The Amateur Christian

The Peace of Christ

The first thing that Jesus wanted the disciples to proclaim was “peace.” However, this peace is not simply the absence of conflict. Rather, it comes from a rightly ordered life and society. Yet, that sort of justice doesn’t stem from laws or power or fear. Rather, it comes from being in a rightly ordered life relationship with God and others - which is exactly why Jesus came.

Jesus is our “And”

We celebrate “Sts. Peter and Paul” today. But in that phrase, the most important word isn’t “Peter”, it isn’t “Paul”, it isn’t even “Saint.” It’s the “and” - and that is where we find Jesus!

Corpus Christi - Mass is Boring?

I find golf boring. Is it? Not to someone who knows golf. What about Mass? Maybe the key to getting more out of a Mass is to deepen our knowledge and love of the Eucharist. Perhaps that’s why we have Corpus Christi

What Are You Waiting For?

If we see our kids’ Confirmation as an end to classes and religious obligations and not a beginning of discipleship, then we have wasted our youn people’s faith formation. If we see Pentecost as the end of the Easter season and not a beginning, then we have wasted Easter.

Ascension: Where the Head has Gone…

In the One We are One

Jesus’ prayer for the unity of His followers is not some nice feeling; it is the desire of our Lord that we all be united as one in order to draw others toward His saving love.

Being Trained by Jesus

Like racehorses, we can be “trained” by Christ for the victory that He has won for us. It means becoming accustomed to His voice, recognizing His touch, and accepting the call to discipleship and vocation.

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