Was he asking for safety for the woman caught in adultery, whom he was about to forgive, or was he praying for us? By George Valadie Like many of you, I’m running out of words. Though I seem to have no shortage of anger. All in all, I’m having real …
Praying for perspective: Frogs make the heart grow fonder
A spouse’s absence can be a nearly unpardonable offense By George Valadie Well, I’ve discovered one really good thing. I know she can’t live without me … I think. I’ve known for a few years that she’s needed me — or someone — to operate the remotes. But now it’s …
Praying for Perspective: Pope Francis offers hope after death of a pet
A family believes ‘that if we ourselves ever get to heaven, we’ll get to see him, pet him—and feed him—again’ By George Valadie Thank goodness for Pope Francis! The woman would have crawled up in a hole and died herself if the man hadn’t offered her the hope she so …
Praying for Perspective: Have Ya Heard?
Today’s education system would do well to learn from the greatest Teacher By George Valadie You can imagine the scene. You may have seen it or possibly experienced it for yourself. It’s an annual event, coming around with the same regularity as Christmas or Easter or Groundhog Day. I was …
Praying for perspective: A man and wife make their final reservations
The purchase of a cemetery plot is conducted with family and friends—the future visitors to Mount Olivet—in mind By George Valadie We finally made our reservations. We’ve been talking about it for some time now. It’s not that we’re all that pumped about going. You know the sort of thing …
1
Praying for perspective: Heroes of the ages
Who do you identify with? Your answer may surprise you By George Valadie A few years ago, I attended a principals conference for more than 100 school leaders, a mixture of young and old, white and black, Catholic, private, public. The conference facilitator opened by grouping us by our age, …
Praying for Perspective: Seeing oneself more like Joseph of Arimathea
When thinking about what Joseph wrestled with on that long-ago Good Friday, the question comes: Can we do more? By George Valadie Take a minute, think back, it wasn’t that long ago really— try to recall where you were at noon on Good Friday? Though some were lucky enough to …
Praying for perspective: Building the kingdom of God is a test of faith
By George Valadie It was 15 years ago in another city and diocese, but I remember as if it were yesterday. The building had some shape and a whole lot of walls, but not much else really. Some sections didn’t even have a roof yet. Dumb as it sounds, and …
Praying for Perspective: A return to a time when we knew better
When civility reigned, a minor disagreement would not have escalated into a shooting with a fatality By George Valadie I just don’t know anymore. The paper offered up yet one more story about one more shooting death. Sadly, there are more than a few to read about. But this one …
Praying for perspective: Catholic schools—they’re worth it
A week spent celebrating them annually isn’t enough time to thank everyone involved, but it does get the message out By George Valadie For the most people around the country, the first Friday in February coming up will bring to conclusion another Catholic Schools Week celebration. Over the last 30-plus …
Praying for perspective: A lesson in humility at traffic court
This driver in a hurry doesn’t see himself ‘as being as bad or as guilty as any of those people,’ until the Holy Spirit intervenes By George Valadie I’m hoping to do better this time because last year my Advent season didn’t begin soon enough. Yes, I know the season …
Praying for perspective: We are all God’s creatures
Whether well-heeled with the right papers or the more common variety, everyone should strive to be a best friend. By George Valadie For some reason, I feel compelled to tell you about our dogs, the ones still with us and those of the past. Most all of us have had …
