Browsing Reflections from Fr. Jasper
Fish Stick Traditions …
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
Nothing says “Lent” like fish sticks and macaroni-and-cheese, at least for me.
Nearly every Friday night leading up to Easter, that was the dinner menu in the Jasper home. Now that’s not to say that Mom wouldn’t surprise us every now and then with an Ellio’s Pizza or ... Read More »
The Next 40 Days …
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
When I was younger, I both loved and loathed the season of Lent. I’m sure you know exactly what I mean:
I loved Lent for its traditions and rituals: the ashes on our foreheads; the Stations of the Cross; the Rice Bowl collections in grade school; the solemnity ... Read More »
Freshman Theology Lessons
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
The very first thing my high school theology teacher did on the first day of freshman year was read the Gospel passage from Luke that we hear this weekend.
“Gentlemen, after hearing this, if you don’t think that Jesus Christ is radical or revolutionary, get out of my ... Read More »
Blessed Are the Ones I Quickly Judge
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
The interstate was shut-down due to an accident, so we unhappy motorists clogged the side streets of the towns that run adjacent to I-95. As we inched along in an effort to find an open on-ramp to return to the highway, it was evident that impatience and frustration ... Read More »
On Pilgrimage
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
A little over a week ago, 37 of us traveled on pilgrimage to visit the National Shrine of St. John Neumann in Philadelphia. What struck so many of the parishioners who spent the day in exploration and prayer was the beauty and tranquility of the church where Philadelphia’s ... Read More »
Setting the World A-Blaise
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
There are some beautiful traditions that our Church has held onto through the centuries that make us proudly Catholic, willing to proclaim to the world that we are called to be uniquely set apart as we point the way to the Father’s incredible love.
One of those special ... Read More »
An Almost-Missed Moment
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
About a week or so ago, I stopped by Royal Farms on my way to a meeting and placed an order for an egg-and-cheese breakfast sandwich. Nothing fancy … or so I thought. From behind the counter, the deli-prep employee looked right at me and with such genuine ... Read More »
Beatitudes for Life
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
Wednesday, January 22 marks the Day of Prayer for the Protection of Unborn Children, and the March for Life in Washington D.C. will take place on Friday, January 24. Please take time in the week ahead to pray with and reflect upon these words of challenge, healing and ... Read More »
The Font of Wisdom … and Joy
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
I will never forget the first time I celebrated the Sacrament of Baptism as a transitional deacon. Little Jane was nearly-angelic throughout the ceremony. She never cried; she smiled as I poured the water over her head; and she was peacefully asleep as I gave the final blessing.
To ... Read More »
Twinkle, Twinkle…
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
One could say that the Star of Bethlehem has a “starring” role in today’s Gospel (yes, I can see you roll your eyes at that one!). The Magi from the East saw the star at Jesus’ birth; Herod, who wanted the child dead, needed to know when that ... Read More »