The Amateur Christian

Having Mercy and Choosing Us

Pope Francis’ papal motto is a beautiful guide for our prayer and reflection this Divine Mercy Sunday.

The Decision to Awaken

We are not created for the tomb! We are created for life - new life - eternal life. The story of Lazarus reminds us that every encounter with Jesus is an invitation to get up, to come out, and to live.

Put Out into the Deep

What is Hope For?

Jesus often comes rather anonymously, as He did to the Temple as a baby. Simeon and Anna were able to recognize Him because of HOPE. Hope allows us to see beyond appearance to the beat of what God offers. If we have Hope, then we have to live differently.

La Embriaguez de la Gracia

El milagro del vino del agua de Caná es un signo del banquete celestial al que todos somos invitados. Hay lecciones de confianza en Dios, compartir la obra de salvación y la necesidad de la persona de Jesús.

Shoulder to Shoulder

The Baptism of the Lord is about Jesus entering into the mess of our humanity. When He went into the Jordan Jesus stood shoulder to shoulder with all of us, no matter who they were.

Worship is Worth the Trip

The visit of the Wise Men teaches us two things about worship: first, worship isn’t a matter of flashing music or pastors in sleek suits; second, no matter when you come from, it is always worth the trip.

To Become an Evangelist

I find it interesting that the narrative of the shepherds after encountering Jesus and His family is very similar to the story about Mary when she hears that she will become the Mother of God. After the Annunciation, we are told that Mary traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah to share her news with Elizabeth. These two women also rejoiced in the news of salvation that they learned. And they went and shared it with others.

Worth the Wait

Friends, you will meet Jesus! Here and now, in a very real way, Jesus comes to us and abides with us. The wait is over. The only thing we need to anticipate now is how He will work His wonders in us from now on. Christmas is about the presence of Christ in our world, and it is about our acknowledgement of His presence in us.

Mistaken for Jesus

John the Baptist preached about Jesus so much that people thought he might be the Messiah. Wouldn’t it be great if everyone would mistake us for Jesus?