October 2025

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102625.cfm Are You Really Better or Worse Than Anyone Else? Comparing ourselves to others is a two-sided coin. On the one hand, we see ourselves as so much better than others and can’t help but look down on them. On the other hand, we can’t help but see someone better than us, and we automatically

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102425.cfm Interpret the Times Jesus says in the gospel that we know how to interpret the weather, but we don’t know how to interpret the present time. In my years of experience as a spiritual director, regular confession is essential for building a personal relationship with Jesus. I always advise penitents to attend confession at least

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102325.cfm Find a friend in Jesus I moved to Florida in 1995. It’s terrific to play golf and enjoy the outdoors year-round, but I must admit I miss the changing seasons. Change can be hard to handle. There can be resistance when the Lord touches our hearts enough to want Him and His desires more

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102225.cfm I will do whatever it takes I often recorded Tampa Bay Rays post-game shows. They always interview the player of the game. Sometimes a defensive player goes to extraordinary lengths to help his team win. Many times, the player sacrifices his body to make a play and does whatever it takes.  Another example of

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102125.cfm It seems like a long time. Waiting for something to happen feels so far away. When I began seminary, ordination seemed like it would never arrive. That was nothing compared to the Chicago Cubs. The latter waited 108 years to win the World Series.  The earliest disciples believed Jesus would return during their lifetime.

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102025.cfm DISCOVERING THE POWER OF A MAGNIFYING GLASS. As a child, I noticed a magnifying glass on the kitchen counter and watched it enlarge small objects. Later, I was surprised to learn that a magnifying glass could be used to start a fire.   The sun’s rays could be intensified enough to burn anything they touched.

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101925.cfm Does God have a cell phone? Cell phones are extremely convenient devices that enable us to perform numerous tasks, though they can also easily consume a lot of our time. In the Gospel, Jesus talks about praying without becoming weary. Reflecting on this, I’ve been thinking about how much I use my cell phone