I've been doing some reading lately. Here's what I've recently finished; look for book reviews soon. Pope Benedict's The Apostles (a collection of his audiences on the lives of the Apostles and their co-workers) Jeff Cavins' "I'm Not Being Fed!" (about recognizing the Real Presence of Christ in the ...

Ask — In what areas of my life do I have the most trouble with pride? Seek — Say the litany of Cardinal Merry del Val (below). What parts of the litany do you find it most difficult to say? Take concrete steps to defer to others throughout the day, to die to yourself in little things. Knock — ...

I facilitate The Great Adventure Bible Timeline study at my parish on Sunday afternoons. This past Sunday, we read and discussed 1 and 2 Maccabees. Part of the questions and discussion centered around 2 Maccabees 12:39-46, which records Judas Maccabeus and his compatriots praying for the deceased. I...

Ask — Whom do I treat as an outsider in God's kingdom? Seek — As you go about your daily activities, think about how often you see someone else as "one of them" rather than "one of us". Of course, people are all unique and different. However, the gospel calls us to break down artificial barriers...

Ask — How does the "light" of Christ shine into the darkness of my world? Seek — At every moment of the day say with St. Peter, "Lord, it is good that we are here!" Realize that when we follow Jesus we see the cross in a new light; we see everything anew where once we could only curse the darkne...

Ask — Do I allow God to love through me? Seek — Keep before you the image of Jesus forgiving those who nailed him on the cross and see everyone with whom you come into contact through Christ. Think about how Christ died for those people and how precious they are as children of God, the same God ...

Ask — Is there anyone I do not love? In what way can I allow the love of Christ to control me? Seek — Allow the image of the cross of Christ, the price Jesus paid to redeem all creation, to dominate your thoughts when you find yourself growing angry at someone. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you...

R. Attende, Domine, et miserere: quia peccavimus tibi . (Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy: because we have sinned against You.) 1. Ad te, Rex summe, omnium Redemptor, oculos nostros sublevamus flentes: exaudi, Christe, supplicantum preces. (To you, Most High King, Redeemer of us all, we lift our eyes...

Ask — What do I need from God to follow Jesus more closely? Seek — As the day progresses, when you find yourself impatient, unloving, judgmental, lustful, or anything that strikes you as against the gospel of Jesus, ask God for the gift that will help you to be more like Christ. Knock — Medita...

Ask — Where do I need to repent most in my life? Seek — Monitor your thoughts and hold them up against the standard of the gospel. Do your love and forgiveness have limitations or conditions? Ask the Lord to teach you true repentance of mind and heart. Knock — Meditate on 1 Corinthians 1:22-24...