Fr. Paul Donlan reflects on the importance of recognizing time, work, friendship, and leisure as God-given talents, while also guarding against their “anti-talents” such as wastefulness, sloth, self-centeredness, and laziness - then emphasizes that time is a treasure to be used prudently, citing personal experiences—such as his grandfather’s mantra about having a system of reminders of order and diligence. He stresses that work, when offered to God, gains eternal value, and that friendship, grounded in openness, kindness, and love, reflects Christ’s own joy, warmth, and humanity. The meditation highlights leisure not as idleness but as an opportunity for hobbies and creative pursuits like reading, music, cooking, or nature — that both enrich the self and foster community. Drawing on the Gospel, he notes how Jesus himself embraced both physical labor as a carpenter and recreation through walking and time outdoors, always doing things well and with purpose. Ultimately, we are all called to self-examine, discover, and develop our own talents for the benefit of others and the glory of God, using even small amounts of leisure wisely.

Fr. Paul Donlan reflects on Mary as Mother of God and our Mother, beginning with the Annunciation, where her total surrender to God allowed the Word to become flesh, explaining the theological basis for calling her “Mother of God,” affirmed at the Council of Ephesus, and explores her unique relationship with the Trinity as daughter of the Father, mother of the Son, and spouse of the Holy Spirit. The meditation draws connections between Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth, the biblical roots of the Hail Mary, and her role as a model of holiness, and clarifies Catholic teaching— that Mary is venerated with “hyperdulia,” not worshiped—and emphasizes her closeness to God, her intercession for us, and her maternal care, entrusted by Jesus from the Cross.

A meditation preached by Fr. Paul Donlan on The Holy Spirit’s transformative role in the Church and each believer, using Pentecost as the model. At Pentecost, the Spirit’s wind and fire gave the Apostles courage, wisdom, and love, launching the Church through Peter’s preaching and mass conversions. The wind symbolizes fortitude; the fire, light and love—gifts that shape Christians into Christ’s image when they cooperate with the Spirit. Every baptized person is called to spread the Gospel through prayer, example, and personal witness, often one soul at a time. Even amid a strong “anti-God movement,” the Spirit continues drawing people to Christ through authentic Christian living. The key practice: praying “Come, Holy Spirit” for guidance, strength, and zeal.