Arms outstretched | Photo by Russell Fillerup on Unsplash

You Are the Beloved

Franciscan Media September 30, 2026

Maybe it’s my brain chemistry. I have no idea. But one of the things I’m always trying to remember whether it’s guilt, whether it’s shame,

Young woman enjoys reading a book while drinking coffee

The Power of Stories

Bond Strong September 29, 2026

G.K. Chesterton once wrote: “Fairy tales do not tell children that dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children that dragons can be killed.”

Dedication of Days and Months

Pat McCloskey, OFM September 29, 2026

When I grew up I learned what or to whom each month of the year was dedicated. A lot of years have passed. Can you tell me if the months still have a special dedication? How are they dedicated?

person sitting in the dessert, surrounded by sand dunes, covered by a blanket.

Promise of the Promised Land

Martin J.P. Gianotti September 29, 2026

It wasn’t until God’s people utilized the lesson from the desert that they made Jericho’s walls fall to the ground.

Better to be Wise than Clever

Christopher Heffron September 28, 2026

The poet Rumi once wrote: “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” How often do we try to do too much in a given day?

young person walking on train tracks during sunrise

Love Abounds and Astounds

Maureen O'Brien September 28, 2026

We return over and over to the same place, a connection to the unswerving, the unchanging: God.

Many years ago, as a child of 11 or 12, I read a book on Fatima. At the end of the book was a pledge called a heroic act where persons pledged to give all the indulgences they earned during life and after death to the souls in purgatory.

woman sitting on a couch reading a book in a minimalist room.

The Joy of Minimalism

Paul Lipowski September 25, 2026

Simplicity brings clarity and joy, freeing us from the burdens of excess.

People at a concert for Jesus | Photo by A Friend on Unsplash

Jesus Sees You

Amy Ekeh September 25, 2026

One of my favorite verses in the stories of Jesus’ healing ministry comes from the Gospel of Luke. It tells of Jesus healing at the

Can Second Cousins Marry?

Pat McCloskey, OFM September 25, 2026

A niece of my husband has become very close to one of her second cousins. They and some family members are questioning if they are too closely related to marry one another. Are they?