Fires are burning faster and hotter than ever before, and complex socio-economic factors are resulting in more people being affected by the effects of smoke, debris flows and other wildfire effects.

The question, “Mary did you know” dates from 1984.  Mark Lowry wrote the the lyrics for “Mary, Did You Know?” I find the lyrics raise questions I did not know I wanted to ask Mary.

In the American literary classic, Rip Van Winkle fell asleep in the Catskill Mountains and woke up 20 years later, having missed the American Revolution.

Many years ago, I had the privilege of visiting the Vatican Museum of Modern Art with an accomplished artist. I thought I knew it well.  

I must admit. During most of my 80-plus years I took it for granted that Christians served in the military. I was awed by the supreme sacrifice made. I still am!

The question “How have you changed” is more complicated than you might realize! Before you answer, listen to this story.

Just about everyone has seen a flock of geese flying in their trademark V-formation. They are a thing of beauty to behold…. if you can get beyond their negative effects at lower altitudes.

Almost ten years ago to the day, Pope Francis told young people his hopes for World Youth Day. The sound bite people remember… “make a mess.”

I suspect we have all heard stories about or even lived with someone who was “hard of hearing.”

Who do we prefer to serve? The “good” poor? When I am honest with myself, I realize I prefer to serve. someone whose poverty I understand.

Two images, in particular, remind me of the limitations of what I see. They are helping me be more humble when I think of my conversations with those who do not view things the way I do.

Do mothers have favorites? It depends on who you ask! Here I explore whether God has favorite children.

I am not a regular viewer of Jeopardy. But the depth of its appeal fascinates me. I was amazed at how many records the show has broken literally over generations! It and it’s stars to resonate with the values of our culture.

Americans see Independence Day as one of the three significant holidays of the summer. But it brings with it the dangers of injuries from fireworks. These injuries can be quite serious. Yet, there is an unrecognized danger… and challenge! Independence Day falls in the...

I have learned a lot from bricklayers about the meaning of work! And continue to learn … even about being a follower of Christ.

The perfect picture we took during a family vacation showed more than we expected. The big-as-life billboard we did not notice ruined an otherwise perfect photo. Once back home there was little we could do to edit out what didn’t fit.

Every renter and landlord knows the meaning of “security deposit.” A security deposit holds people accountable for damages, excessive wear and tear, unpaid rent, etc.

I suspect we have all known relationships that should not have worked out… but did.

“Life is not tried, it is merely survived, if you’re standing outside the fire.” When country singer Garth Brooks wrote those lyrics in 1993, I wonder if he thought it might lead to prayer.

I never realized how often Jesus reminded his followers to move beyond talk to action.

For me, ”mindwalking” is always a surprise!I never know where the surprise is hiding. I rarely end up where I thought I was going.

I never liked preaching on the Trinity. Few priests would place it at the top of their list of topics they like to preach about.

Even those of us in advanced age remember the excitement and impatience. Four words – “Are we there yet” – captured our anticipation, excitement, and impatience.

Feeding a fire! Who, me? Yes! … And me!

Riding a roller coaster! One of the thrills for children is when their parents take them to a major amusement park.

Let’s explore how prepared the followers of Christ were to face his leaving them and ascending to heaven.

Shortly after ordination in 1965, I remember reading the best-selling and quite controversial novel by Morris West, “The Shoes of the Fisherman.” It concerns the election of a Ukrainian pope. 

As a little boy, I thought my Mom knew everything!With eyes in the back of her head, she would always catch me when I was doing something wrong!

Last weekend Catholics read the same Gospel passage in church Friday and Sunday. Both times I had the same reaction. I never got past the first line. “Do not let your hearts be troubled?”

I never expected to hear St. Vincent dePaul speaking at the coronation of King Charles III! My ears perked up at the proclamation of what many refer to as the Vincentian Gospel (Luke 4:16).