For the month of August, Heart to Heart offers daily quotes from Fr. Michael’s book What’s Your Decision? written with Jim Manney and Fr. Tim Hipskind, SJ. [From the Preface] This book is about making decisions. Many books, workshops, seminars, podcasts, and self-study programs give advice about personal development. But less attention is given to…
Dust off your soul and fall in love with God; but even more, stay in love with God. Matthew 13:14-46 Jesus said to his disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he…
To be a follower of Jesus often requires physical sacrifice. The peace of Christ does not ensure a glamorous life but in reality may entail more physical suffering than a life given to worldly pleasures. We are called to be like St. Paul: focused on our mission to love and serve the Lord, even in…
Touching on a subject most of us would probably like to avoid, Fr. Michael explores the realm of angels and demons and the influence they have on our spiritual and eternal lives. Matthew 8:28-34 When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They…
In the midst of suffering, what is your prayer? Watch for a story on the powerful prayer of a mother who saw through the pain of suffering and found peace in the promise of eternal life. Mark 4:35-41 On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to…
Remembering Fr. Jim Willig and the lessons he learned from suffering through renal cell cancer and his transformation from the physical world to the spiritual world. May his lessons learned in suffering be an aid to those suffering today. Mark 5:21-43 When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a…
This short homily on the Lord’s prayer reminds us that it isn’t our will but God’s will be done. Matthew 6:7-15 Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows…
Fr. Michael looks at the struggles in the Church day, the lack of clarity between the bishops and the Pope on certain issues, and reminds us that these struggles are nothing new in the course of history. God’s work is patient work which is always a difficult lesson to learn. Matthew 5:17-19 Jesus said…
In today’s homily, Fr. Michael reminds us that our belief in Jesus and his resurrection transcends the physical suffering we might endure in this life and that we must always hope in the eternal happiness of union to God. Mark 12:18-27 Some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and put…
We often use the words “love” and “Jesus” together. This is no accident. Fr. Michael explores the real power of the heart and the effect a loving attitude can have on us and those around us. Mark 10:32-45 The disciples were on the way, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went ahead of them.…