Author Archives: joyocala

It was very sad to see the pictures of Notre Dame Cathedral burning. It’s important for us to preserve our cultural treasures, and I’m glad to hear that parts of it survived. It is reassuring to learn that it will … Continue reading →

Easter is not “over.”  Starting with that premise (actually, that’s truth), we can begin a new conversation about how the church can be resurrected. So many other aspects of our lives have undergone radical transformation; why not the church?  Family … Continue reading →

It’s the morning after Easter. Yesterday’s colored eggs are now chopped into my breakfast creamed eggs, or Goldenrod Eggs as we call them. Crumbs under the dining room table are reminiscent of the dinner we shared. It’s time to launder … Continue reading →

Easter is my personal favorite of the holy days in my faith. There are many Christian and commercial symbols representing the Easter season. The butterfly is one of those symbols. It lives one day only, so when I see them … Continue reading →

As a young mother, I spent a lot of time preparing for Easter. I loved choosing and filling an appropriate themed Easter basket of the year for each of my sons. The teacher in me filled my home with springtime … Continue reading →

Last week, I mentioned that whenever I read the Passion of the Lord, I hope for a different ending to the story. I do the same thing every time I watch the movie “Titanic.” I can’t help but hope that … Continue reading →

I was with my father at the National Gallery when he got to see one of his favorite paintings, “The Sacrament of the Last Supper” by Salvador Dali. It’s a striking work. At first you know what your are looking … Continue reading →

In 1 Corinthians, Ephesians and Romans Paul gives a long list of spiritual gifts. They include: being an apostle, prophet, preacher or evangelist; Teaching; having knowledge or wisdom; being a healer; showing mercy; helping; serving; being an administration; being encouraging; … Continue reading →

This message was originally posted during Holy Week of 2016 by our friend Helen. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. These, or similar words, are Paul’s greetings in his letters to the … Continue reading →

For forty days we ponder. We ponder the suffering of our Lord Jesus. We ponder the love that led Him to the cross. We ponder His unconditional and unfathomable love for us. Now we begin Holy Week walking more slowly. … Continue reading →