Posts by Ralph Patrick

“Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder the things of the past” The Prophet Isaiah “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  Jesus Do you make New Year’s Resolutions?  If so, what are they? At the start of a…

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem . . . Magi came from the East.” Matthew 2 “The Christian of the future will be a mystic, or (s)he will not exist at all.” Karl Rahner Who were the Magi?  There’s ongoing speculation about their identity.  I think the answer in one respect is quite simple:  They…

“The mystery of Godliness is great, which is Christ in you.”  St. Paul in the letter to the church at Colossae “He has bestowed on us His most precious and significant promises, so that you might become partakers in the divine nature.” St. Peter in his second epistle. When and was Jesus born? How was…

“The Word became fully human and became one of us . . . full of grace and truth.” John 1 What are you afraid of? What does it mean to be human? I’m afraid of AI.  Recently my son-in-law and me were talking about it.  He works in the world of computer tech and is…

“The Magi fell down and worshipped Him, presenting their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” The Gospel of St. Matthew “The day is coming, and now has arrived, when the real worshippers of God will worship in Spirit and truth.”  Jesus Do you worship?  If so, how? What is the “right” way to worship? In…

“I’ll have a blue Christmas without you; I’ll be so blue just thinking about you.” Elvis Presley “All night long I drench my bed in tears.” David in Psalm 6 What color do you most connect with Christmas? Green? Red? White? What about Bue?  Blue is the color of Hanukkah, which started this past week. …

“How can this be since I am a virgin?”  Mary “And they brought forth their firstborn son and wrapped him and swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.” Luke 2 What comes to mind when you hear the above passages?  Most likely some type of image of Mary piously and prayerfully conversing with an…

“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ.”   Hebrews (The following is an article I wrote some years ago, which explains why in some places it sounds dated.  I felt it appropriate as those living in the U.S. prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday.) I saw the above posted on the…

“Peter turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. This was the disciple who had leaned back against Jesus’ chest at the meal.” John 21:20 “I don’t often ‘feel’ like a beloved child of God.  But I know that that is my most primal identity and I know that I must choose…

“They do all their deeds to be seen by people. . .” Jesus in Matthew 23 “Now you are Christ’s body . . .”  St. Paul Church can be beautiful!  Last night I attended a beautiful church and service.  It was at the Denver Basilica, a large cathedral with enormous, white, vaulted ceilings, intricately and…