The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3

The peace of Christ is centered on understanding God who is at the center and in the middle and in the exterior of all of life, from the moment of conception until the last natural breath we take on earth. The peace of Christ is the discovering the fullness of life within the Body of Christ where we find true peace and joy in our call to vocation.

I am not in control—my ego desires control. Obedience is the fruit of loving and knowing another. My control comes out strongest when I place myself as king over others. My obedience flourishes when I spend time being with and listening to the other in my life. When I know that God is the source of all and “I lack nothing” it is here I find peace.

I have a mission—growing up I wanted to play second base for the Dodgers. I wanted to be a United States Marine. I wanted to bicycle across Europe. I wanted to do a lot of things. From the big dreams and fantastical desires to the mundane choices in daily life, none of these things bring peace separated from the “mission” God calls us to live. We all desire the “quiet waters” of life. I found the storms of life lessening the more I stood in relationship with God. Saying yes to the invitation is never easy but only this, God’s mission for each of us, brings peace. What is that mission?…to be a saint.

I have a destination—In the musical, “The Man of La Mancha” Don Quixote sings: “To be willing to march into hell, for a heavenly cause…” Peace is finding the cause knowing the Spirit of God “leads me” in the great quest of life. I have a destination that is not a static place but an ever moving gift, growing and drawing us forward even in the most difficult, the hellish, moments in life. As he sings: “and I know if I’ll only be true to this glorious quest, that my heart will lie peaceful in rest.”

I have a family/Church—We all have biological family. We too, as we many times we say and hear the phrase “Brothers and Sisters in Christ” have a family of Church where being baptized into God’s holy family. In both the biological and Church family we understand in different ways how family is complicated. In these joyous and painful relationships it is easy to forget the connected-ness that runs deep in our unity with one another. God’s call to family is to find rest and peace, “He makes me lie down in green pastures”. And this can and is always hard. Because the “green pastures” are not without weeds and thistles of sin. They aren’t absent the pebbles, stones, discord and suffering. But these pastures are also filled with love and hope. Finding our families within the Church is also a mysterious journey meant to feed our mission within the Church. For instance, I have served in the Worldwide Marriage Encounter movement for over 15 years…they are my family. I have been celebrating Mass with the Eucharistic Missionaries of the Most Holy Trinity (MESST) for almost my entire priesthood, they are my family. I discovered the gift of healing in visiting the sick and homebound and how life giving it is for my priesthood. If you had asked me the day after my ordination if these three ministry would have been important to me…I would have said “no”. Yet these missions with my larger mission of priesthood, reminds me: it is discovering and rediscovering our place in the family of God that gives us life.

I am called —by name—is the greatest mystery of life. God calls us by name. All priests can do what I do, but only I can be who I am. The uniqueness of mission invites me to be “for his name’s sake”, obedient to the will of the Father, to the mission of the Church and in my small, yet significant place in this missionary journey, to focus on God’s plan…the salvation of the world.
“The Lord is my shepherd” for God calls us, watches over us, and names us in love.
God Bless
Fr. Mark

Below is one of my favorite verses from the Bible. St. Paul, confronting doubt and dissension within the Church reminds us this very beautiful mission we are called to be as members of Christ’s body:
“For I am the least of the apostles, not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been ineffective. Indeed, I have toiled harder than all of them; not I, however, but the grace of God [that is] with me. Therefore, whether it be I or they, so we preach and so you believed.”(1 Corinthians 15:9-11)

I am blessed to be called by God as a priest. I am blessed to work with so many good and holy people. I am blessed to be sustained by the prayers of so many people and the saints and angels in heaven. I am blessed because of the abundant and ever flowing grace God showers down upon me and all the world. I am blessed in knowing it is the work of God that surrounds me and his work is perfect. I am blessed in recognizing the gifts and talents of others who I am invited and called to work with. I am blessed.
I do not always know the time, place or those who will be the blessings God shares, but in the humbleness of knowing the heart of God, I am called to encounter in love, accept the companionship and walk the pilgrim journey. It may be in a 2:00 a.m. sick call or the lunch shared with a beloved of Christ. In being aware that I am blessed allows my eyes to be open and accept the gift given in joy.
I am blessed in the quiet of the Church in praying an early morning Holy Hour, in the encounter with those who care for the church building in cleaning and praying through their gift of ministry or in the recitation of the Most Holy Rosary in front of the blessed sacrament.
I am blessed in the noise of the Church in the praise and worship of a prayer service, in the change of environment as families come together or in the children of our parish school and summer camps playing with joyful noise of our God.
I am blessed in the familial celebrations both joyous and difficult. In baptism we hear the voice of God in the children…the one to be baptized in either the giggles of life or the crying and crankiness of nap time being interrupted or the number of people surrounding the child. It is parish BBQ’s and school sport activities. It is the funeral in which sadness is palatable like smoke in the air but faith is even stronger because the smoke changes into the gentle fragrance of incense. The stories shared of life lived in its fullness the heroic struggle of faithfulness in a world too often faithless and the family brought together to give thanks, to heal and to bless.

I am blessed in the companionship of ministry and in the cross. As St. Paul reminds us, it all begins and ends with the Cross of salvation and love.
Venerable Pablo María Guzmán Figueroa MSpS, the founder of the Eucharistic Missionaries of the Most Holy Trinity (MESST) shares with these words of companionship in Jesus’ sacramental love in his prayer Prayer of Fire (Oración de Fuego), “Que sean almas víctimas, almas hostias pero formando una sola hostia con Jesús, así comodeben participar del miso sacerdocio.” His language is poetic and difficult to translate….I have been praying with this pray for years now…but loosely translated (forgive me my faults) “Like Jesus we must take up our cross to become sacrificial victims for/with others. Where our soul is united with Jesus in the Eucharistic sacrifice (our souls imitate the host shared at the altar) but not as many sacrifices. One sacrifice united in Jesus Christ (the one host). The one priesthood of Jesus Christ.”
When I pray and celebrate…with you, with the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church: I am blessed.

God Bless
Fr. Mark

#40 Holy Saturday 4/4/2026 Newness of life is now.

Holy Saturday is quiet. We meditate on the death of our Lord. We pray with the saints in pondering what death means and how can Jesus, the Son of God die. We seek to be still in a busy world. And we hope in the words of St. Paul in the newness of life. “We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life.” (Rm 6:4) Living for today is pouring our love into the search for truth and holiness. It is placing our lives fully and completely into the plan of salvation. It is hearing the call to life and embracing the goodness and uniting ourselves with Jesus Christ in his Church.

#39 Good Friday 4/3/2026 Seven Words of Silence

Today the Church sits in silence. There will be no Mass celebrated today. Today Jesus dies on the Cross and we come to church to venerate the blessing and wonder of the cross. Today we are called to sit in silence. Silence in the modern world is very hard. The noise of society intrudes into almost every corner of our lives and yet, we are challenged to find silence in the presence of our Lord. To get lost in the contemplation of life, like a parent gazing at they sleeping child. The silence of sitting in front of a great work of art, being drawn deeper into a mystery that expands and expands the more we seeks to discover a depth of love. Let us take time today to listen to St. Mark’s Passion and offer a time of silence to the Lord.

#38 Holy Thursday 4/2/2026 Doubling Down

Today we hear the request for the body and the surprise of Pilate that Jesus had died so soon. He had expected much more suffering. That is what happened. The casual cruelty of sin shows forth in all its terrible destruction. But there is also the kindness of Joseph of Arimathea in this cruelty, this is where God is and we are challenged and invited to search for this blessing amidst the pain and suffering in our lives. As we begin this sacred Triduum ending our Lent, let us double down on our commitment to prayer, renew our desire in fasting, and lovingly extend our alms to those around us. Amen.

#37 Holy Wednesday 4/1/2026 Paying attention

What happens after the excitement, the worry, the troubles are deemed finished? What happens next? Today Joseph of Arimathea comes and takes Jesus’ body to a tomb. Most people have left to go about their daily routines. What happens next? In our life this is a pattern, a disaster, the championship game, a wedding or a funeral happen and then it can be quickly forgotten by so many. But someone is left behind. There is still need of cleaning up, healing a broken heart or the need to have someone to talk with for a little while longer. In our spiritual journey we need to leave behind but we cannot stop paying attention. Sin needs to be left but the attentiveness to the healing, the renewing needs to be continued. Let us always pay attention to the voice of our Lord.

#36 Holy Tuesday 3/31/2026 Holding Jesus

As the Holy Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday draw near we may want to reflect back on these past days of Lent and ask, where do I stand with Jesus? Near? Close but not to close? Or afraid and distant? Our challenge as we reflect on the Passion according to St. Mark is to, no matter what stage we are in, to turn and face Jesus. To move ever closer to Jesus. To take Jesus in our hands with faith, hope and love. I would continue to encourage you to take the Gospel of St. Mark and re-read the Passion narrative once more today. God Bless

#35 Holy Monday 3/30/2026 And he saw how he breathed his last

What drew that centurion to look at Jesus in those last minutes of his life? In the pains and sufferings of life, we are invited by our God to look on the face of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. To see the peace and freedom that comes from the obedience of love. We are challenged to keep seeking him even in the most troubling moments of life. I would challenge you once more to take your Bible and read the Passion of St. Mark from the first verse of Chapter 14 until the end of Gospel…reflecting back on what you prayed this Lenten season.

Palm Sunday of the Passion of our Lord 3/29/2026

Today we begin Holy Week with the triumphant procession into Jerusalem followed quickly by the reading of the Passion of the Lord from the Gospel of St. Matthew. We, in faith, trust in the goodness of the Lord. We believe Jesus’ Passion, Death and Resurrection is the gift of eternal life. It is where we discover how goodness and love will always defeat the evil of the world. Where we will always discover God’s loving presence in our life. I would invite you this week to take the Passion of St. Mark, pick up your Bible, and read it completely. You may want to do this as a family and reflect back on the Little Black Book. Blessed Holy Week.

#34 Lenten Reflection 3/28/2026 Spend some quiet time with the Lord.

Death comes for everyone and today Jesus cries out from the cross one last time and breathes his last. St. Mark shares this in just a few short words but those who love Jesus remain. It is the recognition that death does not have the final say, Jesus brings life and brings us to true life. Let us today spend some quiet time with Jesus. Remembering those who have gone before us and that we one day will follow them as Jesus holds us and leads us to life.

#33 Lenten Reflection 3/27/2026 The Cry from the Cross

Give glory and praise to God for the gift of life. Jesus cries from the Cross the words of the Psalms and we are called to listen and respond, not to the despondency of the situation but rather in the sharing of the relationship of love. A relationship that grows stronger when we share who we are, not the curated image that is air brushed and only recognizes the “good” feelings and well framed photographs but embraces the messiness and difficulties that come from a life lived in community and sacrifice for others. Sharing who we are with God, the fullness of who we are, brings us closer to the true gift of our humanity: we get to choose love and mercy.

#32 Lenten Reflection 3/26/2026 A Cross on the Wall

Do you have a Cross/Crucifix on the wall of your home? I walked around the rectory one day and counted the number of Crosses/Crucifixes I had in my rooms: my office and livings spaces. I had 21 then and have added several more. They aren’t art work that is static but they are living memories. A few come from the Eucharistic Missionaries of the Most Holy Trinity, the sisters I serve in San Jose. Four were gifts from Worldwide Marriage Encounter. One is from the family of my Godfather, another from a good friend who gave it to me at the funeral of her father. Each cross carries a story of love and as I sit and ponder the image of the cross above my television it carries the greatest image a love that gently draws my life into unity with Jesus in the embrace of the Most Holy Trinity. Take time and sit and allow the Cross of Jesus Christ to draw you into true life and love. Amen.

#31 Lenten Reflection 3/25/2026 Solemnity of the Annunciation

Jesus begins his six hours on the Cross. Six long hours of torture, unable to find comfort, each movement bringing more pain. Have you ever tried to remain still for six hours? Standing for six hours? Sitting for six hours? Even, just laying down, without sleeping or movement for six hours? Our body revolts at such stillness and yet we often run by that one sentence that it was 9:00 a.m. when they crucified him. We may want to stop and pause in prayer for our Church as we begin to ponder the next six hours, the final hours. Let us pray…

#30 Lenten Reflection 3/24/2026 Venerable Edward Flanagan…Pray for us

Today we rejoice as a Church as the founder of Boys Town, Fr. Edward Flanagan has been named Venerable, one of the steps to becoming a canonized saint in the Catholic Church. We are also reflecting on the the words, “Then they crucified him.” Jesus is crucified and dies for our sins. We are asked to meditate on the brutality and pain of this type of death, not as some morbid fascination or curiosity, but with the eyes of faith leading us to a deeper understanding of love. How in love we will suffer and die for the other. Choosing to offer our life in sacrificial love…pouring out everything in the hope of life. It could be in the service of those in need, like Venerable Fr. Flanagan or the martyrdom of St. Oscar Romero in speaking out for the poor. There is but one answer, to take up our cross and follow Him. St. Oscar Romero….pray for us. Venerable Edward Flanagan…pray for us.

#29 Lenten Reflection 3/23/2026 Carrying our cross

The last line in the reflection booklet today has such a powerful and wonderful gift in our final weeks of the Lenten Journey…we don’t know where we are going, or why this and not that, or how soon or late we will arrive…we just have to know Jesus and follow him. It may be a good time to look back and follow the path of transformation and conversion you are experiencing during our times of prayer. It may be a good time to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation to find God’s mercy and grace. It may be time to just sit in silence with God. Amen. “He carried the cross, not knowing why, or where he was going. But he wasn’t lost, He was following the Lord.” (77)

5th Sunday in Lent 3/22/2026 Lazarus come out

Jesus calls us by name from the moment of our conception in the womb of our mother until the hour of our death…but the greatest call is at the moment of our death when God calls us from death into eternal life. In the Sacraments, this is the grace of God. In baptism he calls us to new life through the grace. In Reconciliation he calls us to new life in grace and in the Last Rites he calls us to new life. God’s grace, His gracious love is beyond anything we can imagine and yet we are invited to participate in the small moments of charity and mercy that we experience day by day. Let us hear Jesus’ call, to come out into the light of life and to abandon our death to sin as Jesus invites us to unwrap one another in mercy and love.

#28 Lenten Reflection 3/21/2026 The Way of the Cross

The Way of the Cross or the Stations of the Cross are a wonderful spiritual way to enter into the Lenten journey. They ask us to go beyond the surface of the Gospel story and enter into a deeper and more profound understanding of why we walk with Jesus and why he asked us to follow him. The great mystery of salvation history is found in the love Jesus has for us as he dies for our sins so that we may be saved. The looking deeper asks us to reflect on the implications of God’s fidelity to His people but our choosing to see and know God in the most vulnerable and the most in need. You may want to go back to the pray of St. Augustine to the Holy Spirit on page 60 to help you reflect on this day.

#27 Lenten Reflection 3/20/2026 Caring for Jesus–Caring for the other

When I see a person in need, what is my first reaction? We all have our blind spots, the area in life where we don’t see the other person as someone worthy or to be loved and cared for, this is the reality of life. As Jesus is beaten, crowned with thorns, mocked and spat upon, the soldiers and all those watching with glee not only failed to see the Son of God, the failed to see the dignity of the human person made in the image and likeness of God. It is the sin we can all carry if we are not careful of seeking humility in life. Yesterday, we learned how St. Joseph chose to relearn God’s love as he took Mary into his home, are we willing to relearn and drop are prejudices to become love?

#26 Lenten Reflection 3/19/2026 St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, Pray for us.

Today we are reminded of the quiet faith of a man who without a spoken word shines forth as a great light of faith. St. Joseph, the husband of Mary and foster father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is a example of what simple acts of courage and faith can do to change the world. Each day of his life, St. Joseph, in faith, prepared his heart to hear God’s word and to act on this word. This trust in God, opening his heart to God, doing the holy work of God was who St. Joseph was because he chose that path through faith, hope and love. St. Joseph has many titles but his first and greatest is Husband of Mary in his choosing her in the obedience of love. St. Joseph…pray for us.

#25 Lenten Reflections 3/18/2026 Making a Choice

Choosing the good and rejecting the evil is life. It is the small blessings allowing us to see the better in life. The little catch phrase, “God is Good” that seems everywhere and on the lips of many can ring hallow by the actions of mercy and forgiveness Jesus lives in our lives. The invitation to return to God is “making the choice” to change the direction of our journey and follow the cross of Jesus Christ. It is being obedient in love of God and neighbor in choosing the good for our neighbor, both enemy and friend. St. Cyril of Jerusalem…pray for us.

#24 Lenten Reflections 3/17/26 St. Patrick

With Sound! Sorry about the no sound on the last two videos…I fixed it…I hope. We are reminded in our reflections today that when everything seems to be going wrong and life is so difficult with all the accusations flying about…God is still present, the peace of Christ is within us and the strength of the Holy Spirit still fills us with love. Let us continue to hold on to the power of the grace God fills us with and move forward knowing God’s plan is to bring us to heaven. Let us hold on to the plan and take the next step on our pilgrim journey, the way of the cross.

#23 Lenten Reflection 3/16/26 Discipline (now we have sound)

We all have routines that involve discipline in our lives. It may be getting out of bed at a certain time each day. It could be eating a healthy diet or having specific exercises we do each day. Discipline is an important part of life and especially our faith life. The discipline of fasting, praying and almsgiving during Lent are an extension of our normal faith life where we choose to be more intentional or more strict in our “routines” in faith. These little acts of courage strengthen our resolve, give us courage in our building up of our relationship with God. Discipline is always pointed towards a goal and our Lenten goal is the Resurrection of Easter Sunday. Give glory and praise to God.

4th Sunday in Lent 3/15/2026 Come Holy Spirit

Now with Sound…sorry about the earlier error>>>>>Today we are given the “Holy Spirit Prayer” from St. Augustine of Hippo in our Little Black Book. St. Augustine reminds us we call upon the Holy Spirit to give us strength and direction in our life of faith. Like the man born blind in the Gospel of St. John, Jesus gives us a vision of reality where the blessings of God illuminate our life. The world often tries to dim the light of life, but with the breath of the Holy Spirit our thoughts become pure and noble in character, as St. Paul writes “You were once darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord.” Today we pray for the elect of the Church as they move towards the Easter Sacraments and also for our Church, may we be the light in the darkness of the world.

22 Lenten Reflections 3/14/26 You are forgiven

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is vital for life in Christ. We are invited by God to come and seek mercy and reconciliation in the forgiveness of our sins. God calls us back again and again in our failings and seeks to heal us in his love. Make an appointment to receive the Sacrament or check out your local parishes to see what hours you can go to give thanks for God’s mercy and love.

#21 Lenten Reflections 3/13/2026 Courtyards and Traps

As we hear St. Peter deny Jesus in the courtyard we are asked to reflect on where our courtyard is where we find it a little easier to deny Jesus in our lives. Where we find it a little easier to turn a blind eye to a sin being committed. Where we close our ears to slander and gossip. Where we walk around the problem rather than seeking reconciliation and healing. Where is our courtyard? We may have one…or we may have many but no matter how many or how big our courtyard may be, Jesus’ mercy, love and healing are bigger and more gracious than anything we can imagine. It is moving from the courtyard of sin and holding on to the forgiveness of the cross. Practice the gift of sacramental healing in Reconciliation.

#20 Lenten Reflections 3/12/2026 Spiritual Perseverance

Today as we hear the recounting of Jesus being abused by the guards, beaten, spat upon, and mocked we are reminded how the cross calls for sacrifice. Trusting in God’s plan, learning His will and opening our hearts to hear his word is hard a difficult and we can often feel discouraged and alone, but Jesus is with us. It can be lonely. St. John Paul II in a Lenten prayer reminds us; “Teach us to follow you on the path of the Cross. Grant us strength in our weakness, light in our darkness, and courage in our trials.”

#19 Lenten Reflection 3/11/2026 Goodness

The goodness of God shines forth in the earth. “I believe that I will see the LORD’s goodness in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27:13) How often do I search out goodness? Or do I simply wait for it to land on my doorstep? Where do I look for goodness? Our reflection today reminds us that we will encounter goodness all over the place in many different people and circumstances. Do I open my eyes to goodness? A lot of questions. When we already think we have the answers, the religious leaders of Jesus’ day (and our day too) we become blind to the greater possibility of goodness/holiness in our lives. As we continue to read and pray the Passion of Jesus may we seek the truth of goodness and the blessing of our brothers and sisters.

#18 Lenten Reflection 3/10/2026 The joy of the truth.

The great lie that seems to twist the truth but is so easily believed when we simply want to avoid conflict. Sadly this lie will only lead to more conflict. Blessed Miguel Augustin Pro and St. John Olgilvie both Jesuit priest and both were martyred for their faith under anti-Catholic persecution. Both these men, under great persecution and torture chose the truth and to seek to witness to the love, peace and joy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and the example of the martyrs of the Church. Being reminded how we are invited to choose truth and faith so we too may endure the trials of life.

Blessed Miguel Augustin Pro…Pray for us. St. John Olgilvie…Pray for us.

#17 Lenten Reflection 3/9/2026 How about right now?

What a great question to ask each and every day. I see a pile of laundry that needs to be folded and put away..How about right now. We can often put off the things of this world. It is call procrastination. We also have “spiritual procrastination” where we fail to walk next to Jesus…as St. Peter did…and so many others…including me. Choosing to do good, to be Christlike in our actions, our thoughts and our prayers, takes hard work and a consistent reliance on God’s grace to strengthen our call to discipleship…right now.

3rd Sunday in Lent 3/8/2026 Give Me a Drink

Today’s Gospel reminds us of God’s gentle and surprising invitation to serve him through others. Jesus invites the woman into an act of service; a simple act and a surprising invitation. She hears the invitation “give me a drink” in confusion and doubt. Jesus is offering the invitation to share in the gift of life, “give me a drink.” How often do we hear this same invitation, In different words, but the same invitation from a spouse, a child, a parent, or anyone. Can you, give me a drink? Our answer, we pray will be yes and not only yes, it will be the sharing of the good news of life, love and peace.

16 Lent 3 7 2026 A forgotten upload. Ooof. Saturday was busy and between morning men’s group, Mass, heading over to hear Confessions at a teen retreat, and everything else…I forgot. please enjoy…although late.

#15 Lenten Reflection 3 6 2026 If you want peace, work for justice (St. Paul VI)

Cutting off the ear of someone you disagree with will never solve the problem. Violence will only beget more violence. In this time when we seem to be experiencing so much war, violence and distrust of others in our country and world, we pray for peace. Jesus reminds us that His word will bring about dissension both within the family and the larger community. Building trust, the first fruits of peace, come through listening and hearing to voice of the other. Self defense is necessary, but we are called to disarm the violence of conflict by seeking first and always a just outcome where violence and destruction are not sought as a solution. Let us pray for peace and let us work for Justice. St. Paul VI, pray for us.

#14 Lenten Reflection 3 5 2026 It is never to early to begin…not to late

Today we hear a beautiful story of St. Thèrése and the Sacrifice Beads that her family practiced. It was a spiritual practice, given to her at a very young age (before 4 years old), she practiced as she grew in holiness. This story reminds us of our need for spiritual practice and for families with children to challenge them to a spiritual practice throughout the years. Our Lenten practice of fasting, prayer and almsgiving should extend to the whole year, just deepened in Lent. These spiritual practice become a bulwark against the temptations of sin. Just remember… It is never to early to begin nor is it to late.

#13 Lenten Reflection 3 4 2026 Pray for us St. Casmir

A daily reflection where we examine our life and conscience is important for any growth. It helps us to remember all God’s blessings we have received (which we often forget among the troubles) as well as where we need to improve (to turn away from sin) so that we can life the more joy filled and holy life. As we are reminded, we often have good intentions that are left behind because we lack the strength or courage to turn them into actions. When we examine our day we are reminded how we need to call on God for the grace to be courageous and strong in living the Christian life and to become the saint God Called us to be.

#12 Lenten Reflection 3 3 2026 Thy Will be Done

The petition in the Our Father “The will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven” can be both a joy and a burden in our lives. The cup of gladness, of the will of the Father, brings us great joy and celebration as we grow and live with the people of God. The cup of bitterness and sorrow, also the will of the Father, brings us suffering and pain as we can doubt the direction, the necessary pruning that occur in our lives. Choosing to live the will of the Father is choosing to follow Jesus in the Way of the Cross, taking up our crosses daily in love of the Most Holy Trinity as we join with the saints in our life of faith…trusting in the will of the Father, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

#11 Lenten Reflection 3 2 2026 Preparing our heart with Prayer

St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle. These words that begin the great prayer of St. Michael remind us that we are not in the battle alone. We are surrounded by a heavenly host and the Holy Catholic Church on earth. Prayer is a preparation for the struggle to “stay awake” in our journey of faith. As we face the adversities of life, we are called to prepare for the battle through constant prayer and joyful hope. God never gives up on us and is with us always. Let us walk with Him in prayer calling out to the Holy Spirit to fill us and strengthen us with the fire of grace.

2nd Sunday Prayer in the Community

We are reminded again how prayer takes many different forms. A life of prayer is found in the fullness of the human experience. We need quiet prayer where we sit alone with God and allow His word to fill us in a unique way. We need prayer in community where we not only hear the prayers of others but experience the noise and distraction of the community honing our hearts in sacrifice and service of others. A life of prayer encompasses both in joy, knowing God is present in the two extremes but also in all the manners of prayer in between. In a special way, let us sit with God and pray for peace in our world .

#10 Lent 2 28 26 Perseverance in the Journey of Faith

“Don’t underestimate the Struggle.” The Lenten journey is hard. “The good news is that failures don’t have to be fatal.” The promise of the cross, the grace of forgives are constant and strengthening when we place our hope and trust in Jesus Christ. “Everyone fails one way or another.” In this Lenten journey we are asked to when we fall, to get up, take up or cross and fallow Him. Amen

#9 Lent 2 27 26 The Church’s one Foundation is Jesus Christ our Lord

Living faith is being humble enough to remember our past, be in the present and hope in a future as we rely and trust in God our Father. The foundation of Jesus Christ is knowing the truth that we are made in the image and likeness of God at the same time knowing that in our sin God searches for us and guards us as a true Father. The Good Shepherd brings us home…Jesus I trust in you.

#8 Lent 2 26 26 Being transformed into the blessing of life

The offertory at the Mass is a moment of offering in preparation for receiving. We are invited to place our prayers, or very self on the altar to be transformed and made new in the image and likeness of God. “We become what we receive.” is something we often say, but do we life this reality: Becoming Christlike! We are called to broken and shared with the world in our service to our Father and to come back renewed in the Eucharist. God bless.

#7 Lent 2 25 26 “Surely, It is not I.”

Those tragic words spoken by the disciples at the beginning of the Last Supper echo throughout history. It is hard to imagine how many times I speak those same words. Asking the simple question as we stand before God and the Cross of Jesus Christ. When we seek forgiveness and reconciliation the words “Surely, it was I.” becomes the healing words of humility and the words of mercy we desire to hear from our God. My we seek reconciliation and peace today and all the days of my life.

6 Lent Tuesday First Week 2 24 2026 Not Just and Ordinary Day

No day is ordinary when we see with eyes of faith and love. God fill each day with extraordinary gifts of blessing when we choose to open the eyes of a heart of love. Trusting in the goodness of God, we begin to recognize our path to holiness in sharing the gifts and the graces God blesses us with as we then receive blessings of our heavenly love. God Bless

#5 Monday First Week of Lent 2 23 2026 Communicating with God in Prayer

We can often fall into the rote pattern of prayer where we no long share our heart with God and just the list of things to be done and people to be prayed for in our life. God invites us daily into a relationship of love where we share the deepest parts of our heart, not just words, but our very self. I invite you to pray Psalm 19 today as part of your prayer.

First Sunday in Lent 2 22 2026..Temptation strikes when we get out of our routines

Temptation Strikes when we get out of our routines..I’m a little late with the video today. Normally I do it very early in the morning. Today, I got off track. My voices argued between doing the video and “it’s already way late…just don’t do it!” How many times do we get off our routine…something throws us for a loop and we …..
God Bless

4 Lent after Ash Wednesday 2-21-2026 Generosity in Love

The Alabaster Jar is a symbol of God generous love towards each one of us. Think about how love is poured out each day. We may be having a hard day but a simple smile turns everything around. God seeks us, to heal us, to bless us, to embrace us…we only need to look towards the light of Christ. Troubles are all around us…but God’s love never goes away.

3 Lent after Ash Wednesday 2-20-2026 Becoming an Alms

To become what we pray, what we receive and what we give. To become the gift from God (alms) as we receive the gift from God (fasting) as we become the beloved child (prayer) is the spiritual gift of renewal offered by God to us.

2 Lent after Ash Wednesday 2-19-2026 Fragrance and Works of Grace

Fragrances (smells) bring about many memories in life. While our works of Lent may not have a fragrance in the physical sense, they do have the sweet smell of Jesus which fills the souls of our life and the lives of others. May we do our Lenten work with the smells of joy and love.

1 Lent Ash Wednesday 2 18 26 Humble Patience in Lent

On this first day of Lent we begin with the call to humility and patience. The cross that marks our foreheads is a sign of choosing to follow Jesus. We may not be perfect but is seeking first Jesus and his cross we find the joy of serving and following him. Blessed Maria Restituta Kafka…pray for us

Pre-Lenten Video…Perseverance in Lenten Practice 2/17/2026

Taking time to enter fully into the discipline of Lent. Allowing God’s presence to change our heart and convert our souls to following Jesus more closely.

Pre Lent Monday 2/16/26 Spending Time in Prayer

Monday before Lent 2/16/26
Preparing ourselves for prayer. Check out Pope Leo XIV’s Lenten Message for 2026. Join me daily in praying our way through Lent.
St. Lawrence Dual Language Catholic SchoolSaint Lawrence the Martyr Catholic Parish and School #Lent2026 #Godisgood

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-02/pope-leo-xiv-lent-2026-message-disarm-words-embrace-peace.html

#18 New Year Reflection Don’t Forget Baptism of the Lord 1/11/2026

New Year Reflection Don’t Forget The Baptism of the Lord 1/11/202

Final Reflection of the Season…don’t forget to continue to pick up the Gospel each and every day to live out your Christian vocation to be the saint God created you to be. Celebrate the sacramental life of the Catholic Church and give glory to God all the days of your life. Amen

#17 New Year Reflection Loosing is Good 1/10/2026

Loosing to God is good. As we end our Christmastime we are called to loose ourself in the person of Jesus Christ. We understand the more we give away what God blesses us with, the more we grow in love and live within the blessings of a intimate encounter and relationship with our Creator and Lord. The mystery of the more we loose the more we attain becomes a lived reality of hope.

#16 New Year Reflection Moving from Quiet to Silence 12 9 2026

When we find a place of quiet in our lives to dedicate this time to search for the voice of God we begin to desire the silence of true peace and live the life of virtue. Choosing the virtuous life we discover the perseverance to remain in silence and run towards our encounter with God

#15 New Year Reflection Renew and Putting Away 1/8/2026

Our faith journey is not a straight line. As we begin to put away Christmas decorations and look forward we call renewal of spirit to continue. We cannot live in one spot in our faith journey. We are invited to see anew our journey as a walk with Jesus. We know that all the symbols of Christmas will again invite us to continue this journey towards the life of unity in heavenly glory.

#14 New Year Reflection Open My Eyes Lord 1/7/2026

God places opportunities for us to receive his grace and blessing both from serving and being served. Removing our egos and allowing us to open the eyes of our heart and accept the gifts that are given in gratitude and joy allows us to be better stewards of the gift of life that we are called to share. Do we feed the 5,000 on day and then not accept the gift of being nourished the next day. Help me Lord to accept your presence and your desire to feed my soul.

#13 New Year Reflection Head to Heart Memorial of St. Andres Bessett 1/6/2026

What would you do if someone asked you to feed 5,000 people with five loves and two fish? From my head a quick calculation would get me to NO very quickly. But Jesus asks us to listen and act from the heart. We aren’t seeking foolishness but the plan of God in my lives. God asks us to look differently at the multitude before us, whether it is our problems and difficulties seeming to place roadblock after roadblock in our lives or if it the gifts of Christmas joy we are called to live daily. Choosing God’s gift to serve is always moving us in the right direction.

#12 New Year Reflection Seeking with Purpose Memorial of St. John Neumann 1/5/2026

God has made us for a purpose. In seeking the presence of God and the gifts he shares with us we begin to discover more fully our purpose. To use the gift given with the intended purpose leads us down the road of holiness. And if we do this…then we discover ever greater gifts confirming our purpose in life. That we become the saint God created us to be.

#11 New Year Reflection Epiphany Sunday Joyful Encounters 1/4/2026

The Wise men of the East follow the star of hope leading them to Jesus, the Son of God. We are also invited to see in the signs of the time and in our daily encounters the presence of God, who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Do we choose to ignore these encounters or do we embrace them and then choose to walk with our Savior Jesus Christ…Let us pray we also choose the encounter and live a life of holiness.