Although not a parent myself, I believe that it would be safe to say that there are certain “benchmarks” that parents celebrate as a child develops and learns.  One of the first would probably be the ability to walk unassisted.  I have seen the wondrous joy of both the child and the parents as they participate in this auspicious occasion – anticipation followed by bewilderment perhaps at the novelty of locomotion… and then delight, ending more than likely with a startling collapse in supposed achievement. …

Back in the early 1980’s, during my first year at the seminary of St Mary of the Barrens in Perryville, Missouri, I experienced a week-long directed retreat.  The fruits of that retreat have remained with me, ebbing and flowing in my spiritual memory, over the years; but, this particular time of year brings the experience into much clearer focus for me. …

Even without photographs, I can still see my grandmother’s Christmas tree.  The image is enfolded in a peaceful blanket of consolation and joy that is hard to describe.  Large colored lights on green that burn and blur in calmness as my heart’s eye watches them. …

In the first reading of the Scripture for today’s celebration of the Immaculate Conception GN 3: 9-15, 20, we hear a recounting of perhaps the original biblical “blame game.”   Suddenly, after eating of the forbidden tree in the garden, Adam realizes he is “naked.” …