REFLECTIONS

In one of our recent Gospel readings, Jesus tells us: "If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me." (Mark 8:34). This is a radical statement! When we hear this, we sometimes think about the cross Jesus carried up that hill. We think about fasting, giving things up, enduring difficulties. And yes, this is part of taking up the cross, but the Church Fathers talk about a different kind of cross. Not just the external cross, but the dee

As we begin another year of Bible study, we're diving into the Gospel of John. Fr. Tom invited us to sit with the opening verse from the Gospel of John. Instantly, the word that came to mind for me was connection. We would not exist without Him. Through the Word, all things were made. We are in Him and He is in us. We are connected to Christ. But life moves fast. Many can relate to days filled with meetings, emails, logistics, and multitasking...

I've always loved fall, not just because the heat of summer fades, but because it feels more like a new beginning than New Year's ever did. The church begins the new ecclesiastical year quietly and tenderly. The first major feast day we celebrate is the Feast of the Nativity of our beautiful Theotokos. Wrap our heads around that—we celebrate the new year not with fireworks or resolutions, but with birth. With the arrival of the one who said "yes." The one who changed the cour

For many who struggle with fear, anxiety, a deep sense of unworthiness, or addictions of any sort, the voice of shame is certainly part of their narrative. For many, shame becomes an uninvited guest that takes over life! We have seen how shame makes people feel they are wrong, bad, or simply unworthy of love. According to Brené Brown, shame is basically the fear of being unlovable—it's the total opposite of owning our story and feeling worthy of being God's beloved child...

Death, for me, took on a different meaning three years ago. The cancer diagnosis was bleak. Initial reading of the biopsy concurred with CT scans that it was an aggressive cancer. I was a candidate for surgical removal of the tumor (a 9 hour surgery) followed by palliative chemo to give me more time. Two days after the biopsy, I had my regularly scheduled hair appointment. I told Holly, let’s cut my shoulder length hair short. Chemo is around the corner. I went home. The GI

I give up my thoughts and I accept what I feel, I bear it, I live it, and I offer it to God. I call to Him in my feelings so He can heal...

There is a common illustration for self care based upon an oxygen mask on an airline flight. The main message is that you have to take...

A big question that faces all of us is what should we do with our losses? Is there a way for that which is lost to be found? Can sadness...

As Christmas and the New Year flew by, 2025 has already brought its own challenges. While I don’t usually make New Year’s resolutions,...

Reflecting on my journey before joining Holy Apostles, I spent two years battling depression. Around January, Fr. Tom shared a story...