A star shone forth in heaven above all the other stars, the light of which was inexpressible, while its novelty struck men with astonishment. And all the… Read More »Grace Is Given To The Humble

Candlemas and the Presentation of the Lord have already arrived! Christmas Day was forty days ago. We’ve been in the season of Ordinary Time on the liturgical calendar for three weeks. Before we know it, Lent will be upon us. That’s what happens in this earthly life—we move through time. We mark moments in time that represent important events. Time is one of the essential elements by which we measure… Read More »Living the Faith in Ordinary Moments — Integrated Catholic Life™