Deacon Kurt GodfrydEvery Christmas season, I look forward to the “Christmas Letters” section in the various publications that I receive. Many are reflections from readers that go way back, to times past. In reading them, however, what is most remarkable is that the...
For decades, E.F. Hutton was one of the most respected financial firms in the United States. While providing investors with solid investing advice, the firm became known for its powerful TV commercials. Their commercials were set at restaurants...
In the Gospel of Luke (13:6-9), Jesus provides us with the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree: There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For...
Over lunch, a brother deacon recounted the story of his nephew’s First Holy Communion. He noted that after a period of great anticipation, the day had finally arrived. With family having traveled from near and far, all had made their way to the...
During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, jesters were employed by monarchs and noblemen to help them pass the time away. By their use of song, music, storytelling, acrobatics, juggling, jokes, and magic tricks, they assumed the role of poking fun at...
Cardinal Basil Hume, O.S.B., once remarked: “There is a gentle breeze if we can but catch it, which blows all the time to help us on our journey through life to our final destination. That breeze is the Holy Spirit. But the wind cannot be caught or...
A month following my ordination, I was in Chicago and had completed a day of meetings. Having boarded at Union Station, the train began to roll into its six-hour journey back to Michigan. After a couple of hours on the rails, however, I noticed that...
In the Gospel of John (6:51-58), Our Lord embarks upon what theologians refer to as The Bread of Life Discourse. Here, Jesus stands within the crowd and begins to teach. Having been sent by the Father, Jesus is caring for the Children of God! By...
The Near-Death Experience Research Foundation claims that more than 15 million Americans have had a Near-Death Experience (NDE); that is, they have come close to death or experienced clinical death as established by no heartbeat or brainwave...
At the beginning of Lent, those to be received into the Catholic Church at Easter are elected by the bishop for the Easter sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. These Elect, as they are now called, begin their final period of...