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… Read More »Locked Doors
Deepu
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… 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,… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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.… 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… Read More »The Inception of Joseph
I Think I Love My Wife
Just kidding. I know I love my wife (by the way this has nothing to do with the Chris Rock movie). And although this can sound cliché, I can honestly… Read More »I Think I Love My Wife
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… 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),… 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… 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… Read More »The Missing Piece
Lightshiner vs. Shadowcaster
Last week, my article was inspired by my oldest. This week’s is inspired not by one, but two of my kids. My daughter has this Advent reflection/prayer book (no idea… Read More »Lightshiner vs. Shadowcaster
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.… 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… 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… 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,… 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… 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… 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… 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… Read More »A Glutton and a Drunkard
Gratitude = Great Attitude
I am not a joy-filled person. I know there are those out there who know me who would disagree, what with me being such a delight to be around. But… Read More »Gratitude = Great Attitude
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… 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… 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… Read More »BeyBlades
You’re a Good Good Father
This last Father’s Day was one of the best yet. Lots of quality time with the family, and such good food. The reason I share this isn’t to brag, but… Read More »You’re a Good Good Father
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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… Read More »Clouds
What’s Love Got to Do With It?
This past Sunday, we hear from the Gospel of John at the end of the Last Supper. You might be wondering why I’m posting this so late in the week… Read More »What’s Love Got to Do With It?
The Word of God Fell on Deaf Ears
In Mark 7:31-37, a deaf man is brought to Jesus. This is where silly Jesus comes out and He gives the man a wet willy and spits on his tongue. … Read More »The Word of God Fell on Deaf Ears
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… Read More »AMDG
I’m Sorry, Who Are You?
As Christians, Jesus calls us to spread His Word to others. We are all called to do this – every one of us – regardless of our profession or stage… Read More »I’m Sorry, Who Are You?
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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… Read More »Ice Ice Baby
You Want Easy? This Ain’t for You
Before I started taking my faith seriously, being a Catholic was easy. via GIPHY I learned what I needed to about the Church in order to present it to the… Read More »You Want Easy? This Ain’t for You
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
Walk by Faith, Not by Sight
In the 2nd Reading this Sunday (2 Corinthians 5:6-10), Paul says that we “walk by faith, not by sight.” Sounds nice, doesn’t it? via GIPHY But what does it really… Read More »Walk by Faith, Not by Sight
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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… Read More »I Love Life
You Know Jesus? You No Jesus
Reading the 2nd reading for Sunday’s Liturgy (1 John 2:1-5A), I can tell why John was the beloved disciple (other than the fact that he was writing about himself). That… Read More »You Know Jesus? You No Jesus
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… 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,… 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.… Read More »BadBye
Lent is More Than 40 Days
Lent is two weeks from being done. There are many of us – myself included until a few years ago – who look at Lent as the one time a… Read More »Lent is More Than 40 Days
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… 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… 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… Read More »Smoking Barrel
Where Did You Come From?
Dear Lent, It’s me, Deepu. Not to be rude, and not that I don’t want you here, but um, I know you come every year, and I know I’m supposed… Read More »Where Did You Come From?
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… 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… 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… Read More »Squirrel!
You’re Not Too Old for This …
All those of you out there who volunteer – you are awesome. You give of yourself to something bigger than yourself. A parish is more than just Mass on Sundays… Read More »You’re Not Too Old for This …
Check Your Pride at the Door
God kinda puts David in his place, doesn’t he? In 2 Samuel 7 we have King David, living in his nice house, and then he remembers that he left God… Read More »Check Your Pride at the Door
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… 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… 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… Read More »Hello McFly
They Will Know We Are Christians
You know this quote by St. Francis? It’s a bunch of crap. Not because St. Francis didn’t even say it (he didn’t), but because it’s an excuse to not evangelize… Read More »They Will Know We Are Christians
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… 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… Read More »Hey…um…Priest Guy
It Don’t Matter if You’re Black or White
Today’s Gospel (Matthew 22:34-40) speaks of something that almost all Christians and many non-believers have heard: the two greatest commandments. Love God totally and completely and love your neighbor as… Read More »It Don’t Matter if You’re Black or White
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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… Read More »Have Mercy
Is That Velvet? No, Dissuade
In the Book of Ezekiel, which is where today’s 1st reading is from, we hear that we are called to “dissuade the wicked from his way.” It goes on to… Read More »Is That Velvet? No, Dissuade
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.… 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… 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… Read More »Yes, Yes You Should
Who Doesn’t Love Weddings?
When I got married, my wife and I made vows before our family and friends. And although I meant them sincerely when I said them, I had no idea how… Read More »Who Doesn’t Love Weddings?
In with the Old, In with the New
There are a lot of Christians out there who ignore the Old Testament. The biggest reason is that when Jesus comes and then the New Testament is written later, it… Read More »In with the Old, In with the New
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… Read More »Solomon the Wise
There’s Regular Awesome and Then There’s Jesus Awesome
In chapter 5 of the Gospel of Luke, a man named Simon listens to Jesus and he and his crew catch a ridiculous amount of fish (for the full story,… Read More »There’s Regular Awesome and Then There’s Jesus Awesome
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… 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… 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… 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 –… 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.… Read More »Confirmed