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Wednesday, September 3, 2025

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Faith

Sunday Scriptures

Striving to be a good shepherd

When I was asked to write this column for The Catholic Spirit, I agreed without paying attention to the date for which I was asked to provide a reflection for the Sunday readings. Alas, had I known I was going to be writing for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, I think I may have passed on the invitation, as there are so many other priests far more deserving of writing on the topic of being a shepherd.
Ask Father Mike

Am I a good person?

Q) I am writing because I keep coming back to the same question, “Am I a good person?” I am taking care of my husband who suffers from Alzheimer’s, as well as my parents who need a lot of attention. I can’t always find the time to pray the rosary every day (like St. John Paul II or St. Mother Teresa did), and I just can’t escape the Catholic guilt that I feel all the time.
Sunday Scriptures

The wait is over

“What are we waiting for? And what are we going to do about it in the meantime?”
Faith Fundamentals

Symbols of the sacrament of marriage

There are many beautiful and meaningful symbols for the sacrament of marriage.
Lent

Fully entering into the Triduum

During the Sacred Triduum -- the days of Holy Thursday through Easter Sunday -- the strangest thing will occur. Millions of Christians throughout the world will gather to honor the humiliation, torture and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Sunday Scriptures

Invited to come out from the tomb

“Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!'” Come out of the tomb. Come out of the darkness. Come out of the stench. Come out of death. “Lazarus, come out!” 
Ask Father Mike

How do I grieve as a Christian?

Q) Someone I love recently died. I know that we believe in life after death, but I am still struggling. Am I wrong to be sad? Is it OK that I wish they were still here?
Sunday Scriptures

God thirsts that we may thirst for him

Have you ever found yourself dissatisfied while dining at a restaurant? Maybe a special entrée just didn’t live up to your curiosity, excitement and expectations. That bowl of Bolognese left you wanting something a little more.
Faith Fundamentals

Ribs, bones, flesh and mutuality in marriage

The Order of Celebrating Matrimony recommends nine different Old Testament readings for the marriage liturgy. Second on the list and one of the most chosen texts by wedding couples is the creation of woman, Genesis 2:18-24. It employs rich, descriptive imagery that illustrates God’s plan for the right relationship between a wife and a husband.   
Sunday Scriptures

Hold to wisdom in Lenten journey to God

Every character in J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece “The Lord of the Rings” faces the temptation to take the One Ring for him or herself. But there are two characters tempted by the Ring in whom we can see more clearly how we might respond to the temptation to sin.
Lent

Lenten regulations for fasting and abstinence

Here are the Church regulations for fasting and abstinence during Lent:
Ask Father Mike

How could I have been so wrong in what God was calling me to do?

"We often want to know the entire route, but God most often gives us just enough light for one step. We often want to know the whole story, but God wants to write the story with us, one choice at a time."
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