Meditations in Manhattan

In the Book of Revelation, St. John sees a great multitude robed in white, a crowd no one could count, from every nation and people. This meditation asks what that vision says about holiness. A saint is not a superhero who made every right decision, but someone who knows he has been made clean by Christ. Drawing on the life of St. Josemaria Escriva, it considers how ordinary work, family life and friendship become the place where we meet Christ each day. A meditation by Father Philip Moss.

When Jesus asks the Samaritan woman for a drink, he is expressing the same longing he voices from the Cross: "I thirst." This meditation looks at that encounter between Christ and one soul, and at what he offers in return: water that becomes a spring in the person who receives it. It also considers what accepting that gift requires, starting with honesty before God and with ourselves. A meditation by Father Philip Moss.

In this meditation, we reflect on the great saints celebrated in the August liturgy—including the Curé of Ars, Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Saint Monica, Saint Augustine, and Saint John the Baptist. We also celebrate the Assumption of Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the greatest of all saints. Inspired by their lives, examples, and words, let us strive to grow in holiness and answer the call to become saints ourselves.

A meditation by Father Timothy Uhen.

Drawing on the Old Testament story of Joseph inviting his repentant brothers to "come closer," this meditation explores God’s tender invitation to draw near despite our sins. Through the parable of the humble tax collector and the inspiring witness of St. Maria Goretti’s forgiveness, we are reminded that God never tires of offering His mercy. By approaching the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we discover true peace and the joy of a contrite heart. A meditation by Father Timothy Uhen.

Reflecting on the Feast of Corpus Christi, this meditation explores why remembering what God has done for us is the secret to living with hope. Spending time before the Eucharist helps us overcome the daily noise and worries that pull us away from Him. In the end, we are called to bring Him into our workplaces and families—where we become the monstrance, the love of Christ shining forth in our lives. A meditation by Father Philip Moss.

Inspired by a simple poem seen on a subway door — "I am the wind, you are the chimes" — this meditation explores how the Holy Spirit works in each of us. By choosing a path of docility, prayer, and sacrifice, we allow the Paraclete to turn our individual urban lives into a symphony of divine music. A meditation by Father Philip Moss.

How do we maintain presence of God amidst the noise and struggles of daily life? The Feast of the Ascension reminds us that while our feet must be planted on earth, our hearts are called to be united to the joy and hope of Christ. A meditation by Father Timothy Uhen.

In this meditation Father Timothy Uhen explores the theme of being an "Easter people" by encouraging listeners to focus on the light of Christ even amidst life's inherent contradictions and struggles. Drawing on artistic metaphors and the restoration of peace to the apostles, he emphasizes that human weakness should not lead to despair but rather to a deeper reliance on God’s enduring mercy.

This meditation reflects on Saint Peter's journey from the "bitter tears" of his denial to the transformative "living hope" found in the Resurrection. It explores how Jesus often remains by our side in unexpected ways—as a gardener or a stranger—even when we fail to recognize his presence through our personal trials. Drawing from Saint Peter's first letter, Father J.P. Mitchell explains that we are regenerated by God's mercy regardless of our past faults. Therefore, with Christ's help, let us go through this life with joy—the joy of the Resurrection. Our Lord is here. We were lost and now we've been found.

This meditation offers a moment of recollection and examination as we pass through Lent and journey toward Holy Week. Using the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) as a spiritual roadmap, we explore Jesus' call to holiness through the "narrow gate" of our ordinary, daily activities. A meditation by Father Tim Uhen.