Fr. Paul's Thoughts

The word “Epiphany” means manifestations. It is that which is unknown, made known. It is the Wise men not knowing where they were going, but suddenly there is the New Born King. It is about the unknown Jesus among those to be baptized. Suddenly the Heavens open, the Holy Spirit like a dove descends upon Him and the words thunder, “This is my beloved Son!”  Read more

The phrase “lead us not into temptation” is a puzzle to some. They wonder why God would lead us into temptation. They are working with the theory first and then the action. Think about it. When we are not being tempted there is a different answer to the question than when we are being tempted.  Read more

Some believe The Way is a path to follow Jesus by What we do in this or that or not doing that or this. This Way will lead you into legalism. If you understand The Way to mean How Jesus did things that is His style of being in the Presence of His Father, then The Way will lead you into grace.  Read more

The Apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith”. Jesus replied, “If you had the faith the size of a mustard see, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'be uprooted and planted in the sea. and it would obey you." The Apostles were thinking about their belief and Jesus was speaking to their faith.  Read more

According to surveys, only 8 percent of Americans successfully achieve their New Year's resolutions. A whopping 45 percent fail by the end of January! Why is it that our intentions are so strong but our behavior is so weak? The main reason our resolutions are broken is we are trying to do new things in the same old way. We need to start doing the same things in a new way.   Read more

Jesus knew one of our biggest problems was we can’t remember things. We have amnesia. He gave us the Eucharist to remind us of His Word when He said to do this FOR the remembrance of me.  Read more

Luke 16:19-31 In this familiar parable there was a rich man who feasted sumptuously inside his gate and the poor man Lazarus who was starving outside his gate. Lazarus, who had nothing, went to Heaven by the grace of God. The rich man, who had everything, went to Hades because he did not have the grace of God.  Read more

Many people find it difficult to distinguish between a “what” and a “how”. If one does not know the difference between a “what” and a “how” they will think a “what” is a “how” and a “how” is a “what”. They then do not know what a “what” is because they think it is a “how”, and they do not know what a “how” is because they think it is a “what”. Trying to understand the difference is so confusing to some that they give up too early and never know the difference.  Read more

On his way to Damascus to persecute the Church, St. Paul had an encounter with Jesus. Jesus said, “Saul why are you persecuting me. I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the spikes.”  Read more

If you had one prayer, what would it be? How about praying you could solve all your life’s problems?  Read more