Here is a reflection for Ash Wednesday as an introduction into the holy season of Lent.  

When we view Christianity as just another self-help book or system, we miss the whole point.  When we become aware of our own sickness or brokenness we have a few choices: learn to live with them, try to overcome them ourselves, or come to Jesus in faith asking for His grace to torpedo our enemies.  The last option is one rooted in authentic Christianity.

What is my attitude in asking questions?  Do I ask as one who is honestly seeking to learn something new?  Or do I ask as one who has already formulated his/her answer and is simply trying to show off? Do we believe that God has still something new to teach us, to show us?  

Meditation with the Word of God, with Sacred Scripture, is essential for anyone who wants to develop an intimate and a personal relationship with God.  We must return to this ancient practice in our daily prayer life. 

Have you every wondered what Jesus can offer you?  God's desires to give us "new life", which will change everything.  This "new life" is within our reach if we take 2 simple steps: believe and repent.

How is it possible to be in a relationship and to feel lonely? Too many married couples admit to feeling lonely in their relationships.  This can also be true in our relationship with God, we can believe in God and even pray to God, and still feel lonely in that relationship.  In this reflection I share some lessons on combatting loneliness in our relationships through the power of honest listening: to ourselves, to one another, and to God.

The Holy Family of Mary, Joseph and Jesus teach us how to be holy.  In this reflection I propose that our families need to be churches, and our church communities need to be families. 

Jesus comes to show us the path to freedom, and that path is already visible in the Christmas experience.  The way Jesus chooses to be with us points to the way we are to be with him.  

Are we still moved by Christmas? Is it still exciting and deeply meaningful to us?  Or are we frustrated by this season and wish it was over soon?  

Joy is a gift from God that is lasting to all who live in God.  In order to receive joy we must choose to live in HOPE, GRATITUDE, and HUMILITY.