Jesus said:"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,for I am meek and humble of heart;and you will find rest for yourselves.For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." (Gospel of Matthew 11:28-30) I was fortunate to attend elementary … Continue reading The Burden That Can Free You Forever
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Forgiveness Means Seeing Our Part
One of the challenging pieces of forgiveness is to look not only at the person we feel wronged us, but also to take an honest look at ourselves and our part in what happened, and what we are experiencing. It could be that we helped create the circumstance that led to the wrongdoing. Whether through … Continue reading Forgiveness Means Seeing Our Part
How to Use Forgiveness to Grow in Your Spirituality
Our Catholic faith recognizes forgiveness as something called a "spiritual work of mercy" -- a charitable act by which we come to the aid of our neighbor (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2447). The United States Council of Catholic Bishops explains, "Just as Jesus attended to the spiritual well-being of those he ministered to, these … Continue reading How to Use Forgiveness to Grow in Your Spirituality
Lenten Forgiveness Series #3: “Road to Jerusalem, road to forgiveness”
"Are there not twelve hours in a day?If one walks during the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world." John 11:1-45Gospel reading for the 5th Sunday of Lent During this latter part of Lent, I am writing a weekly series of articles on forgiveness for the Diocese of St. Cloud … Continue reading Lenten Forgiveness Series #3: “Road to Jerusalem, road to forgiveness”
Lenten Forgiveness Series #2: “We, though many, are one!”
"Our ability for feeling the same as someone else is one of the things that makes us human and helps us live life more abundantly. Feeling the same as someone else is a wondrous moment when we feel a special unity with someone rather than our usual feelings of difference from other people." During this … Continue reading Lenten Forgiveness Series #2: “We, though many, are one!”
Lenten Forgiveness Series: A season like never before!
"Two things are happening at once that make this year’s Lent not only new, but Lent like never before. They both ask us to consider doing one of the most important things we can do during lent: forgiving someone." During this latter part of Lent, I am writing a weekly series of articles on forgiveness … Continue reading Lenten Forgiveness Series: A season like never before!
2026 Catholic Men’s Conference – Thank you!
Presenting at the 2026 Catholic Men's Conference on the campus of Saint John's University and Saint John's Abbey (Collegeville, MN) was an honor and a pleasure. I want to extend my warmest gratitude to all of the conference attendees, who showed up in their hundreds, I also am grateful to the attentive organizers who did … Continue reading 2026 Catholic Men’s Conference – Thank you!
Saturday! 2026 Catholic Men’s Conference!
This Saturday, I will be doing a session during all three scheduled breakouts at the 2026 Catholic Men's Conference at Saint John's University (MN). Consider joining me for this informative and inspiring event on the historical and beautiful campus of St. John' University and St. John's Abbey! If you have to miss this event, but … Continue reading Saturday! 2026 Catholic Men’s Conference!
Come see me at the Catholic Men’s Conference!
Please attend the 2026 Catholic Men’s Conference at St. John’s University, February 28th, 2026. I will be presenting and facilitating three breakout sessions on the topics of effectively managing money worries with the wisdom of the Franciscan tradition, as well as the importance of real companionship in the lives of young men from a Franciscan … Continue reading Come see me at the Catholic Men’s Conference!
Franciscan Advice: When forgiveness isn’t enough you need to clean house too! Here’s how!
(photo: Sherburne County, Minnesota (USA), Tom Delaney, 2025) Central Minnesota is blanketed in deep snow. The contours and features of the land get to be rounded and softer now, with a more resplendent and sparkling reflection of any glimmer of light. It makes you wonder if we are not cable of the same transformation -- … Continue reading Franciscan Advice: When forgiveness isn’t enough you need to clean house too! Here’s how!