Author Archives: kmwanek

Today, April 13th, is the 29th anniversary of my baptism, which calls for donuts or something because our baptism dates are worth celebrating!  I thank God for this gift and am grateful for my parents having me baptized in the Catholic Church as a baby.  In today’s Gospel, we read about the importance of baptism. Continue reading “Born of Water and Spirit”

In today’s Gospel, Mary Magdalene encounters the risen Jesus.  At first she doesn’t recognize Him.  It’s not until Jesus says her name that she knows that it’s Him.  Mary goes and announces to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord” (John 20:18).  This story reminds us that this is what the Christian life is about. Continue reading “I Have Seen the Lord”

At Palm Sunday mass, the gospel we hear on Jesus’ passion is always powerful and profound.  Even though we’ve all heard it countless times, hopefully there is something that catches your attention, strikes you in a new way, or causes you to reflect.  Jesus tells Peter, James, and John, “Remain here and keep watch withContinue reading “Keep Watch”

Today’s responsorial Psalm comes from Psalm 23.  There is a lot to think about and reflect on from this Psalm.  But the line that stood out to me today is, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).  This reminds us that we have everything we need and that the Lord isContinue reading “I shall not want”

On Thursday morning, flying into Charlotte, one of the flight attendants made the announcement about luggage, as they always do.  The statement she shared was, “if Charlotte is your final destination, you can pick up your luggage at carousel one and if it’s not your final destination, it will be at your next stop.”  HearingContinue reading “The Final Destination”

Friday evening during Stations of the Cross, I was struck by one particular line in the booklet.  The third station referenced the Gospel of John when Jesus says, “if they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20).  I’ve heard this countless times, yet it was a profound reminder that being a Christian meansContinue reading “Hearts Pounding”

This past weekend, I had one of the most amazing and powerful experiences of my life.  It’s something I never imagined I would have the opportunity to do.  As I reflect, I am reminded that every “yes” that we give to God leads us to have experiences and adventures that only He can make possible. Continue reading “The Best and Highest View”

The season of Lent calls us to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.  It is a time for growth and discipline.  It is a time of repentance and renewal.  Recently, I read something that really struck me.  It said Lent is a time to become recognizable.  We should be recognizable as people who have spent time withContinue reading “Becoming Recognizable”

Over the weekend, this is a phrase I spent time praying with: “through the deserts where our souls starve for your presence- lead us in your ways, O Lord.”  Now that we are in the season of Lent, it is even more fitting.  This prayer and desire is that Jesus would show us the placesContinue reading “Starving Souls”

This past weekend, there was a men’s retreat going on at my parish.  Saturday afternoon, I was dropping something off.  I walked back outside and it was so nice outside that I decided to leave my vehicle at the parish and walk home.  I knew I’d be back shortly to go the chapel, so IContinue reading “The Son is Shining”