The Amateur Christian

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?

Listen, Look, Understand

“Do You Hear What I Hear?” That dynamic of the gospel breaking into the world is what Advent is about. But to fully embrace it, we need to listen, look, and understand how Hod is working.

Christ, the King without Boundaries

To live as subjects of a King with no borders means that we must be agents of removing barriers to true charity, justice, and mercy.

His Words Do Not Pass Away

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the weight of life, by sorrow, fear, doubt, or uncertainty, know that Jesus knows this too. Listen to his word. The remedy to the chaos that we see everywhere is to serve the one in front of you. In short, to love.

When God Dwells in the Heart

St. Alphonsus Liguori taught that “Paradise for God is the human heart”; it is where God wants to dwell more than any other place in all the universe.

“On the Way” of the Sacred Heart

The Sacred Heart of Jesus is the remedy for the indifference of a world to the suffering and fear of so many. As Jesus encountered Bartimaeus so h he continues to encounter those on the side of the road today.

An Unexpected Invitation

Friends, we are always playing to an audience of One. Right now, even amid our shaky, weak faith, Christ is looking at you, loving you. I imagine the joyful expectation in Jesus’ eyes as He invites us on this adventure of discipleship. This “unexpected journey” will bring more gems, riches, and honor (and persecutions) than we can imagine. It is a journey that will change us – and it will change the world.