Drop Your Nets and Be Free

Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 1/21/23

Drop Your Nets and Be Free

There are times I wish I had no obligations. It would be great to take my wife’s hand, hop in the car, and drive into the sunset. Where we were going would not matter as much as the fact that we would have ... Read More »

Play That One Again

Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 1/13/23

Play That One Again

How many times have you sung the church song, “Here I Am, Lord”? If you grew up Catholic and are around my age (still 50!), the answer is more than you can count. The song that quotes various verses of Scripture is sung using guitar, ... Read More »

Penances and Prayers

Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 1/03/23

Penances and Prayers

God’s glory, now, is kindled gentler than candlelightunder the rafters of a barn:Eternal Peace is sleeping in the hay,And Wisdom’s born in secret in a straw-roofed stable.*

When I was younger, I wrote music to and recorded Thomas Merton’s poem, “Epiphany Carol.” If you have never ... Read More »

Listen. Think. Act.

Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 12/31/22

Listen. Think. Act.

That is a mantra or slogan for many different groups. Some seek to battle prejudice and bias. Other groups hope to eliminate poverty or reduce crime. I have even found some companies use it as a way of increasing engagement among their employees. In a nutshell, ... Read More »

Being the Sign

Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 12/20/22

Being the Sign

I think the real challenge of evangelization in the modern age is the reality that pretty much everyone has already heard of Jesus Christ — or, at least, they think they have.

To our 21st-century eyes, the angel who shared news of the birth of Jesus ... Read More »

St. Joseph the Steward

Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 12/16/22

St. Joseph the Steward

St. Joseph is one of the greatest examples of stewardship we have in the Gospels. Here is a man who understands care and reverence for the property of God, a man chosen to be steward over the very life and breath of God’s Son and Spouse.

Joseph was mindful. He recognized what belonged to God. When he understood that Mary was to be the mother of God, he was not jealous or bitter. He did not presume to claim ownership over ... Read More »

The Season That Gives Back

Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 12/11/22

The Season That Gives Back

I don’t have anything left to give. You can’t pour from an empty cup.All I do is give. Who is giving to me?

Raise your hand if these thoughts have ever run through your head. I’m sure they occur to all of us from time ... Read More »

How Much Is Enough?

Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 12/04/22

How Much Is Enough?

I’ve got some great news for some of you: Jesus Christ doesn’t care what name you bear. He doesn’t care where you were born, and he doesn’t care what your family tree looks like. He doesn’t care where you grew up or where you went ... Read More »

Being Surprised by Christ

Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 11/26/22

Being Surprised by Christ

Some people hate surprise parties. There are those who are uncomfortable with a last-minute vacation or even an unexpected travel upgrade. If it wasn’t part of the plan, it’s a cause for consternation.

There is a temptation to view these folks as curmudgeonly — sticks ... Read More »

Is Christ King in Our Hearts?

Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 11/19/22

Is Christ King in Our Hearts?

When you think of a king, who is the first person to pops into your head? It may depend on how much history you know, or which historical period intrigues you the most. As Americans, the first person we might think of is ... Read More »