Author Archives: kmwanek

Last week, I asked my 8th grade religion class where they had seen Jesus in the last week.  I asked them to reflect on that question for a few minutes so that we could go around the room and share.  Immediately upon asking the question, they shouted out, “What do you mean?  This question doesn’tContinue reading “Seeing Jesus”

Recently, I was at a meeting where a discussion of Mass came up.  The conversation essentially centered around  the million dollar question of, “how can we get people, especially young people/families, into the pews?  The statements and comments that were made reflected the mindset that the mass should be about what we want and howContinue reading “It’s Not About Us”

About a month ago, I started a new job.  As I look back at the process and timing, I can easily recognize that it was completely God at work.  Do we fully and completely trust in Him and His promises?  I had decided to pray a novena to St. Therese of Lisieux leading up toContinue reading “Recognizing the Work of God”

A few days ago Taylor Swift released a new album.  I don’t pay too much attention to her, but talk about the album has been blowing up on social media and people were weirdly emotional about the songs that were released.  While most of the discussion was praising Swift and hyping her up, I cameContinue reading “Rejecting the Culture of Resentment”

“There are so many people who have been praying for you and who love and support you.”  As I reflect on the last week and several days, these words that I heard from someone at the visitation before my dad’s funeral seem to sum it up well.  The days since Friday, October 29th have seemedContinue reading “Being Carried Through Suffering”

A few days ago at work, I was really cold and could not stay warm.  I was doing some training with one of my co-worker’s whose office space is right next to a window.  After a certain point in the day, the sunlight hit the glass.  Once I moved closer to her desk, I feltContinue reading “Let the Son Shine”

“To always be close to Jesus, that is my life plan.”  These words are so simple yet so profound.  I came across these words from Blessed Carlo Acutis a few days ago and was struck by his wisdom.  He really got it right when he gave this response.  When we take a few minutes toContinue reading “What’s your Life Plan?”

A few nights ago, someone told me that a retreat that I was part of was on the verge of being cancelled.  Whether this decision was already confirmed or not, once I heard this, my motivation to write my talk, which I was supposed to practice at the last team meeting a few days later,Continue reading “Value in the Preparation”

Last week in my 8th grade religious ed class, we were discussing discipleship and how to grow closer to Christ.  The students came up with a fairly good list of the things that are necessary to deepen our faith.  The conversation we had led me to one thought.  We know exactly what we should beContinue reading “Becoming Better Disciples”

Do you want to know something that I really dislike?  When people use the terms “dog mom” and “fur babies.”  It is something seemingly small and simple and maybe it is just me, but when people act like they are parents to their pets, it feels like they are trying to put animals and humansContinue reading “The Value of Human Life”