My Message

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There are aids that help us such as the scriptures, the rosary, etc. But prayer is a form of desire, it is our intention. We are praying when we speak to God from our hearts. And prayer is so important because it enables us to communicate with somebody who has so much more to offer than we do. And God speaks to us. But so often we can't hear Him because we aren't paying attention. We need to listen for His voice in our conscience.

If God is love, why does He permit suffering?

The mystery of Christ is the mystery of the cross, the divine rooted in suffering. To be human is to suffer. Consider the ultimate evil-our putting to death of God. That is something we all do with our sins. And yet God transformed Christ's innocent suffering into an ultimate good. And somehow all our suffering is tied into that mystery. Through our suffering we participate in Christ's suffering. Paul talked about how we make up for what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ. Not that anything is or was lacking in Christ's suffering, but He's left us room to share in it.

Do angels exist?

Not only do angels exist but they are all around us. And they're involved in our lives far more than we realize. They are our friends, our spiritual friends. They are our counselors. Our protectors. We should take hope in their presence, but more so we need to be in a relationship with them that can be very close and is by no means a deviation from communication with God. We also need to recognize that there are fallen angels, demons. They too are involved in our lives. As Paul says, "we are contending not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places."

Do I need to attend church?

Some say, if God is everywhere then I don't need to pray to Him in a building. I guess that's true, but we do need to pray and worship with others. And if the others are in a building, why not join them there? But I believe we need a more universal, expanded concept of church that concept doesn't have to veer from tradition.

My child has gone astray. What can I do?

I always emphasize prayer. Never underestimate the power of prayer. But parents need to communicate with their children. Avoid judgment. Do something with them they enjoy, maybe an outing in nature. So often children open up when their parents treat them like friends. I encourage parents to ask their kids how they see things, what's important to them, what they want out of life. When these questions are genuine, God's spirit will begin to enter the picture.

Is there eternal life?

There is a heaven, and it is beyond anything we can possibly imagine-eternal happiness and union with God, eternal harmony and peace and with one another. And, yes, there is a hell, and it too is far beyond anything we can, or would want, to imagine. For those that are open, there is an ongoing process of purification. But our ultimate destination is a matter of whether or not we truly believe and embrace the will of God.