Monthly Archives: December 2017

A few weeks back I wrote a piece on why certain labels like conservative or liberal religious community are unhelpful. My argument was mainly that these labels bring a foreign concept – politics – into religion. However, as I thought … Continue reading →

As the end of 2017 looms, talk turns to the making of resolutions for the new year. In this, I am a non-participant, perhaps even an anti-new-year-resolutionist. My reason for eschewing New Year’s Resolutions is simple; if there is something … Continue reading →

Numbers covers some 40 years of time between two generations of Israelites, the people numbered in two censuses taken out by Moses as instructed by the LORD.  As in previous chapters, the Lord appeared to be strict, demanding and harsh … Continue reading →

At first glance, some traditions seem meaningless. When I was a kid my family had a tradition to eat taco salad in the living room on New Year’s Eve. It was the only day of the year mom didn’t yell … Continue reading →

A priest I’ve known for many years always wishes me a “Blessed” Christmas this time of year.  Never a “Merry” Christmas.  Never a “Happy Christmas.”  And most certainly, never “have a good one.” After he had done this a couple … Continue reading →

  These are the crucial chapters where the LORD laid down His laws — “the first covenant” with Moses on Mount Sinai.  Here are His expectations from the people of Israel, especially that they would recognize him and serve him … Continue reading →

Advent is a four-week act of faith, hope, and love.  We have a few short weeks to de-clutter our hearts, and make straight God’s path in our souls. We are waiting for the birth of our Savior.  The key is … Continue reading →

Exodus is a continuity of God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in Genesis. Through Moses, God continues to fulfill His promises to His chosen people, the sons of Israel. The 430 years of slavery for the people of Israel … Continue reading →

Could but thy soul, O man, Become a silent night! God would be born in thee And set all things aright. -Angelus Silenius, 1657 Pope St. John Paul II wrote that we are an Easter People, and ‘Alleluia!’ is our … Continue reading →

Reviewing the life of Jacob, it was a life that was molded by God. God molded Jacob from his defected character into the character that God had intended for His salvation plan.  Jacob did not get his blessing from God … Continue reading →