It seems like we’ve been preparing for this current recession for the past two or three years, constantly predicting it and staving it off as long as we could, all the while listening to the media tell us that it was just around the corner. And now that it is here—and it is here—we’re witnessing…
December 29, 2008
I would like you to join me in a different kind of commitment for next year. This is the kind of commitment that will cost us something for sure, but the reward is great. In the coming year let’s make every effort to acknowledge Christ before others and defend (as well as follow!) in a…
December 23, 2008
I lit a candle today and prayed during Eucharistic Adoration in our parish chapel for a man I know who was hospitalized yesterday for the second time in two weeks. He is suffering from emphysema and an infection after recent surgery. The candle burned brightly, more brightly than the others, for the hour I was…
December 23, 2008
For some reason, I haven’t directly addressed this topic in any of my writings over the years. It’s not because I’m afraid to or that I find it uninteresting. I think it has more to do with having such mixed feelings. On the one hand, I think the amount of money paid to so many…
December 23, 2008
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December 17, 2008
I was in Rome last week and I had to catch a bus, but in Italy you can’t buy a ticket on the bus. You have to buy the ticket before you get on the bus. Only I didn’t have time to buy a ticket, and I didn’t have time to wait for the next…
December 5, 2008
It should come as no surprise to us that, in this modern environment, the relevance of Jesus is being seriously questioned. The reason is simple. The philosophy of Christ is very different from the prevailing philosophies of our modern culture. In fact, they are completely opposed to each other. And yet, the teachings of Christ…
In these difficult times, it can be very challenging to think of others and not just ourselves. Our personal struggles often keep our focus inward and not outward towards our brothers and sisters in Christ. If these words resonate with you, I would like to provide some encouragement to break out of this inward focus…
November 22, 2008
Ed. note: This piece is co-authored by Ron Young. Have you ever known someone who had a meteoric rise up the corporate ladder, but seemed to lose himself along the way? Sadly, there are many who fit that bill. Quite possibly, you may even see yourself this way. How did it happen? Was the career…
November 22, 2008
I‘m sure it‘s natural for people to be fascinated with acquiring new things. Whether we‘re talking about physical possessions like homes or cars or toys, or more conceptual assets like knowledge or technology or business strategies, we seem to highly value what we don‘t have, especially when it is novel. I suppose this is understandable—even…
November 10, 2008
It is a gross understatement to say that we live in very trying times. Our country is at war, our economy is a mess, atheists are one of the fastest growing groups in our country and our families are under siege. My intent is not to depress you, but get your attention on the reality…
I am sending this message to large group of people who I know to be Catholic/Christian. I must confess that there are parts of me that don’t want to send it, because I don’t want to offend anyone or make them uncomfortable. However, sometimes in life we are called to stand up for something we…
October 21, 2008
“You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” -Matthew 5:13-14 and 16. Most of us spend the majority of our…
October 8, 2008
When I imagine a fortress, it invokes thoughts of strength, security and protection. The image is comforting, particularly when used in relation to one’s faith. I was speaking with someone I met recently about my faith and learned that he, too, was Catholic. After hearing my story, he explained to me the role faith played…
October 1, 2008
Just before her death Joan of Arc wrote, “I know this now. Every man gives his life for what he believes. Every woman gives her life for what she believes. Sometimes people believe in little or nothing, and yet they give their lives to that little or nothing. One life is all we have and…
September 18, 2008
U.S. ECONOMY An economy characterized by constrained credit and a retrenching consumer continues to weigh on growth. Although GDP growth was positive into the third quarter, much of this could be attributed to the tax rebates of the spring. It is noteworthy that even with this stimulus adding 10.5% in annualized disposable income growth in…
September 18, 2008
Before I began my RCIA classes in the Fall of 2006, I studied the Catholic faith in earnest. I tend to intellectualize everything and my first thoughts were to learn everything I could about our faith. I quickly realized there was more to our wonderful Faith than knowledge, history and tradition! I then began to…
September 3, 2008
Do you find it challenging to live a balanced Christian life that unites faith, family and work? Does your Christ-inspired faith sometimes get deflated throughout the course of everyday life? Many of us feel overwhelmed by the obstacles we face from an increasingly agnostic media, religious-indifferent work environments, and declining family-focused values. This constant battle…
As busy professionals with compounding responsibilities, isn’t it becoming more and more difficult to find time just to … think? Commiserating with colleagues and friends, we share how our work days are filled with an almost obsessed focus on getting as much work done as possible, countless meetings and squeezing every bit of air out…
August 14, 2008
In today’s professional landscape, the term “thought leadership” can be interpreted any number of ways. You see the phrase included in a company’s laundry list of expertise areas, or voiced throughout the course of a strategy meeting. Some business executives embrace the concept more than others, and many bring it to life in a way…