Prayer: A Personal Response to God’s Presence

(A resource from Fr. Richard Mangini) By Father Armand Nigro, SJ 1975 The conviction I want to share with you now is that PRAYER IS A PERSONAL RESPONSE TO GOD’S PRESENCE.  Let me explain this: Either we are more important than God or God is more important than we are.  The answer is obvious.  HeContinue reading “Prayer: A Personal Response to God’s Presence”

Third Sunday of Easter: 

May 1, 2022 When I read the Gospel story last week, I said that it was the conclusion to the Gospel according to John, the original conclusion. Today, we read a second story, like an appendix.  Whoever wrote this story is not clear when it was added.  However, the story is saying: “There is oneContinue reading Third Sunday of Easter: 

Easter Sunday 

April 17, 2022 Let me begin today with a recent travelogue – my last visit to the tomb of Jesus in February.  The very large Church of the Holy Sepulchre covers the places and shrines of the death of Jesus, his being taken down from the cross, the anointing of his dead body and hisContinue reading “Easter Sunday “

Holy Thursday: “Each moment is a new beginning”

April 14, 2022 As I began to reflect about our Holy Thursday mass this evening, I was thinking about my mother who died 19 years ago.  When diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, we were told that she had about a month to live.  So, I decided for the next four weeks to invite family members andContinue reading Holy Thursday: “Each moment is a new beginning”

“Contemplation Highest Form of Prayer, Jesuit Says” 

by Religious News Service (Domestic Service).  Friday, July 11, 1975.  Page 8 DENVER (RNS) — “Contemplation is a form of prayer, probably the highest form of prayer,” according to Father Walter J. Burghardt, SJ recently. The Jesuit scholar from the Catholic University of America where he teaches historical theology and is editor of Theological Studies,Continue reading “Contemplation Highest Form of Prayer, Jesuit Says” 

Second Sunday of Easter: “True faith is more than knowing the answers to someone else’s questions”

April 24, 2022 We should thank Thomas today because he asks questions and he has doubts.  If more Catholics asked questions about their faith and their life, they would be more confident about both. Our catechism classes prepared us for answers to everything without teaching what were the questions.  But true faith in God isContinue reading Second Sunday of Easter: “True faith is more than knowing the answers to someone else’s questions”

St. Ignatius Church Penance Service: “Help us to love, O God, as you love”

(Editor’s note: This is pure Father Richard Mangini. This is why he is so beloved. Love over fear, every time.) April 2022 I am not a great fan of whipping ourselves to death because we are human beings that fail. I believe that God is always present to us in our lives, in our hearts,Continue reading St. Ignatius Church Penance Service: “Help us to love, O God, as you love”

A Litany of Belonging

Editor’s note: Mary Franceschini came across this beautiful litany that was written by the Center for Action and Contemplation, founded by Fr. Richard Rohr. The Center kindly gave us permission to share it here on the Harvest and Hope blog. Fr. Richard Mangini calls it “excellent, inclusive, powerfully connective.” A Litany of Belonging (reproduced fromContinue reading “A Litany of Belonging”

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time: “Do whatever he tells you”

January 16, 2022 So now what is Jesus supposed to be and to do?  Last Sunday, God spoke: “You are my beloved Son, Jesus; with you I am well pleased.” So now what?  What is Jesus supposed to do next?  Start talking!  Start doing!  The human part of Jesus is not sure what his nextContinue reading “Second Sunday in Ordinary Time: “Do whatever he tells you””

Holy Family Sunday: A reflection on being holy and human

December 26, 2021 We have a tradition of “piousitizing” (trying to make him look pious) the life of Jesus who is supposed to be the ideal, good child.  But is he being a brat who defies his parents who requested that he take his place in the children’s part of the Caravan as they walkContinue reading Holy Family Sunday: A reflection on being holy and human