As a priest, ignoring my own emotions and how they may interact with the joys and pains of another is not an option.
Grief
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
Where is God when a mother dies in childbirth?
We do not anticipate young mothers dying at a moment devoted to birth, and yet we know it happens. We know about death, and yet we are caught unawares by it.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
I grew up in a violent home. The suffering Christ reminds me I am loved.
Like many people raised in an abusive environment, I also married a man who treated me with the disrespect and violence that I had been accustomed to.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
My time with Jean Vanier and his mom, the grandmother of L’Arche
Pauline Vanier sold everything she owned and moved into a small house in Trosly-Breuil. She became “Mamie,” the grandmother of L’Arche.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
Father James Martin: Where was God when Notre Dame was in flames?
Our Lady knows exactly what it is like to stand by and see someone you love suffer and die. But Our Lady also knew that, somehow, God was with her in that time of grief. But we could well ask: Where was God yesterday in Paris?
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
My dad showed me love through deeds. Now that he has Alzheimer’s, it’s my turn.
I love this man who expressed his love with deeds and whose last deed will likely be his slipping away from me.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
For those thinking about suicide, prayers help—but are not enough.
When the suicide monster invades the psyche, more than kindness is required. More than toughing it out.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
In Canada, prayers and tears for victims of Hockey team tragedy
The 15 dead included 10 hockey players between the ages of 16 and 21, the team coach, radio broadcaster, bus driver and other team personnel.
Posted inFaith, Last Take
How I honored the memory of my mother by shopping at Nordstrom
Every year, my sister and I take the anniversary of each of our parents’ deaths off and spend it together. We go to the cemetery and to Mass, and gather the memories and the mourning into our arms and hearts for one more year.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
What you can do to help those who have lost a loved one to suicide.
If someone you know loses a loved one to suicide, show up, offer words of condolences and keep doing it.