God Created Us to Need Each Other

You probably already know by now that I have a weekly podcast called Being Human

In recent episodes, I've been venturing into what some might consider dangerous territory these days. (The fact that this subject has become such a controversial issue is baffling.)

"What am I discussing that’s such a contentious topic?" you ask.

Strangely enough, it’s the fact that we are created as males and females, and that both a masculine and feminine presence are ideal for the...
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The Masculinity of St. Joseph

masculinity st. joseph Mar 19, 2021

Cover image art: "St. Joseph and Baby Jesus" by Jason Jenicke. 

What's the first image that comes to your mind when you think about "masculinity"?

The image will most likely differ drastically from person to person, and could range anywhere from images of suits, slick CEO's, and Don-Draper-types to beards, big trucks and Chuck Norris. 

In today's modern culture though, there seems to be a lot of conversation centered around what's been termed "toxic masculinity." This focus on...

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Training Our Minds for Peace

catholic mindfulness Mar 15, 2021

I think it's safe to assume we all want to experience peace in our lives (and could probably use a little more of it these days).

Beyond wanting more peace, so many people have expressed to me their desire to tangibly feel loved by God - to be able to truly rest in His presence.

Our brains can make this so difficult, though. I'm sure you can relate to the following scenario: You go to prayer or attend Mass... after a little while though, you start thinking about the conversation you had with...

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Celebrating the Differences

The month of March is designated in the U.S. as "Women's History Month" - a month-long celebration of the contributions and accomplishments of women.

Throughout her history, the Church has also celebrated the contributions  of many incredible, beautiful, passionate and holy women to our world. Coincidentally, it is during this month that we celebrate one of the greatest "accomplishments" by any woman ever. 

On March 25th, we celebrate a major feast day, the Solemnity of the...

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Living the Sacrament of Marriage

Note: For those of you who aren't married, hang in there with me - some of this info can apply to any relationship.

Living out the sacrament of marriage in a peaceful, prosperous time can be challenging.

Living out that same sacrament during a time of pandemic, social unrest and economic uncertainty? The level of difficulty gets ratcheted up a few notches.

So how is your marriage doing?

Has the stress of the past year impacted your relationship? Have you grown in intimacy & friendship...

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Answering God's Call in the Midst of Cultural Chaos

Most people don't believe me when I say this, but it's true: I don't watch the news.

So a couple weeks ago when my wife mentioned something about a "storming of the Capitol" I thought she was referring to a scene from one of the Hunger Games movies!

So much for the hope that 2021 would bring some peace and calm with it.

The world feels completely upside down these days - we've all been put through the ringer, and it's hard to know which way is "up." Our culture is in a lot of chaos and,...

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The Light That Shines in the Darkness

anxiety faith Jan 07, 2021

A short reflection for Epiphany, 2021. 

The year 2020 reminded us that it’s really scary to not be in control; to live in time where things can change rapidly from moment to moment.

We learned that what we take for granted now might be gone tomorrow, and that we have no way to know what will happen in our future.

With everything going on in the world right now, it can feel dark and frightening. So many people I've spoken to find themselves entering this new year with more...

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The Incarnation Should Blow Our Minds

Uncategorized Dec 22, 2020

Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.” (Ph 2:5-8)

The reality of the Incarnation is one of the greatest mysteries of the Christian faith. If we don't stammer and stutter in its recitation, stumbling over ways to think about...

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Flourishing in the Face of Adversity

With Christmas approaching next week though, you may be feeling as if you can't rest just yet because of all that needs to be done to prepare for the holiday.

It's important to recall simple ways we can increase peace and joy in our lives and the lives of those around us as we prepare to celebrate the Incarnation - one of the most incredible events ever to take place in history.

The good news is that research shows there are five categories of human experience that, when given time to...

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Principles for Living a Happy Life (According to Pope Francis)

positive psychology Dec 14, 2020

As we near the end of what has been an unpredictable and difficult year for many, it's important to recall simple ways we can increase peace and joy in our lives. In an interview from 2014, Pope Francis shared his list of 10 ways to find happiness; these guidelines are worth revisiting as we prepare for Christmas, the feast during which we celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace into our world and our hearts. (These principles are based on a more...

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