I’m glad I was paying attention years ago when our beloved pastor at the time gave his homily on the Good Samaritan – today’s Gospel reading. You’ve all heard the account of Jesus explaining what it means to be a good neighbor (Luke 10:25-37). On that Sunday, Father Thanh proposed […]
When You Think You Think You Have Nothing to Give, Bring Your Drum…
At least that is what a young boy did thousands of years ago when he wanted to honor a new king. You probably can hear the drum beating as he asks “Shall I play for you? On my drum?” You know the rest. Most of my life, I’ve felt I […]
The Gift of Red
Advent and Christmas were always bright and happy times in my childhood home. While focus was on preparing for the coming of Christ, mixed in with that anticipation was the fun of decorating. Red was everywhere and in every room. My mother made sure our home reflected the joy heralded […]
Lepidoptera Blessings
The day after hurricane Irma, I marveled at a swallowtail butterfly gliding through my front yard; a graceful, welcome reprieve from the harsh winds of the day before. It was huge, soaring and totally unexpected. This isn’t the first time a butterfly has blessed my day. Happiness is as […]
Women are More Expensive than Men and Other Language Lessons
A Funny Lesson Everyone laughed. I was trying to say in Farsi, the Persian language, “Women are stronger than men”, and unfortunately, it came out otherwise. “Geruntar” meaning “more expensive”, innocently rolled off my lips instead of “gavidtar”, or “stronger”. While chuckling along with everyone else, I hastened to explain […]
Where Daniel Prayed
Paula Veloso Babadi The Example Standing at the tomb of Daniel the Prophet in the ancient, dusty town of Shushtar, Iran, I had a profound experience. Across the street from the ornate, blue-mosaic, silver-gilded mausoleum and plaza stood the ruins of King Cyrus’ winter palace. Weathered stone lions caught my […]
Beyond the Fear
“But if we acknowledge our sins, he who is just can be trusted to forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrong.” 1 John 1:9 Most of my life, I viewed confession as a burdensome part of being Catholic. I used to be afraid of going. Mainly I felt […]