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Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Fr. Bob's Reflection for Pentecost Sunday - Guest Post
Years ago, Leonard LeSourd, a former editor of Guideposts Magazine, was at dinner with a group of people discussing a film about Jesus. At one point, a young woman, clearly uninterested, interrupted the conversation and asked, “Who would want to be like Jesus, anyway?”
An uneasy silence fell over the table before the group quickly moved on to another topic. Later, Leonard reflected on the moment. Why had her remark caused such discomfort? Perhaps some were offended. Others may have shared her disinterest. But Leonard wondered if the deeper issue was simpler: maybe she did not really know Jesus.
That question stayed with him and led to a more personal one: “How well do I know Jesus?” As he reflected, Leonard realized that over the course of his life, he had encountered five different “versions” of Christ.
He first met Jesus as a child in Sunday school. Back then, Christ was little more than a distant, stern figure in a picture on the wall – far less interesting than baseball or childhood games. Leonard later described this early impression as “The Imaginary Christ,” a figure shaped by a young mind and limited understanding.
In college, he encountered “The Historical Christ” in a history class. Jesus became, in his mind, simply another important figure of the past; admired, but not personally meaningful, much like Abraham Lincoln or other great leaders.
It wasn’t until later, while working at Guideposts, that Leonard discovered “The Teacher Christ.” Through interviews and stories of faith, he began to see how deeply Jesus’ teachings influenced people’s lives. His curiosity grew, and he found himself drawn more seriously to the Gospels.
A turning point came during a retreat centered on commitment to Christ. After hearing another participant speak about surrendering his life to Jesus, Leonard felt moved to do the same. Alone in a chapel, he knelt and prayed, “Lord, I don’t fully understand how I came to this moment, but I give my life to You.” In that moment, he encountered “The Savior Christ,” and his relationship with Jesus became personal and central.
Finally, Leonard came to know “The Indwelling Christ.” During a time of temptation and spiritual struggle, he remembered his commitment and became newly aware of Christ’s presence within him – alive and active through the Holy Spirit. It was then that everything in Scripture began to fall into place. He saw more clearly the journey of the Apostles: their commitment, their failures and ultimately their transformation at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit filled them with new life and courage.
This is the reality we celebrate today – the coming of the Holy Spirit and the living presence of Christ within His people.
Leonard once compared his journey to the growth of a plant. The seed was planted in childhood with the “Imaginary Christ.” The stem began to grow with the “Historical Christ.” The bud formed in the “Teacher Christ.” The plant reached maturity in the “Savior Christ.” And finally, it bore fruit in the “Indwelling Christ.”
That same journey is offered to each of us. The presence of the indwelling Christ is not just a theological idea. It is a living reality. It is what we celebrate today, both in the life of the Church and in our own hearts.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Robert Warren, S.A.
Spiritual Director
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Truth Details | Truth Social
Truth Details | Truth Social
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Donald J. Trump
@realDonaldTrump
Negotiations with the Islamic Republic of Iran are proceeding nicely! It will only be a Great Deal for all or, no Deal at all — Back to the Battlefront and shooting, but bigger and stronger than ever before — And nobody wants that! During my discussions on Saturday with President Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, of The United Arab Emirates, Emir Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, and Minister Ali al-Thawadi, of Qatar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah, of Pakistan, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, of Türkiye, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, of Egypt, King Abdullah II, of Jordan, and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, of Bahrain, I stated that, after all the work done by the United States to try and pull this very complex puzzle together, it should be mandatory that all of these Countries, at a minimum, simultaneously, sign onto the Abraham Accords. Those Countries discussed are Saudi Arabia, The United Arab Emirates (already a Member!), Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain (already a Member!). It may be possible that one or two have a reason for not doing so, and that will be accepted, but most should be ready, willing, and able to make this Settlement with Iran a far more Historic Event than it would, otherwise, be. The Abraham Accords have proven to be, for the Countries involved (The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and Kazakhstan), a Financial, Economic, and Social BOOM, even during this time of Conflict and War, with the current Members never even suggesting leaving, or taking so much as even a pause. The reason for this is that the Abraham Accords have been great for them, and will be even better for everybody, and bring true Power, Strength, and Peace to the Middle East for the first time in 5,000 years. It will be a Document respected like no other that has ever been signed, anywhere in the World. Its level of Importance and Prestige will be unparalleled! It should start with the immediate signing by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and everybody else should follow suit. If they don’t, they should not be part of this Deal in that it shows bad intention. In speaking to numerous of the Great Leaders mentioned above, they would be honored, as soon as our Document is signed, to have the Islamic Republic of Iran as part of the Abraham Accords. Wow, now that would be something special! This will be the most important Deal that any of these Great, but always in Conflict Countries, will ever sign. Nothing in the past, or in the future, will surpass it. Therefore, I am mandatorily requesting that all Countries immediately sign the Abraham Accords, and that, if Iran signs its Agreement with me, as President of the United States of America, it would be an Honor to have them also be part of this unparalleled World Coalition. The Middle East would be United, Powerful, and Economically Strong, like perhaps no other area, anywhere in the World! By copy of this TRUTH, I am asking my Representatives to begin, and successfully complete, the process of signing these Countries into the already Historic Abraham Accords. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
DONALD J. TRUMP
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Monday, May 25, 2026
Sunday, May 24, 2026
Saturday, May 23, 2026
Friday, May 22, 2026
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Fr. Bob's Reflection for the Seventh Sunday of Easter - micheletkearney@gmail.com - Gmail
College football fans may remember Grant Teaff, the longtime coach at Baylor University, who once wrote a book titled “I Believe.” In the book, he describes a powerful moment from earlier in his career at McMurry College.
One Saturday night, Teaff and his team boarded a charter plane heading back to Texas. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft developed serious mechanical trouble. The pilot announced that an emergency landing would be necessary. To make matters worse, the plane was carrying a heavy fuel load, increasing the risk of an explosion.
As the plane descended rapidly, one of the players turned to Teaff and said, “Coach, we’re frightened. Would you lead us in prayer?” From his seat, Teaff prayed out loud, so that all could hear.
Moments later, the plane hit the ground, skidding across it as sparks flew past the windows. Miraculously, it did not explode. No one was injured.
The following evening, Teaff attended church with his family. In the middle of the service, he quietly slipped out. He walked about a mile to the McMurry Fieldhouse, and he knelt down and prayed:
“God, I know You have a plan, a purpose and a will for my life – and for the lives of these young men. I do not know what it is. But I will try to impress upon them, this year and always, that there is more to life than football – that You truly have a purpose for our lives.”
This story beautifully reflects the theme of prayer found in today’s readings, highlighting three distinct settings in which prayer unfolds. First, there is personal prayer, as seen when Coach Teaff prays alone in the fieldhouse. Second, there is prayer in a small group, like the players and coach praying together in a moment of fear. And finally, there is communal prayer, represented by gathering in church with others.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus Himself prays in each of these ways. He often withdraws to pray alone, like when He spent the night in prayer before choosing His Apostles. He prays in smaller groups, such as when He brings Peter, James and John up the mountain before the Transfiguration. And He joins in communal prayer, regularly attending the synagogue on the Sabbath.
So, what does this mean for us?
It reminds us that prayer is meant to be a regular and natural part of life, taking place in different settings and moments. It also shows us that while communal prayer often follows familiar forms, like the “Our Father” at Mass, personal prayer invites a deeper, more intimate conversation with God.
In those quiet moments, we can speak to the Lord openly and honestly, as we would to a close friend. We can bring Him our concerns, our gratitude, our questions. We might reflect on a passage of Scripture, walking through it slowly with Him. But just as importantly, we must also learn to be still – to listen, and to allow space for God to speak to our hearts.
St. Teresa of Ávila once said that in prayer, she did not try to imagine what God looked like, but simply remained aware of His nearness.
So, my friends, let us remember: in prayer, what matters most is not the eloquence of our words, but the sincerity of our love. It is the love that rises from the heart that makes our prayer real and draws us ever closer to God.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Robert Warren, S.A.
Spiritual Director
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Monday, May 18, 2026
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Factbox-How has the Iran war affected Middle East states?
https://www.globalbankingandfinance.com/factbox-how-iran-war-affected-middle-east-states/
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Fr. Bob's Reflection for the Sixth Sunday of Easter - Guest Post
There is a story about a person who saw an angel walking down the street. The angel was carrying a torch in one hand and a bucket of water in the other. Curious, the person asked, “What are you going to do with those?”
The angel stopped and replied, “With the torch, I will burn down the mansions and halls of Heaven. With the water, I will extinguish the fires of Hell. Then we will see who truly loves God.”
The angel’s point is simple: many people follow God out of fear of punishment, or hope for reward. They do not obey the commandments for the reason Jesus gives us in today’s Gospel: love. He tells us, “If you love Me, you will obey My commandments.”
Now, we can approach His commandments in different ways. At times, we see them as burdens – things we may not want to do. But, we feel obligated to follow them. Take forgiveness, for example. When Jesus calls us to forgive our enemies, our first instinct is often resistance. We might ask, “Why should I? I cannot let my enemies push me around.”
But what if His commandments are not burdens, but guides?
What if they are given not to restrict us, but to lead us into freedom?
Some time ago, the American Medical Association surveyed a number of doctors, asking them a simple question: “What percentage of the patients you see each week have needs you feel qualified to treat with your medical skills?”
The responses were striking. Only 10 percent of the doctors felt fully qualified to treat their patients’ needs. The remaining 90 percent reported that many of their patients struggled more with psychological and emotional challenges than with physical ailments.
In other words, these were life problems that went beyond standard medical treatment – issues like loneliness, isolation, anger, destructive habits and deep-seated hurt. These are problems that typical doctors are not trained to address. Perhaps the quality of our relationships has a larger impact on our health than we think.
This insight connects directly to forgiveness: just as many wounds cannot be healed by medicine alone, many of the hurts we carry in our hearts can only be eased through the grace of forgiving others.
It also sheds new light on Jesus’ call to forgive. When we hold onto resentment, we do not just harm others – we harm ourselves. The very thing we cling to as a weapon becomes a wound within us. Forgiveness, then, is not simply a command; it is a path toward healing and wholeness.
Ultimately, Jesus’ commandments are an invitation to love. Love is what transforms everything. Fear imprisons, but love frees. Fear hardens, but love softens. Fear wounds, but love heals. A life forged in love turns us outward, prompting us to ask others: “How can I help? What do you need? Do not hesitate to call me at any time.”
As St. Augustine once said, “Love God and do whatever you please,” for a heart formed in love will not turn away from the Beloved.
My friends, in the end, it comes down to your relationship with God. Ask yourself: How do I obey Jesus’ commandments? Do I follow Christ out of fear? Or out of love?
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Robert Warren, S.A.
Spiritual Director
Friday, May 15, 2026
Thursday, May 14, 2026
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