St. Francis of Assisi used his Christmas creche - with a live ox and donkey - to teach the radical truth of how God chose to become incarnate among creatures. Advent invites us to rediscover our creatureliness, and in the process celebrate our animal companions - fellow creatures who have much to teach us about being human.

A brief reflection for the month of All Souls, 2024: how our relationships with those on the other side of life and death can continue and deepen through the Communion of Saints.

We explore how Jesus offers an alternative paradigm for masculinity, with a focus on leadership, dealing with adversity, and ordering one's priorities.

In this episode, I invite us to consider Jesus as role model and mentor for men, as a portrait of authentic masculinity. He shows us the importance of having a mentor, of solitude and self-care, of expressing emotion and vulnerability.

We briefly explore 10 biblically rooted principles that might lead us collectively toward being a more dignified, decent, decorous people.

Why has America become so mean?  We explore some possible roots of this culture crisis, and how our religious traditions can serve to re-introduce the skills of how to be a good neighbor and a moral person.

Jesus was born in a the least expected of places - a stable, surrounded by animals and their dung! This deeply compassionate action of God shows us that the healing Divine Light seeks to be birthed in the smelly stables within each of us. Where is that place for you this Christmas?

Jesus' ancestors were quite a crew! Among them we find liars, murderers, prostitutes, and overall rogues, yet God choose to work with these people and was able to bring something glorious out of their many flaws.

This is a meditation/prayer that invites you to pray with the Communion of Saints - our loved ones and soul friends who now pray with and for us from their heavenly place.  As you listen to the meditation, feel welcome to pause after the prompts so you can spend as much time in quiet prayer as you need.  I originally wrote this for my students at Fordham Prep.  We prayed it together in our little chapel at school and I was overwhelmed by their heartfelt, deeply touching reflections.  I hope you will find this prayer fruitful as well. Best Wishes and God Bless You!

St. Ignatius did not want his Jesuits to burn out in a fit of what he called "zeal without knowledge."  He wanted their ministries to be fruitful over the long haul.  We know this as cura personalis - care for the person.  Our podcast explores the the roots of this spiritual principle and how can can apply its wisdom to our lives.