Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:19 Can you believe that it’s 2021 already? Now that the new year is here, you might be setting resolutions and intentions for 2021. I prefer to use the term “goals” instead of “resolutions” because I feel likeContinue reading “How to Set Spiritual Goals in 2021”
Author Archives: madeline_mckissick
This Sunday’s Gospel: January 3, 2021
For this Sunday’s Gospel and other Mass readings, click here. When I was little, I remember seeing saying “Wise men still seek him” printed on Christmas cards and decorations. At the time, I thought it was a clever way to “keep Christ in Christmas,” as they say. I found myself remembering that saying every ChristmasContinue reading “This Sunday’s Gospel: January 3, 2021”
My Spiritual Annual Report
But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. Luke 2:19 God’s View of 2020One of my favorite hobbies is planning. I love to pick out a cute planner (or four) at the beginning of the year, decorate the weekly pages with cute stickers and washi, and write in my plans with colorfulContinue reading “My Spiritual Annual Report”
This Sunday’s Gospel: December 27, 2020
For this Sunday’s Gospel and the other Mass readings, click here. The images of the Holy Family that I grew up around were of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus huddled together, as if Joseph were holding Mary and Jesus close to him. I think these images speak to how close the Holy Family was. As weContinue reading “This Sunday’s Gospel: December 27, 2020”
Will You be Home for Christmas?
What Christmas Looks Like This YearFor Christmas this year, Nathan and I will get to visit my family and his, like we did for Thanksgiving. We’re really blessed that we’re able to make these visits happen, and they’re really important to us because we don’t get to see our families in Pennsylvania often now thatContinue reading “Will You be Home for Christmas?”
Christ’s Peace with Us: 4th Sunday of Advent 2020
Peace on Earth?Do we really have peace on Earth? I tend to look on the bright side of things, but the pessimist in me says no, peace is nowhere to be found. After experiencing the difficulties of 2020, I’d say that we’re far from peace on Earth. Our world seems to be in a stateContinue reading “Christ’s Peace with Us: 4th Sunday of Advent 2020”
Hidden with God in Isolation
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? Psalm 139:7 Entering IsolationThis Thanksgiving, Nathan and I traveled home to Pennsylvania to visit our families. We were so blessed to spend so much time with his family and mine after being away from home for months. Of course, because we’reContinue reading “Hidden with God in Isolation”
Joy in the Lord: 3rd Sunday of Advent 2020
I rejoice heartily in the Lord; in my God is the joy of my soul. Isaiah 61:10 Our Search for JoyAs humans, we long for joy. Because we’re human, we’re not always sure how to seek joy, where we can find it, and if the source of our joy is good. Often, we find andContinue reading “Joy in the Lord: 3rd Sunday of Advent 2020”
Deepening our Faith: 2nd Sunday of Advent 2020
A voice proclaims: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! Isaiah 40:3 Cleaning Up Our FaithWe often hear that Advent is a time to deepen our faith. Like we clean up our house and make it lovely for a guest, we do theContinue reading “Deepening our Faith: 2nd Sunday of Advent 2020”
Giving God Our Daily Fiat
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38 Our Will or His Will?How often do you dream about the day when God reveals His plan for your life? I used to daydream of having some great epiphany. I dreamed up an elaborate scenarioContinue reading “Giving God Our Daily Fiat”
Radiant with Joy 