Voices are like finger prints, each is as unique as the person who speaks with it. You can be walking down a crowded concourse at an airport and hear your brother/ sister/friend calling you and immediately you know who it is that’s calling you.

It’s not so easy to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. The reason for this is that he speaks in a whisper. It’s a low, brief, quiet speech that we can easily miss if we aren’t paying attention. The second reason it can be hard to hear is because it often sounds just like MY voice. And so sometimes I think I’m hearing God’s will for me when really I’m just hearing myself wanting what I want.

But every once in awhile you hear deep in your heart “a feeling that has a voice like yours” telling you something you need to hear. It goes like this for me: it starts with a feeling, let’s say frustration. “I’m sick and tired of being the one who makes the peace – – – let someone else get everybody together.” This is MY voice expressing a very familiar frustration with having to put aside MY feelings for the sake of the good.

But then I hear way down in my mind . . . “Tim” (this voice knows me by name). . . and usually a few seconds later . . . “You know what is needed here; don’t you?” Then MY voice speaks, “Yes. I guess so.” Then the Spirit speaks . . . “Well?”

Something not to be missed is that there are actually TWO graces happening here. The first is the grace to hear the voice of your conscience (“you know what is needed here”). The second is to know the source of what you are hearing – – – “Hey, this is your conscience speaking to you. Listen up.”

So how can we tell which voice we’re hearing, our own or the Holy Spirit? Here are some pointers to hearing God’s voice.

+ God’s voice usually invites us to put ourself second to someone or something that needs help.

+ When we hear the voice of the Holy Spirit there is a feeling of “being reminded of something we already know deep in our heart.

+ God’s voice carries with it a personal note. What I’m hearing has a feeling of “being meant for me” in this time, in this place.

+ God’s voice is persistent. It keeps coming back even when we may flee. It can feel like it’s pursuing us.

+ If what we are about to do (or have done) is good and virtuous, God’s voice is usually quiet and peaceful. “Good.” It says. If however we are contemplating some- thing sinful, the voice/feeling is generally loud and insistent. “Stop this!” or “No. This is wrong!”

+ God’s voice generally asks me to “surrender” to “give in”. It must have been what Jesus heard in the Garden that night, “But not my will Lord, thine be done.”

+ There is generally a peace that comes over us that tells us what we’re hearing or feeling comes from a place (person) that loves us and speaks goodness to us.

So Lord . . . help me to find a quiet space in my day. Help me to quiet the world. Ask for the grace to hear His whisper.

Bless you all.

Fr. Tim

“God did not make death . . . he formed man to be imperishable, the image of his own nature.” These words from the Book of Wisdom (1:13-15) along with many other New Testament references (note esp, John 11:25) tell us that final death is not in God’s plan for humankind.

So why then do we die? It’s really a rather pressing question since we’re all headed there.

First, a little catechism lesson. Catholic doctrine teaches what is revealed in sacred scripture, namely that the first humans (Adam and Eve) were given, as part of their very being, a share in the divine nature of God their creator.

This meant they were in fellowship, in union, with God. Genesis says they “walked with the Lord in the evening breeze.” Their minds were fully consumed with the will and love of God who so graciously shared His life with them. With this fellowship came a recognition that they were God’s creatures, and as creatures they were to submit to God’s plan for them. They did this happily in their original innocence.

But then came the fall from God’s friendship and with that all kinds of things happened. They experienced a weakening of the mind and will (what was previously a clear and happy recognition of God’s will, now was clouded by ignorance, doubt and fear). The man and woman experienced an estrangement from each other – – they experienced shame and nakedness.

But most devastating was an experience of death. Death now brought a total separation from God. It was a return to the earth to nevermore exist.

To be clear, there had always been a natural death. All creation; stars, galaxies, oceans, trees, and animal life have, as their nature, a limited time of life. Like the giant oak, Adam and Eve’s body would experience the effects of time. And with age, natural death would happen. Scripture calls this the “first death” – – our bodies.

By God’s plan, death would be a door through which man would enter into full union with God who is pure Spirit. But with the Fall, what was natural death had become something new. Death was now a final estrangement from God who is the source of our life. And so follows the fear we all have of our final demise.

Scripture refers to the final separation from God “the second death” (Rev. 21:8) So there are two deaths: natural death that comes to all creation by God’s plan and the spiritual death of our relationship as children of God.

But “God is love”. How can God let this happen to us?

Here is the amazing thing. Theologians and Church teaching show us that God, holding all time to come in His hand, knew at the moment he created the world, that human freedom would fail to be His faithful creature – – choosing instead to “become like God”. (Gen. 3:4)

And so, in the moment of creation God foresaw His entering the world as a human being to restore the right relationship with our creator. In Christ, God would present His love and truth to the world. In Christ, humanity would be offered a vision and a reunion with God that would bring an end to the second death and what Jesus calls the Resurrection. “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me shall have eternal life.” (John 11:25)

And how can we be sure this offer from God is real? – – not just poetry or wishful thinking? Because God’s offer to never abandon us was made when he gave up his body for love of us. (To think that God would know of the cries “crucify him!” would bring the death of his Son BEFORE he created Adam and Eve! Whew!)

So that’s what God has done to remedy the second death begun in our rebellion at the beginning. Now it’s back to us. Will we accept the love of God sealed in the blood of Christ? Will we live our lives seeking to do God’s will as revealed by Jesus? Will we carry the cross that Jesus said would come to his disciples? Will we be a light to those who do not believe that God can be so good?

God help us to say “yes Lord” How blessed we are.

Fr. Tim

(Here’s another “oldie”. Hey it’s summer. Gimme a break).

Pictures, as the saying goes, are worth a thousand words. Whether it’s about “a feeling” or “an idea” or “something we believe in”, it helps to get a picture in our mind that captures the essence of what we’re thinking about.

So, I was thinking the other day of what the faith teaches about “the effects of Original Sin”. You remember Original Sin, right? In the mythic story, Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command to refrain from eating the fruit of that tree. It’s the God inspired picture of an event no one was there to record. It is a great mystery.

The catechism tells us that one of the effects of Original Sin has been the wounding of our human nature. That means the creature, man, made in God’s image, has forfeited his original holiness and justice and “is wounded in the natural powers proper to it.” (reason and will) (Catholic Catechesis #405). In short, we suffer ignorance about who we are, and in this ignorance we are inclined to sin. This leaning toward sin is called “concupiscence”.

So, here’s MY picture. See if this makes any sense. . . . I had an old VW “bug” way back in college. Great little vehicle – started up every time. One problem, it was out of alignment. Driving down the road, if you let go of the wheel, before long it would pull left and take you into the oncoming lane. It wouldn’t happen all at once, but you could feel a leaning. Like the car had a mind of its own, it pulled you into the other lane. To counteract this you had to drive with the wheel pegged to the right. This would keep the car in the proper lane heading straight.

It is the same with us humans. If we let go of the wheel, if we don’t take control over the direction of our lives, we eventually “pull into the wrong lane”.

Each of us experience this pull in our own way. (The classic “pulls” are called the Capital Sins – pride, envy, anger, gluttony, lust, jealousy and sloth). What’s yours?!!

The church’s teaching about the effects of Original Sin makes great sense. It’s a pull, an inclination. Going our own way, without God’s will to guide us, sooner or later we fall. Everyone sins.

Don’t be shocked that you have this tendency to sin – – – everybody has it (except Jesus and Mary – but that’s another story!) We’re in a battle. Be ready to fight. Some battles we win; some we lose. But, we don’t give up the fight.

The good news is that we’ve got the power to overcome this misalignment. God comes to our help here with the grace of the Holy Spirit empowering us to chose God’s way. But we have to do our part too. We need to be aware of the pull “and keep our hands on the wheel”!!

Pray and recognize your tendency. Ask God to help correct your alignment and the strength to avoid the places and things that approach you with their familiar enticements.

Don’t be discouraged if it takes a while to keep in the proper lane. A priest might be able to help you here. Certainly the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation (Confession) is a great source of strength and re- alignment.

Lastly, do really fun things. The devil hates it when people can laugh at themselves and share friendship with others who are keeping their hands on the wheel.

Please enjoy this summer. God will be pleased if we celebrate this wonderful gift.

Fr. Tim

(You may have read this article before, but it may be worth reflecting upon again).

Deacon John Juneau at the Cathedral Parish told me this story. I think it’s a great example of a modern day parable. After reading this, see if you can summarize its meaning in a single sentence.

A famous professor, known for her ability to engage her students, began the lecture one day by holding up a crisp new $20 bill. “Anyone who would like this piece of paper raise your hand.” All hands went up.

Next she crinkled the twenty into a little ball. “Who wants this piece of paper now?” Again all hands were raised. Unfolding the wadded twenty, she wiped it across the chalk board. “Still want this?” All hands raised.

On she went, grinding it with her shoe, slamming the door on it, finally dunking it into her morning coffee. “Who wants this now?” Everyone raised their hands wanting to get this filthy, soaking, ragged $20 bill.

So summer has officially begun. I hope you find time to relax and do the things we’ve not been able to do for this past year.

I plan on a couple trips to Ohio to visit my sisters, a bit of golf, some reading and loafing around. Enjoy these days.

Fr. Tim

(A few hints to help you start again and perhaps to help your prayer time be more effective. Take some time with each of these.)

1. The very thought or desire to pray is an invitation from God.

No one can say “Jesus is Lord” (1 Cor. 12:13) without a grace from God. So every time your heart is lifted, how- ever faintly, to look toward God – – – it is God actually reaching out to you. Let this be an encouragement. God loves you and wants your friendship. He’s begins the conversation.

2. Prayer is about Friendship and Trust in God.

So how do friends speak and listen to each other? Honestly, straightforward, without fear of offending, knowing your friend cares for you. Things like, “Lord, I’m sick and tired of …” or “Dear God, I did it again. Help me.” Or, “Why won’t you take this away Lord?” Or, “What a blessing that was. Thank you.” Or anything else your friendship needs to say.

3. God is invisible, so . . . images help.

God made our minds to work by way of images. Pictures of loved ones keep them more clearly in our minds and hearts. But we cannot see God so – – – images help. Jesus said he is a Good Shepherd, picture that. Water springing forth in the desert. A calming voice, a hand, etc. Let yourself find an image that helps you to trust his presence.

4. Start where you “are” not where you “should be”.

This is very important. You don’t “get holy” and then start to pray. We start right where we are. Lazy, selfish, angry, happy, . . . whatever. Give yourself to God just the way you are. That’s what friends do. But remember. . . . He’s the Lord. His will is the path to life. End your prayer by submitting to God’s will. Jesus did in the gar- den.

Again, “holy” thoughts are not what God wants. God wants YOU! In all your imperfections and failures. He’ll begin to show you a new path but it starts right where you are! Find YOUR way of praying not someone else’s.

5. Warm up to prayer. Don’t just jump in the pool. Take a minute or two to “prepare” your meeting with God. You’re beginning a holy moment.

A memory is a good start. How has God helped you in the past that you can thank Him for at the beginning of prayer? It helps to get a memory bank of times God has intervened. (It takes about 10 minutes to shake off the noise of the world and get down to business with God.)

6. We learn to pray by praying. (Remember the Holy Spirit will help you.)

No one ever learned to play the piano by reading about it or seeing a video. You learn by putting fingers to the keys. So too with praying . . . just do it. There’s no one there to grade you. God will take whatever you offer him and magnify it. Remember the Mustard Seed? (Mt. 4:31)

7. Be quiet. No thoughts. Just look out your window. God is with you.

After you’ve read scripture and spoken to the Lord, it’s time to listen. God speaks to us with thoughts, memories, and sentiments that move our will to want what God wants. Often times it’s only later in the day (or week!) we realize what God has done in our prayer.

8. Don’t try too hard. God comes in quiet, peaceful moments; often times unnoticed, like a bird landing quietly on a branch.

Just know that the smallest of gestures toward God brings his blessing. God loves you. You are his child. Keep on trusting, keep on asking, keep on looking for signs of his hand. “Seek and you shall find.” (Mt. 7:7)

Prayer. Just do it. It’s what love does.

Fr. Tim

I remember St. Patrick’s Day 2020. We had just gotten word that we were in a worldwide pandemic. Everything got shut down. We all went into isolation. Catholic mass obligation was dispensed. No restaurants, movie houses, in school classes, working from home (if you weren’t furloughed), empty highways . . . remember? Of course you do. We’d never seen anything like it.

Well here we are now, a year and three months later. Welcome back.

This Sunday (fittingly called The Body and Blood of The Lord), the church asks that all who are healthy (vaccinated, etc.) and emotionally able to attend mass in person, see that as a serious responsibility of Faith. “Come to mass”, the Church says.

I don’t know about you but it’s all a bit of a blur for me. It’s like starting to wake up from a bad dream. “What was that?!” And there’s a bit of a “hung over” feeling (not that I’ve ever been hung over – – heh heh!) Handshakes and hugging seem strange and new, planning get-togethers feels slightly daring.

Suddenly, like the Spring, life begins its normal rhythm. There are still serious concerns, of course. Much of the poorer nations have only begun to recover. Lack of vaccine is an issue we cannot turn our backs on. We must help them. But here at home we breathe easier.

So what was it like for you? Did you meet the virus personally? Someone you love infected? Did it test your Faith? Do you feel different? Maybe we’re still too close to it to find out what it did to us. In time we’ll look back and see it in perspective.

Even so, here are a few preliminary thoughts on what we’ve seen and been touched by.

• First of all, how could any of us not see the heroism of doctors, nurses, first responders risking their lives to save those infected by the virus? Some paid the greatest price and gave their lives – – as they fought for the lives of others. God has a special place for them in heaven. My own problems, I now see as tiny compared to what these champions have faced.
• Next to touch us was the terrible suffering; those 500,000 Americans who died, families left saying their tearful goodbye’s on the telephone, the disproportionate level of sickness in the poor and people of color (we have to do better for them). Did you let those stories touch you?
• Was there occasion for you to go to God about all this? What did you say to Him? Have you come to realize how fragile life can be? How fragile government and civilization can be? How the only way to solve our problems is in loving? And the only true love is one that is willing to suffer – – as Christ has shown us?
• Do you want to be kinder now? More patient with people different than you? Are you more willing to withhold harsh judgement, knowing we all face problems, and carry hurts, some too deep to put into words? I pray to God for that grace.

So once again, welcome back! Fr. John and I have prayed for you and talked about you and wondered how you have been. We can’t wait to see you. The children and grand-children (some have grown 6 inches!).

Lastly, thank you Lord for bringing us together again. Help us to be better people this time. Show us the work that love would have us do.

With love,

Fr. Tim

I had a conversation the other day with a bright, accomplished business person. Business was not his only pursuit. He has written books on grief and counseling (something he’d become quite expert at). He’s in retirement years now and uses his time devoted to helping others. This is one of the good guys.

So, he started talking about the “human spirit”, and how everyone has a divine spark in them to guide and enlighten. I nodded agreement, though I’d have chosen different words. (It was a cocktail conversation – – you know those!)

What surprised me was his conclusion about the “human spark” we’d agreed we all have. “We’re each responsible for what we do with that spiritual gift.” On one level I totally agree with my friend. Our life is in our hands – – to make of them what we will. This is the dignity and responsibility of each of us. Every life has this chance to define themselves.

But are we all on an even playing field as we start our “journey to become”? Do we all have an equal chance at the good things of life? Do some of us get a head start that helps us achieve success? I think we do. Let me explain.

Consider what we need to succeed in life. First of all we need a set of values that guide our actions: honesty, perseverance, respect, hard work, etc. right? And where do we get those values? At home of course, from our parents.

Secondly ,we need proper education at school. The cognitive skills we develop (reasoning, communicating, problem solving) combined with a knowledge of technology lead to opportunity in life and in the marketplace. . . . that being achieved, you’re ready to make your life’s story.

But what if those two critical elements (home and education) were lacking in your upbringing? What if your young life was marked by poverty, or a broken home, or frequent violence? What if there was no one to model behaviors of honesty and hard work? How would you have turned out?

I think of my father, who, seeing his son so careless in my school work set himself directly in my path saying, “Your school work comes first, THEN sports. DO YOU UNDERSTAND TIM?!!!” “Yes Dad.” I hated the thought of not playing basketball but there was only one way to make that happen. I had to study. My old man was there to insure that happened.

You get my point, right? Without the guide posts of family and the values of education I’d hate to think of the bad habits and choices I’d have made. By myself I’d probably have a reserved seat at Bathtub Billy’s.

Now some might respond, “Well I’ve worked hard for what I’ve got. No one handed it to me.” Good for you! Really, congratulations. BUT could you have achieved your life without help from the very beginning? There are some who have overcome huge obstacles to reach a life that contributes to society. We call them heroes . . . or saints. There are many. But many more have found themselves overwhelmed by a “Cycle of Poverty.”

So how can we help? I think it begins by recognizing the blessing we’ve had in our early lives and a felt compassion for those who, for whatever reason, have not had these many helping hands.

Then we can begin to speak up for the disadvantaged, look for ways to insure compassionate government and law enforcement . . . and, when circumstances permit, speak to our neighbors about helping the social disparity so many experience.

After all . . . in the end, it’s all a gift.

Bless You.

Fr. Tim

I find it easier to imagine God as Father and Son but the Holy Spirit leaves me struggling to form a mental concept which helps me to go to Him in prayer.

Think about it. We understand the image of “father” and His work of creating the heavens and earth. “Son” is also part of our human experience and the fact that he has taken human nature in Jesus helps me speak my human concerns to him.

But the Holy Spirit? How should I approach God in this form?

Let’s start from human our experience of “spirit”, small “s”. We speak of the “spirit” of many things. The spirit of springtime, friendship, loving, freedom, family reunion, etc. (We experience negative “spirits” as well: per- sonal loss, defeat, poverty, envy, jealousy, etc).

So we might say on a human level, spirit is experienced as a “feeling”. But is a feeling a real thing? Does it exist as an object in some way? What happens to that feeling when it goes away? Does it die?

Not exactly. It exists in our memory. Think how you felt when you held your first born or your first love relationship. The feeling comes back, right?! Recall riding your bike with no help! Spirit exists; it’s real but in a different way than rocks or trees or arms and legs. Are you sure your mother loves you? Off course you are! Why? I mean you can’t see it like an object.

You know she loves you because over the years you’ve experienced moments that have given you a sense of well being, happiness, and belonging. You can’t see it with your eyes, or put it into a bag, but you know it’s real. Let’s call it the spirit of love. So spirit is something “you know”. It may not have a feeling. It’s really real in your mind.

That’s “spirit” on the human level. What about God?

What follows here is what we know about God because of Jesus. Jesus knows his Father (in the same way described above, but even more so). “No one knows the Father except the Son and no one knows the Son except the Father” Matthew. 11: 27. “When you see me you see the Father for the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” John 14: 6-11 “The Father and I are one.” John 10:30.

With the union of Father and Son (both Divine), Jesus then says, “Whoever loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and my Father and I will come to him and live with him.” John 14: 23.

And that’s the Holy Spirit! The love of the Father for the Son (Jesus), and the Son for the Father IS A THIRD PERSON – – who is the love forever being shared between them. “God has poured out his love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God’s gift to us.” Romans 5:5

Back on earth now . . . Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to remind us of all he had taught us…and…to empower us (the Church) to act in the person of Christ in the world.

So how do I think about the Holy Spirit? Is He different than the others? Do I pray to Him and not to the Father or Jesus?

Here’s where the doctrine of the Trinity comes in. There is ONE God. Within the one God there is a communion of Divine Persons. (There has to be, for God is love. How can God be love without “relationship”?).

So when we pray you don’t have to have a particular person of God in mind – – praying to one is praying to all. There is ONE God. (I think most people think first of Jesus when they pray – – that’s just fine. In the end there are moments when we turn to each of them for special need.)

The Holy Spirit is the person of God’s love. “Come Holy Spirit, be with me, let me know your love.”

Fr. Tim

Jesus says something rather strange about his disciples this Sunday. Praying to his Father he says, “They do not belong to the world . . . They are not of the world anymore than I am of the world.” What could he possibly mean?

The world (this earth, circling the sun) is all we know. It is our home. Its gravity keeps our feet on the ground. The seasons bring wheat to the fields and food to our tables. Meanwhile, the Pink Magnolia across the street is like a Wonderland. The bible tells us God made the world for you and me. What do you mean ‘I don’t belong to the world?’

Jesus is using the word “world” to describe the way people carry on their everyday lives. We are born from our parents. We learn how to walk and talk and live our lives. We fall in love, marry, have children, and die. Along the way we amuse ourselves with sports, music, media, and the arts. This is “The Way of the World”. We all live in this way.

Oh yes, we live “in the world” no doubt. But we don’t “belong”. (Webster defines “belong” as “to have a proper or suitable place”.) Jesus has come to show us that our “proper place” is with him . . . and then together with us . . . Jesus is “in the Father”. And then at last, God will be “all in all”. 1 Cor. 15:28

The world doesn’t get this. Why else would they have crucified him? Even from the cross Jesus knew of the ignorance of “the world”. “Father forgive them for they know not what they’re doing.” Luke 23:34. (Also: Acts 3:18, 19.) People just don’t get this Jesus. It’s all there in the New Testament Scriptures for anyone who’d care to read it. It’s been proclaimed by the Church for over 2000 years. (Perhaps the bad example of some who call them- selves Christian keeps the world from believing – – – but that’s another story). Anyway, back to our topic – – – our real home.

Jesus says Christians live “in the world” but not “of the world”. The day to day struggle to simply exist: living life, getting food, clothing, shelter, etc. is living in the world. We all must do this. BUT, Jesus has shown us something more. Something we never knew before. Human beings are God’s children. Our proper place, the one for which we were created, is to share in God’s divine nature. We’re more than this world. The world can’t hold us – – it’s not big enough to be our home. Only God is big enough.

Theologians later described this human share in divinity as a Supernatural Existential. That means we have, as part of our human nature, a capacity to receive the life of God. It’s called Grace. That’s right. God wants us to become like Him! To have this happen we need to belong to Christ. (Non-Christians will get to know Christ in God’s mysterious ways).

In the meantime we are like pilgrims traveling through this world. St. Paul says it’s like we live in a “tent”. “For we know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent (our body), be destroyed (death), we have a building from God, a dwell- ing not made by hands, eternal in heaven.” 2 Cor. 5:1

St. Paul was so struck by the power of life in Christ that he “longed to be away from the body and at home with the Lord . . . but we aspire to please Him, whether we are at home or away.” 2 Cor. 5:1-10 (read it! It’s wonderful.)

So we are witnesses of Christ’s truth to the world. It’s what brings us hope. We never give into despair. We are always ready to help this world be a better place. But remember, we’re only passing through this place. Our true home is with the Lord.

More Easter Joy.

Fr. Tim

We have a pre-school program renting Holy Trinity’s School building. It’s called Liberty Post Stars. It helps preschoolers with special needs and disabilities. Several times a day I see young women called Certified Special Instructors and Teaching Assistants walk the children around Murphy Hall on rainy days or outside on our beautiful lawns.

You would be touched to watch the instructors help these children with their undivided attention. They stoop to tie shoes, they pause to show the children the daffodils by the church, they invite fun conversation with the children as they walk along. I can only imagine the skills they have to help bring learning alive in the classroom.

What’s my point? They are women. They are women . . . and they are geniuses. That’s right, they are “Person Geniuses”. They have a sense of the personhood in each of their young charges. They sense their emotional state, their needs. They understand what has to happen for the child to learn. And most touching . . . they’re full of hope for each child’s well-being.

And while we’re at it, we might as well call them Mothers because that is what they do – – – they give birth to the “person”. It’s the genius of women. And their gift is equal to any doctor, psychologist, teacher, social worker, or priest. (Remember Anne Sullivan? She was the only one able to break through the silent darkness of Helen Keller.)

I’m not saying women don’t have other geniuses as well. (Witness astronaut, Jessica Meir, currently doing physics aboard the International Space Station. Or the women who’s protests ended the violence in Northern Ireland and an end to the fierce IRA).

What I am saying is that only women can be a Mother – – both by giving natural birth or by giving birth to the personhood of the people she loves. (Men have their own genius. We’ll get to that later!)

And so today is Mother’s Day. Who’s yo momma?!

My mother is Rosemary. She gave birth to me and to my sisters, Mary Patricia and Maureen. Those two are currently loving me with that “woman, mother genius” that keeps me in place and lets me know I always have a home with them.

Pope John Paul points to the unique gift women possess in their motherhood. See what you think.

Motherhood involves a special communion with the mystery of life as it develops in the mother’s womb. The mother is filled with wonder at this mystery of life, and ‘understands’ with unique intuition what is happening in- side her. In the light of the ‘beginning’, the mother accepts and loves as a person the child she is carrying in her womb.

This unique contact with the new human being developing within her gives rise to an attitude towards human beings – not only towards her own child, but every human being – which profoundly marks the woman’s personality.

A Blessed Mother’s Day.

Fr. Tim