Catholic Cardinal Reflections

January 17,2016 - What does love look like? It is many things, and it can be hard. Our best example is to look at Jesus, for his is an extravagent love. Connor describes his transformative experience of the Arche Community in Seattle.

January 5, 2016 - This talk is by noted author Brother Sean D. Sammon, in which he asks whether we wonder- "Where am I going in life? How am I using or wasting my gifts? Does anyone really care about me? On whom or what do I set my heart?" If we do not have healthy self-esteem, we may experience shame, inferiorty feelings and helplessness. We may go through life cycles in which some feelings may recur. Bro. Sammon explores these topics and more, concluding with faith and spirtuality in your life.

January 3, 2016 - The Magi followed the star to find the newborn Jesus. They exhibited three characterstics thst are good models for us to follow- 1. They were risk-takers, willing to defy Roman rulers; 2. They were truth seekers and willing to share the truth with others; 3, They were generous, giving to Jesus things worthy of our savior, not a newborn.

December 20, 2015 - Our Mother Mary traveled 78 miles to visit her cousin Elizabeth, when she heard Elizabeth was pregnant at an old age. She brought light and joy to her cousin, and is an example of how we can bring God to others throuh our presence. On this winter solstice, as we wait for the celebration of our Savier's birth, may you bring God's light to someone else, too.

December 5, 2015 - In this season of waiting for the celebration of Christ's birth on the vigil of the 2nd Sunday in Advent, we pause to remember those affected by terrorism and other man-made calamities. We remember that because God loves us deeply, we must pass on that love to everyone, even our "enemies".

November 29, 2015 - Advent is a time of preparation, of waiting for the coming of Christ in our hearts. We must redouble our efforts to pray that God will give us the courage to love our brothers and sisters more each day

November 22, 2015 - Christ was really an "un-king", because he acted very *not* like a king. He loved the poor, the outcasts. His vision of success was not of worldliness, but rather of the Kingdom of God, which is not a place, but a state of being. You must love the downtrodden. If you want to be in the kingdom of God you must work for it, not just pray for it.

November 15, 2015 - What truly matters is that we are sons and daughters of God- God's beloved, whom he loves deeply. We can't forget this despite the pressures of modern life with hedonism, fundamentalism and the chaos of terrorism. It is in chaos that Christ died for us, and in chaos we must seek God.

November 12, 2015 - The canonized saints are very easy to be devoted to, as they have been recognized for their beauty in the Church's eyes. But Fr. Xavier and Teresa point out that there are saints all around us, that God loves just as much- the peace makers, the caregivers, those who give joy to others. May we all rest in God's peace.

October 25, 2015 - Too often we are passive listeners at Mass. But as members of the one body, we are called to be active participants in the celebration. Remember that Christ is present where we are gathered, and act accordingly. Following Fr. Taylor's homily, Trish Bolle tells a story of her missionary work in China, and invites us to be part of the lay ministry, Spirit of Mission.