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“When we attend to the needs of those in want, we give them what is theirs, not ours.  More than performing works of mercy,
we are paying a debt of justice.” - Pope St. Gregory the Great

One concept I found myself repeatedly explaining to my children over the years, and later to my students, was the idea of justice.  Every parent of more than one child has heard the cry, “It’s not fair!” Children are very sensitive to the concept of justice, or maybe it is injustice they are so attuned to.  It seemed to come as a shock to them when I informed them that fairness, or justice does not mean e...

I often think to myself when considering the gravity and circumstances of a particular issue or decision, the truth that makes the most sense often requires the least amount of convincing. This corroborates with the nature of truth - the knowledge that does not require human ascent because it stands on its own. We don’t have to believe it, but that doesn’t make it any less untrue. It is true independent of what we perceive, feel, or conjecture based on our own assumptions. The more one has to argue for a position, the more likely it may not be based on common sense. 

I also think that we all ...

“And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed” - Luke 2:33-35
 

Forgive me as I may be a little biased just coming off completing the 33 day consecration to St. Joseph, but I think given that we are in the Year of St. Joseph, it is worth reflecting on the role of St. Joseph in the Paschal Mystery. It would b...

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply,
“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” - Matthew 16:15-16

One of the things I love the most about Mount Royal Academy is the strength of its Catholic identity. I do not believe that a stranger visiting campus for the first time could mistake who we are or what we are about. From the icons above the doors of each classroom, the crucifixes on the walls, the rosaries prayed as students stroll through campus with their teachers, Masses said, intentions offered, to the very presence of Jesus himself in ...

Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it. - Mark 8:34, 35

Our experiences often elicit a recall of words associated with those experiences. 

Words mean what they signify. That is why we often say to children, “be careful what words you use.” Even adults have to be mindful of what words we use. Sometimes words can hurt more than actions, because they can tear at the insides - the soul - of a person. 

Language is what makes ...

If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it! - 1 Cor 9:16-19

Woe to me if I do not preach it!  These are the powerful words we heard from the second reading at Mass on Sunday. Are they meant for St. Paul alone?  Surely, St. Paul was commissioned to preach the gospel, but am I? Given the fact that the last five popes have emphasized evangelization, I believe that as Catholics and Catholic institutions, evangelization must be the root and core of all we do.

Though evangelization sounds like a scary thin...

Apart from me you can do nothing. - John 15:5

The second semester just concluded and I am sure the pace was even faster than I ever felt it before. Our junior high and high school students exerted some serious intellectual energy completing their midterms last week. Elementary students attend school each day focused, eager, full of energy and joy, and ready for recess. Report cards will be emailed to parents and students before the end of today. Academically, I have been wondering more frequently - given the reality of so many students learning away from each other and away from the classroom...

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem,  saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” - Matthew 2:1-2

I began writing this message on the Feast of the Epiphany.  Much has happened in our world in those few days, but I believe this message remains relevant.  

The journey of the Magi bears many similarities to our own spiritual journey.  It’s certainly a familiar story to us all: the wise men follow a mysterious star to visit the child Jesus -- the newbo...

For this momentary light affliction
     is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
     as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen;
     for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal. -  2 Corinthians 4:17-18

I think there is one obvious place to start and I do not pretend to really capture in words how much this means, but thank you. Thank you for your patience, prayer, and support. This has not been the best week, and most certainly not the best year. 

Our school saw four souls leave this world in the last two weeks. These are t...