Catholic Cardinal Reflections

January 28, 2018 - Parents frequently display authority towards their children, authority of love, an authority that is earned, not given. Jesus presents himself as an authority of love based on the Father's endless love for him and the world. He teaches with authority through himself as the perfect reflection of the father.

January 21, 2018 - Jesus called the four fishermen, Andrew, James, Peter, and John to leave their families and follow him. With Jewish family life so important, why did they do it? Imagine yourself in their shoes and times. Their vision of God was so powerful, and they overcame the risk and acted for the community, not themselves.

January 14, 2018 - The readings highlight that we are collectively the Church, to which we are called. We respond in 3 steps. 1. Show up! i.e., reepond by praying. 2. Learn how to respond, e.g. from EC small groups. 3. Listening to God. Take 2 minutes simply to hear what God is telling you. from uyour 15 minutes (1%) daily quiet time with the Lord.

January 7, 2018 - Today we think of 3 elements we may wish to change in the new year - Prayer, vernacular of our Faith, and Acting Justly. Give 1% to God through each of these positive actions to be more like our Savior in 2018.

December 17, 2017 - Paul instructs us, along with the community at Thesalonia, to always rejoice, to pray without ceasing, for Jesus is comig. But how can we express joy when terrible things happen? The answer is to make dedicated time to pray. Give 1% to the Lord every day.

December 9. 2017 - This is a time of great unrest politically, socially and in student life with finals coming up. John the Baptist presaged the coming of Christ, and he would be indignant at the unrest. The message is simple- sloqw down, pause to reflect on Jesus in your life, be filled with peace and build dignity for everyone this season and always.

December 3, 2017 - Advent is preparation time for the first coming of Christ, to be better prepared for his second coming. Watch for God now; don't wait. Be grace to others today.

November 26, 2017 - Don't let fear guide your life, turn fear into resilience. To honor Christ, you must be there for the least of your neighbors- to clothe, feed and have compassion for those that need it most.

November 19, 2017 - The gospel for today has several messages: Do not live in fear of the Lord; trust that the gifts God has given you should be used to further Christ's mission on Earth, not buried. Those with many gifts are expected to use them in love.

November 12, 2017 - Fr. Xavier discusses wisdom, taking care of the planet as God's creation, and the parable of the 5 wise young women who were prepared, and the 5 foolish women who were not. Are we ready to embrace Christ every day? Do we use our gifts to give grace to others?