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Locked Doors

This past Sunday, we hear the “Doubting Thomas” passage from the Gospel of John. I call it that because that’s what we often refer to it as, and it’s the main focus of homilies. And even though Thomas has a… Read More »Locked Doors

It Should’ve Been You

Carry your cross. I’ve heard this so many times. And yet there’s the beauty in our faith and in our God – that no matter how many times we’ve heard a story from Scripture, God can always reveal something new… Read More »It Should’ve Been You

Ew Feet

Holy Thursday is coming up this week, where people squirm at the thought of touching someone else’s feet, or someone else touching their own feet. Growing up at our parish, it was open season – anyone could get in line… Read More »Ew Feet

Immaculate Misconception

All too often, people get confused on who the Immaculate Conception is about. Today, December 8th, is the Solemnity for the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. By that title, we should be able to figure out that it’s… Read More »Immaculate Misconception

Just This One Thing

We’ve got a little one in the house, and he needs his naps. I need his naps. So, more often than I’d like, I have to remind his siblings to be quiet when he’s sleeping. In my mind, I have… Read More »Just This One Thing

Can I Help?

There’s a stage in a child’s life where they want to be helpful. Of course, it’s not in the way you want them to be helpful – at least not in my opinion. Cleaning up after themselves? Doing things the… Read More »Can I Help?

Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?

Have you ever had a child (or student) ask you this question? You tell them to do something – or ask – and their response is Why? Now, I’m all for learning and inquisitive minds. It is beautiful and wonderful… Read More »Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?

Sowers Gonna Sow

Many know the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23 in case you need a refresher). Jesus reveals in this parable that the seed is the Word of God and the soil is our hearts. There’s the hard soil, the rocky… Read More »Sowers Gonna Sow

Metabolic Faith

I miss my metabolism. It was one of the greatest things I had because I could eat pretty much whatever I wanted and I didn’t really gain a lot of weight. But as the years have gone by my metabolism… Read More »Metabolic Faith

Very Much Obliged

I’ve struggled with “Days of Obligation” for Mass. It seems to have such a negative connotation to it. “I’m obligated to go.” Doesn’t sound very fun. Or exciting. Just sounds like something the Church forces us to do. Yet the… Read More »Very Much Obliged

Church Rat

I try to get to the gym regularly. There was a point where I was going every weekday. Barring colds, I do go at least three times a week. But that doesn’t make me healthy. I eat junk food. I… Read More »Church Rat

Fonts

I know. Super exciting topic. But I like fonts. I don’t know why, but I have spent way too much time trying to find the best font for different projects. Or just regular documents. And by spent too much time… Read More »Fonts

The Inception of Joseph

Yesterday was the Solemnity of St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the Gospel (Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a), an angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream. And it happens again not too long after (barely… Read More »The Inception of Joseph

Is There Anything Else to Eat?

“Come to the table, time to eat!” And here they come. Kids come to the table, and almost immediately the complaints start pouring in. “I want to sit there!”“That’s where I was sitting!”“Why are we eating this?”“Is there anything else?”“Why… Read More »Is There Anything Else to Eat?

Ghost

It’s been awhile since I’ve seen the movie Ghost (and I don’t really remember if I ever actually sat down and watched the whole thing from start to finish before), and it was proposed in our cinema group to watch… Read More »Ghost

Eduardo or Eduardon’t

We went back to Fishwife (remember that post a bit ago?) with the rest of the kids, my mom, and one of my sisters. Eduardo wasn’t there. But the food was great once again, and the service was wonderful. And… Read More »Eduardo or Eduardon’t

The Missing Piece

You know how it is. You settle in to set a puzzle. How do you start? The edge pieces, right? Well this puzzle, we found out early on that we were missing an edge piece. We hoped maybe we just… Read More »The Missing Piece

Your Future is Foggy

A little while ago I was driving the kids to school. It was a foggy Autumn morning. We had just recently started to do prayers on the drive to school. I have the kids take turns telling God something they… Read More »Your Future is Foggy

Table For2itous

My wife and I celebrated our anniversary a few months ago. We went down to Pacific Grove for the weekend, and on Saturday morning we enjoyed a lovely walk along the coast. No particular destination, just out for a walk.… Read More »Table For2itous

Forward to the Past

The first time I watched the Back to the Future movies, I enjoyed them a lot. The first one is the best of course, the second had the sweet hover board, and the third wrapped it all up. Then one… Read More »Forward to the Past

Lifts and Supports

The other day I replaced the lift supports for the hatchback on our Toyota Matrix (don’t be impressed, it’s crazy easy to do). The originals on it completely died out, and even if you lifted it up, it would just… Read More »Lifts and Supports

Napoleon Dynamite

I watched Napoleon Dynamite years ago, when it first came out, and then probably another one or two times since then. I recently re-watched it because a group of gents I’m blessed to meet with were going to discuss it.… Read More »Napoleon Dynamite

Can I Get a Witness?

Which way is the right way to witness? I struggle with this constantly – being a disciple, a witness to Christ’s love, message, and mission. Not whether or not I want to be one – I do – but what… Read More »Can I Get a Witness?

Anxiously Worried

As has been happening for over eight years, I was putting a child down for nap. For the past few weeks, as I get up from singing a song next to him, Malachi asked me to stay. Most of the… Read More »Anxiously Worried

A Glutton and a Drunkard

I was getting my workout on one day, and noticed a fitness instructor (not surprising, of course). But the only way I knew this person was a fitness instructor was that he was wearing a shirt that said “Fitness Instructor”… Read More »A Glutton and a Drunkard

New Wine

In today’s Gospel from Mark, Jesus is questioned about His disciples who don’t fast like other spiritual leaders’ disciples (my mother would tell me I could do with a little more fasting, but for a completely different reason). His response,… Read More »New Wine

Do It

In the Gospel of Mark (10:35-45), two disciples come up to Jesus and Him, “do for us whatever we ask of You.” Whenever I read this passage, I always think they sound like a couple of pompous jerks. Like, guys,… Read More »Do It

BeyBlades

My oldest son loves playing with BeyBlades. He asks me and his mom and his siblings to play that more than anything else (only because if he tries to ask to play videogames that often he’d get to play those… Read More »BeyBlades

Fear of the WORL[or]D

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted (I just looked – it’s been over a year). There are a few reasons why I haven’t written in so long – It seemed like podcasts were on the rise (Modern Day Disciples anyone?),… Read More »Fear of the WORL[or]D

For a Laugh or For a Life?

I’ve been struggling with what to do and what to say about everything that is happening right now with the Black Lives Matter movement. Mostly because I’m afraid. But my fear is insignificant. I’m afraid of being rejected by friends… Read More »For a Laugh or For a Life?

Helicopter Father

When our first child was old enough to start climbing things (far too soon in my opinion), my wife did some research into different styles of parenting. She found two types of parenting – American and European. American style is… Read More »Helicopter Father

Killing Time

In my last post I started writing the phrase “killing time” and it made me pause. I had no intention to write about this. But let’s see where this train of thought goes. Killing time is basically trying to figure… Read More »Killing Time

Being in the Awkward

One thing I liked about having my phone, is that whenever I was waiting for something, I’d be able to use it to pass the time. One thing I disliked about having my phone, is that whenever I was waiting… Read More »Being in the Awkward

Written in the Stars

What a time we are in. I know there’s already been so much written and talked about in regards to the quarantine and COVID-19, but last night I was out to get some exercise, and I noticed the stars. I… Read More »Written in the Stars

Just Keep Praying

I find it harder and harder to believe there are coincidences. The other day I was praying, and, as so often happens in prayer, I remember how much Jesus has done for me. Not only that God created me, but… Read More »Just Keep Praying

Clouds

Clouds are amazing. They move and change and come in all shapes and sizes (and colors at sunset). But what makes me appreciate them so much is how much the sky can change because of them. The sky – and… Read More »Clouds

AMDG

In the First Reading this Sunday, the Jews got jealous that Paul and Barnabas were bringing in the crowds (“Jews” in the New Testament typically refers to those who are or have placed themselves in charge of the Jewish people).… Read More »AMDG

Judas Ain’t So Bad

From as far back as I can remember when hearing the Passion, Judas has always been the bad guy. He was this shady character who betrayed Jesus out of greed and deserved the end he met. But I don’t think… Read More »Judas Ain’t So Bad

God’s Plan

This is a huge change for me. Sure, I got married.Sure, I’ve had kids…a few times over. Getting married and having kids though – there was a natural flow of events that led up to that. But I don’t think… Read More »God’s Plan

The Eucharistic Bridge

Have you ever looked at a bridge? I’m not talking about a little bridge at the park or even the bridge over a highway – I’m talking about a huge bridge over a large body of water. Bridges are beyond… Read More »The Eucharistic Bridge

Community of Prayer

How often do you ask people to pray for you? How often do you pray for other people? For a long time, the majority, if not all, of my prayers were for me. Sure, I’d pray for someone if they… Read More »Community of Prayer

Justice

The Psalm this Sunday (Psalm 15:2-3, 3-4, 4-5) resounds a little more than usual in light of the recent report on sexual abuse in the Church. The one who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord. It’s… Read More »Justice

Ice Ice Baby

The water bottle I have in my office has a “small” opening for when I need to refill it. I say small, because when I go to the fridge’s ice dispenser to put ice in it, I have to use… Read More »Ice Ice Baby

7 Gifs of the Holy Spirit

Wisdom via GIPHY Understanding via GIPHY Counsel via GIPHY Fortitude via GIPHY Knowledge via GIPHY Piety via GIPHY Fear of the Lord via GIPHY  

Never Learn

We never learn. I know, I know, “never” is an unfair statement. You’d think that we’d be way better off now than when human beings were first created. You’d think we’d have figured out a thing or two. You’d also… Read More »Never Learn

Catholics are Weird

This Sunday is the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. As Catholics, we need to accept the fact that several of our teachings are kinda out there. From the outside, it seems weird. Hell, from the inside, it… Read More »Catholics are Weird

Do I Know You?

Wow. I finished a Bible group with a few other young adults a while ago – and, as can happen even after reading the same Scripture so many times over the years, I felt like I got something revealed to… Read More »Do I Know You?

Go Deeper

On the Surface I think the reason many people don’t fully appreciate the Catholic faith, and for some the reason why they leave the Catholic faith, is because we often take our faith and the teachings of the Church at… Read More »Go Deeper

Avoiding the Mission

Let’s set the stage: My wife was Sacristan at Mass, so we were heading there early. Our son Joshua asked if he could play with Accha (my dad) when we get there. I explained to him that most people aren’t… Read More »Avoiding the Mission

I Love Life

Hey you. Would you lay your life down for mine? More important question for me to ask though is, would I lay my life down for yours? Honest answer: I don’t know. I’d like to say yes I totally would.… Read More »I Love Life

Wait, Don’t Go!

Hey you. I see you. Yeah you. What’s your relationship with Jesus Christ like? Oh, no need to look around, this is indeed a Catholic blog. I know, it’s not a question that’s asked often enough around here. Seriously –… Read More »Wait, Don’t Go!

Hail, King of the Jews!

I don’t always appreciate Scripture as much as I should. But when I get a new perspective on a passage or it applies to a current situation in my life, I get excited about it. The title of this post… Read More »Hail, King of the Jews!

BadBye

When our current pastor shared the news with the parish staff that he was resigning from his position at the parish, I was disappointed. More than that, I was disheartened. Although I don’t know the reasons for his decision, I… Read More »BadBye

Awesome Job You

Hey! You went to Mass this weekend – good for you! It is no easy feat making Mass a priority these days. I think we often times judge and complain about those who don’t go, we don’t affirm and commend… Read More »Awesome Job You

Tithing

On Ash Wednesday a little over a week ago, I tweeted, “If you’re more excited about receiving ashes than the Eucharist, you might be doing it wrong.” As I thought about this more, I recognized something – there was a… Read More »Tithing

Smoking Barrel

I’ve always had issues with seeing doctors/nurses smoke. It just didn’t make sense. Like, “Hey, you’re trying to get people to be healthy, and yet you’re smoking?!” What idiots. I was talking with my dad about this (he is a… Read More »Smoking Barrel

It’s so Simple

We often talk about how challenging it is to be a disciple – how hard it is to be a good Christian. But I think we just make it harder on ourselves. Paul makes it pretty simple and straightforward in… Read More »It’s so Simple

How’s Your Poop?

Yeah, you read that right. Okay Deepu, really? You’re going to talk about poop? Is this the best place for that? Yup. Because God created us as not just spiritual beings, but as physical beings (one way we differ from… Read More »How’s Your Poop?

Squirrel!

Did you get a load of Paul today in the 2nd Reading (1 Cor 7:32-35)? Can you believe that guy? Did he really think that a person can be distracted and torn between their spouse and God?! Does he even… Read More »Squirrel!

Holiday

I recently was on vacation to Australia and New Zealand. It was a last minute trip – something I’ve never done before, and something I definitely didn’t imagine doing at this stage in my life. My wife, the amazing blessing… Read More »Holiday

What is Love?

Parents define what love is for their children. Therefore, you – whether you’re a parent, a child, a teen, an adult, a spouse, whatever – grew up with a definition of love that might have been different from others. I… Read More »What is Love?

Hello McFly

Ya know, the more I learn about God, the more I learn about the Catholic Church, and the more I grow in my faith, the more I realize how much of an blind idiot I’ve been. I think about how… Read More »Hello McFly

America’s Got Talent

This Sunday (and last Sunday as well), Jesus really seems to be hitting it home that we need to be stepping up our game (Matthew 25:14-30). It seems pretty clear that having faith isn’t enough. Last week, the lamps of… Read More »America’s Got Talent

Hey…um…Priest Guy

Todays’ Gospel (Matthew 22:1-12), we can get a bit confused. Everything Jesus says sounds all well and good until He says, “Call no one on earth your father…” via GIPHY This is probably where many Protestants would say, “Ha! The… Read More »Hey…um…Priest Guy

My Own Worst Enemy

I want a flat stomach. But you wouldn’t know that if you’ve ever seen me eat. I like unhealthy food and unhealthy portions. And I give into all of it way more often than someone should who wants a flat… Read More »My Own Worst Enemy

Why Mass is a Bit of Heaven

I totally followed along in today’s Gospel (Matthew 22:1-14)… up until verse 11. I get the whole people rejected God’s invite so He invited everybody else part. But then God kicks some poor guy out because He’s not dressed up?… Read More »Why Mass is a Bit of Heaven

Hook, Line, and Sinker

People often times say that Jesus (aside from you know, being God) was a really nice guy. And yeah, there’s some truth to that. . . but then I read something like the Gospel today (Matthew 21:33-43) and I’m like… Read More »Hook, Line, and Sinker

Converts vs. Cradles

Reading today’s Gospel (Mt 21:28-32), most of us probably do that thing we normally do and think, “Awesome, I’m part of the good group. Yeah there are times I don’t follow through with my promises to God, but I am… Read More »Converts vs. Cradles

Too Late to Apologize

I’ve struggled with today’s Gospel (Mt 20:1-16). I will admit that I can be pretty selfish, and when I see someone getting the same payment or reward for doing less than I did, I complain. But as it shows in… Read More »Too Late to Apologize

Have Mercy

I was in a liturgy class a few years ago, and something that stood out to me from one of the first nights was a line from a book we were reading. I can’t remember the book or the exact… Read More »Have Mercy

Super Duped

I’ve heard many people say that the translation of the Bible that you use is irrelevant, as long as you actually use it. To that I say: I agree. Mostly. Words are powerful. And replacing one word with another can… Read More »Super Duped

Loaded Question

In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks His disciples: “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answers, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And then in response to that, Jesus makes Peter the first pope, the… Read More »Loaded Question

Yes, Yes You Should

The Catholic community is one of the best things to be a part of. Those of you who are Catholic might not believe me. Well, several years ago, I wouldn’t have believed me either. I’m going to share (hopefully briefly)… Read More »Yes, Yes You Should

Solomon the Wise

If you read last week’s post, you’ll remember (will you though?) that I mentioned the wisdom of Solomon. You looked at that first reading (you definitely remember that reading), and you saw why he’s so wise. Because God gifted him… Read More »Solomon the Wise

Word to the Wise

It’s kind of interesting that in the Book of Wisdom, where this past Sunday’s 1st reading comes from (Wis 12:13, 16-19) we get some fancy schmancy words that you probably don’t understand – temerity, clemency, lenience, repentance, people…the list goes… Read More »Word to the Wise

Much Obliged

In Mark Hart’s book, “The ‘R’ Father,” he goes through the Lord’s Prayer part by part. If you have the chance, go read it (if you’re in Morgan Hill you can borrow my copy). Here’s a quote from the book… Read More »Much Obliged

Retreat > Jesus Camp

Do you know what you’re looking at? This was taken at the Diocesan Youth Retreat (DYR) back in June. This was on Thursday night, where over 250 teens and 80 leaders knelt before the Body of Christ. It was truly… Read More »Retreat > Jesus Camp

What Are You Waiting For?

Retreats are an amazing experience that have the potential to change your life. They also have the potential to, well, ya know, not. I recently helped out on DYR – the Diocesan Youth Retreat which is put on by the… Read More »What Are You Waiting For?

Confirmed

According to the 2nd Reading today, you belong to Christ. One of the definitions of belong is to be properly or appropriately placed. God has a specific purpose for you. Do you know what that purpose is? When was the… Read More »Confirmed