As I record this Faith Talk, we are just a few days away from Ash Wednesday, so it’s time for me to make my Lenten plan. It’s important for me to plan my Lent because if I don’t, I tend to continue going through the days in my normal routine - stuck in my “Ordinary Time” mode. But Ash Wednesday calls us to pause, step away from “Ordinary Time” and enter the extraordinary liturgical season of Lent, which calls us to change. So, I need a plan. In this episode I will share a few thoughts about Lent and Ash Wednesday as well as some specific suggestions for living a more intentional Lent using the 3 Pillars of Lent – prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. I hope this inspires you to make your own Lenten plan.

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Scripture Cited: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Other sources cited: Lenten obligations for Catholics; Canon Law 1251; USCCB.org

This Faith Talk is a continuation of my previous episode (The Overlapping Space Between Christianity and Buddhism). In that

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Sources cited:

Zen and the Brain by James H. Austin, Published by MIT Press,

Open Mind, Open Heart by Fr. Thomas Keating, Continuum Publishing, 2005.

Meister Eckhart, Dominican theologian of the 13th and 14th

Part 1 of 2: In this Faith Talk I use the image of a Venn Diagram to compare common teachings and practices within Christianity and

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Scripture cited: Matthew 5:44-45, Matthew 7:1, Matthew 6:25, Matthew 6:34, Matthew 19:21, Matthew 6:19-21, John 13:34-35, Matthew 12:37, 1 Corinthians 10:24, Luke 6:40, Luke 11:34,

Other Sources cited: Quotes from Buddha.

Brian McLaren, an article in Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditation, January 10, 2024.

Zen and the Brain by James H. Austin, Published by MIT Press,

In the first Creation story in Genesis, we are told that God created the universe and everything in it “in the beginning.” We assume the biblical author intended this to mean that God created everything (billions of years ago), finished the creation process, and then called creation complete – the end! But might we be so bold as to reinterpret the Creation story and expand our understanding of “the beginning?” Might “the beginning” be ongoing and infinite? Might painful events that we perceive to be endings, actually be transitions to new beginnings? Might our entire life be a sequence of new beginnings? I believe God to be the perpetual creator – who creates unceasingly. I believe that the perpetual creator creates each of us anew each moment! That is what I explore with you in this Faith Talk.

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Scripture cited: Genesis 1:1-3

In this Faith Talk I touch on a few subjects including important upcoming liturgical dates, a few thoughts on the New Year, and an interview with a senior Vatican official in which he speaks about priest celibacy. I hope each of these “ingredients” in my Faith Potpourri are interesting and helpful for you. Please share this with anyone who might be interested.

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Sources cited:

Faith Talk with Anita, You Tube video episode 6: Did Jesus make the all-male clergy? https://youtu.be/p7UOE-kOJLY

Faith Talk with Anita, You Tube video episode 80: The Psalms: Words to say when we have no words https://youtu.be/1PoptcDtuy0

Faith Talk with Anita, Spotify link – Podcast Episode 35: The Psalms: Words to say when we have no words  https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/n4DeVbl3fGb

Justin McLellan, Senior Vatican Official says priestly celibacy should be optional, AmericaMagazine.org, January 8, 2024.

Vinita Hampton Wright, Prayers for the New Year, JesuitResource.org.

Joy and Sorrow – two deep and powerful forces in life. How can we hold them together, in balance? Is it even humanly possible to

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Scripture cited: Psalm 23

In this Faith Talk I reflect on the bible readings for Christmas Day. In these readings we hear good news that can transform our lives if we but listen closely and take it to heart: 'Your savior comes…. A light to shine upon us…. Not because of any righteous deeds we have done but because of God’s mercy and love.' The question is, what will we do with this knowledge? Will this Christmas be a turning point in our lives, or will it be just another blip on the yearly calendar? Will the new year find us moving on to other things or will our hearts still be filled with the enthusiasm, joy, and awe that this miracle awakens in us? Please join me as I reflect on this holy season. And please share this Faith Talk with others.

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Scripture cited: Isaiah 62:11-12, Psalm 97:1,6,11-12, Titus 3:4-7, Luke 2:15-20

Other Sources cited: Song: Mary, did you know. Songwriter: Mark Lowry, 1984. Music by Buddy Greene.

Mass readings: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website. www.USCCB.org

In this episode I guide you through an Advent Meditation, or more

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In this Faith Talk I continue my Advent reflection by contemplating the meaning of the great Feast of Christmas. The miracle of Christmas takes us on a journey beyond time and space. The birth of Jesus of Nazareth gives witness to the magnificence of God – who is beyond all limitations or boundaries. In this episode, I share an image that I hope will help expand your understanding of the great mystery of Christmas – that of an intersection of the Roads of the Past, the Present, and Eternity! Please join me on this journey and see where it might

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Scripture cited: John 1:1, 14, Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:31-33

In my Advent Reflection for 2023, I share some general thoughts about Advent, including reflections on the gospel readings for the four Sundays in Advent. I also share some specific ideas to help you live a more purposeful Advent Season.

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Faith Talk with Anita Episodes cited: Episode 36: Advent: The Season of Waiting, Hoping and Preparing, and Episode  https://youtu.be/vAo3vJUGSxk

Episode 37: Keeping Christ in Christmas  https://youtu.be/1oQ-J3GHWt8

Scripture cited: Mark 13:33-37, Mark 1:1-8, John 1:6-8, 19-28, Luke 1:26-38

Other Sources cited: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website. https://www.usccb.org/