I love the fact that today is a feast day of not just one apostle, but two – Simon and Jude – According to the Scriptures (LK 6: 12-16), a zealot and the son of James, respectively.  Jesus had spent the whole night in prayer on the mountain, ostensibly in discernment about whom he would choose to name as Apostles. …

I am fascinated by the migration patterns in birds.  One of the most astounding migrations for me is the Demoiselle Crane.  In late August and September each year, these birds take the one of the most difficult migrations in the world, when they cross (or attempt to) the Himalayan mountains to get to India where they will winter. …

I don’t know what type of mustard plant the Gospel (LK 13: 18-21) today is referring.  The seed apparently grows to the size of a large bush, wherein birds come to dwell.  I recently planted some mustard seeds that will hopefully yield mustard greens. …

Today’s memorial of Paul of the Cross reminds me of how my Mom loved crosses. I can’t tell you how many crosses mom collected, but it was clear that she loved crosses.  All kinds of crosses, from the ornate to the very simple. …

It is commonly said that you can’t choose your family.  We all seem to accept this as true to a certain extent.  We tend to think of this sense of “family” as a blood-line determined by parents, grandparents, etc.  There is, though, a broader sense of family that we find in the both the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures, and for that matter, in other religions as well. …