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
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
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
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
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?
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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 say that I love her way more than I did… Read More »I Think I Love My Wife
“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?
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
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
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 where she got it from, she just started bringing it… Read More »Lightshiner vs. Shadowcaster
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
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
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
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?
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
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
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 in reality – on the inside – I get annoyed,… Read More »Gratitude = Great Attitude
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
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
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
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 because of something I realized in the afternoon when I… Read More »You’re a Good Good Father
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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 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
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. Just kidding. But not really. Well, maybe a little. Most… Read More »The Word of God Fell on Deaf Ears
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 in life. The teachings of the Catholic Church are vast… Read More »I’m Sorry, Who Are You?
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
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
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
Wisdom via GIPHY Understanding via GIPHY Counsel via GIPHY Fortitude via GIPHY Knowledge via GIPHY Piety via GIPHY Fear of the Lord via GIPHY
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
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?
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
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
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 man is not pulling any punches here: Those who say,… Read More »You Know Jesus? You No Jesus
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!
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 year to try to be the person God created us… Read More »Lent is More Than 40 Days
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
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
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?
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 properly.Now first off, I’ll admit I’ve used that quote many… Read More »They Will Know We Are Christians
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
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
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 challenging some of those vows would be to keep (who… Read More »Who Doesn’t Love Weddings?
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, click here) So Simon was a fisherman. But was being… Read More »There’s Regular Awesome and Then There’s Jesus Awesome
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
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?
You should all know what this quote is from. That’s right: The Lion King. Mufasa says this to Simba from the clouds. Simba has been struggling to come to terms with his past, and his dad, although dead, is there… Read More »“You Are My Son, and the One True King”
After we moved into our house, we started doing research on a washer and dryer. I like looking at customer reviews to see how well they stand up to their ads. One of the models for a washer we were… Read More »Does This Thing Come with a Manual?
I recently went to the dentist, and let me tell you, I had an amazing time. Not really. I mean, it wasn’t a horrible time, but it definitely wasn’t something that I’d describe as amazing. But after the appointment was… Read More »Pearly White Gates
I use reverse psychology on my son sometimes (Joshua, if you ever read this in the future, you will not like that I did this to you). Some people might argue that it’s not good to do this with your children, and… Read More »Do Not Read This
Not too long ago, I started taking the calling God has for me more seriously (I know, you’re totally impressed). There’s only one problem: I’m not really sure what God’s calling me to exactly (I know, I’m the only one… Read More »Overwhelmed
It’s hard to avoid. I’ve got my nice clothes on (you know, anything I’ve owned for less than four years). I like the way I look in them, and although they are super comfortable, I’m always a little on edge… Read More »Stained Clothes
Sneezes. I really don’t like them. Not because they make snot fly at over 100 mph (which is pretty cool), or that you risk having snot all over the place if you don’t have a proper receptacle, but because I… Read More »God Bless You?
I’m writing this with some trepidation. I haven’t yet actually searched which one is right (side note: it’s weird to write ‘searched’ instead of ‘googled.’ Just thought you’d like to know). I’ve had this argument multiple times with friends and… Read More »Caramel vs. Caramel
People who litter disgust me. I know. I shouldn’t be judging others. But I feel like out of all the things that people do, littering is one of those things that you can’t put blame on anyone but yourself. I’m… Read More »Littering and…
I can’t tell you how many times I rewrote this article. Starting this blog has been more intimidating than I imagined. I initially thought, “This will be relatively easy – I write bulletin articles every week for my parish, which… Read More »Into the Unknown