PAX ET BONUM: Fr david Berger

We reflect on Independence Day and the gift of true freedom that comes in forgiveness as we experience forgiveness as Jesus days those words, "rise and pick up your mat and go home." Forgiveness lets freedom ring and paves the way for our journey home.

We celebrate the feast of St. Thomas and we reflect on doubt in our faith journey. Doubt actually serves to perfect our faith and enrich it as we journey forth. Doubt is nothing to fear but rather that which leads us to the true identity of Christ.

We recall the life of St. Oliver Plunket who lived in the 17th century and was martyred for his faithfulness. We look into the life of Lot and evaluate his indecisiveness and his bickering in his struggle to trust the path of God.

We explore the words of GK Chesterton that appreciation is front and center of life. Š

We reflect on the Abraham and his invitation to overcome doubt one star at a time.Š

Reflection on the readings of the 12th week of ordinary time. ŠAlso Šlook at Pope Francis as defibrillator along with Christ who invites us to a deeper look at discipleship.

We reflect on the life of Blessed Junipero Serra and how he established missions through out California. We also continue our journey with Abraham as he intercedes on behalf of Sodom.

We reflect on the readings of the 13th sunday of ordinary time as Jesus once again gives us the invitation to follow him, to place our hand upon the plow and not look back. We also reflect on our independence not only as a country but also spiritually, we are no longer slaves to the flesh.

We continue our reflections on the journey with Abraham the father of faith. We encounter Abraham raising the white flag of surrender and finally letting God take the lead. We discover the necessity of joy and sense of humor in the life of faith.

We reflect on the readings from thursday the twelfth week of ordinary time, the gospel of Matthew chapter 7:21-29. Jesus says not everyone who says 'Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven.' We explore what this means in our daily life

We celebrate the feast of St. Josemaria Escriva the founder of Opus Dei as well continue to journey with Abram as he follows the call of God and learns to trust anew.

The aim of life is appreciation. ŠAre we grateful. ŠDo we build an altar of gratitude in our life and thus grow in our awareness of God's presence and God's guiding hand? ŠGratitude and appreciation illumine the pathway that leads to the narrow gate where life is discovered a new.

A reflection on the 12th week of ordinary time. ŠJEsus invites us to become true disciples. ŠWhat does it mean to deny ourself and to take up our cross daily.