“Doom-scrolling” is a new internet expression that seems to be growing in popular usage. It’s defined online as: “the tendency to continue to surf or scroll through bad news, even though that news is saddening, disheartening, or depressing.” I would venture to guess that anyone who has a social media account on Facebook or Twitter has had the experience of lying in bed, scrolling down throughContinue reading “Glory-Scrolling”
Category Archives: Other
Litany of Trust
During this time of uncertainty, which can lead us to anxiety and anger, we should renew our trust in God, professing our faith in the reality that He is in control and that He loves us. As an aid, I share with you below a prayer called the “Litany of Trust” which was composed by Sr. Faustina MariaContinue reading “Litany of Trust”
Consumed and Sustained
A friend of mine, some years ago, tried to solve what was a terrible mosquito problem in his backyard by purchasing one of those bug-zapping lights. I’m sure you’re familiar with these things. They glow with a light that bugs find irresistible, to the point that they get so close to it that they are consumed by its blazing heat. Continue reading “Consumed and Sustained”
Pray the Rosary
Patrick Peyton was born in 1909 into a large family of 9 children, and grew up working the family farm in Co. Mayo, Ireland. After considering a vocation to the priesthood as a boy, he later decided to emigrate to America, where he hoped to make his fortune. But it wasn’t long after he arrived to Scranton, PA that he felt aContinue reading “Pray the Rosary”
Sacramentals
Statues, rosary beads, crucifixes, scapulars, holy cards, miraculous medals, candles, palms, ashes – these are part of the “furniture” of our lives as Catholics. Technically, we call these things “sacramentals.” Sacramentals are different than sacraments in a couple of ways. The sacraments were instituted by Christ Himself as the seven ordinary ways in which He shares His life – His sanctifying grace – with us. As one author puts it: “Sacraments bearContinue reading “Sacramentals”
The Healing Power of Christ
When You heal, everything comes back to life, even in the past, and You give fruits to the one who has not known how to flower. – Maurice Blondel I recently came across the above quote from the French philosopher, Maurice Blondel. It appears to be a statement addressed to God. It expresses the sovereignty of the Lord GodContinue reading “The Healing Power of Christ”
Embracing the Holy Cross
posted 9/12/20 The Cross is the most distinctive sign of Christianity. This is because, as we say to Our Lord during the Stations of the Cross devotion, “by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world.” I remember the beautiful bronze Stations of the Cross that we had in seminary. The first station, of course, depicts Pilate’s condemnation of Jesus. There wasContinue reading “Embracing the Holy Cross”
Brain Heart World
posted 8/29/20 Recently, I watched a 3-part documentary series called Brain, Heart, World. It was produced by an organization called “Fight the New Drug,” which describes itself on its website as: a non-religious and non-legislative organization that exists to provide individuals the opportunity to make an informed decision regarding pornography by raising awareness on its harmful effectsContinue reading “Brain Heart World”
Regaining Hope
posted 8/22/20 Several years ago, someone gave me a book called Regaining Sight. It is a compilation of articles from a magazine called Imprint, published by a religious community, the Sisters of Life. The articles are stories about different people, the challenges they face, and how their relationship with God helped them through a particular struggle. They feature people like the late Steven McDonald, who was aContinue reading “Regaining Hope”
Struggling with Sadness
posted 8/15/20 In the gospel this coming Monday we hear about a rich young man who approaches Jesus, asking Him: “what good must I do to gain eternal life?” Our Lord instructs the young man to keep the commandments. When the young man tells Christ that he already observes them, He responds: “If you wish to be perfect, go,Continue reading “Struggling with Sadness”
The Parish of St. Cecilia-St. Gabriel 