Connecting Point

I’m sorry. We use that expression often in our daily conversations; but asking for forgiveness is sometimes more difficult. There’s an implied admission that maybe, just maybe, we were wrong. It could have been because of our own actions or …

We live in a country that values achievement and success. In trying to be successful sometimes, our weaknesses come out and expose us to the world. In this Sunday’s readings St. Paul says, “Through the power of Christ we are …

Hurt, pain, & suffering, these are things that nobody likes to face. We try to avoid them as part of the human condition but also know that they are unavoidable. At any given moment there are people in my life …

Today the Church celebrates the Nativity of John the Baptist, whom Jesus himself called “the greatest man born of a woman.” (Matthew 11:11).  John’s greatness lied in the fact that Jesus was the focus of his life. He drew people …

In what small ways can I honor a father?

Our parents play a very special role in our lives.  Often times, they are the people who teach us right from wrong.  They are the people who instill a work ethic.  …

You hear the term a house dived a lot when Michigan and Michigan State play each other and if you have family members that attended both schools under the same roof. What team do you root for?

Now think about …

“When I grew up …” is the beginning of many stories among family and friends.  One of my favorite stories of when I grew up was when we came together as a family at the table for a meal. With …

Fortunately, I grew up in a Catholic household nurtured and knowing from my earliest memories that God loves us very much and very perfectly.  He loves us even in moments when we aren’t necessarily “lovable”. ..and yes, even when we …

There is so much awesome power in the Holy Spirit! And on Pentecost, the birthday of the Church, we celebrate that power. Power, at its simplest, is the ability to do something, to act, to accomplish. Another way is that …

It is not just in our “modern day” that we are discouraged from speaking up and defending the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In my early days in the workforce, it was a long established “rule” that you didn’t discuss politics …

Judas betrayed him. Peter denied him. Thomas doubted him.

Through all this Jesus still loved them. Jesus showed us how we are given the call to be “friends of God.”  That friendship includes putting others before ourselves, seeking ways to …

How can I grow in confidence to support others who need to know God?

In order for us to “bear fruit” and be his disciples, we must support others who need it; who need to know God’s love.

Growing up …

Jesus included everybody! Shepherding today requires paying attention: one of the clearest features of Jesus’ pastoral style is the way He included people that each person is not left out: he included criminals, the “unclean” and people who were outcast …

This weekend we hear the story of Jesus being made known through the breaking of the bread. Here Jesus was standing in the midst of the same disciples who were with him just days earlier before his passion, yet they …

On Divine Mercy Sunday, we celebrate the boundless mercy of God, who throughout history has forgiven those who have turned away. Jesus preached forgiveness extensively in his ministry, enshrining it in the prayer he taught his disciples. God’s mercy is …

In the celebration of Adult Baptism, the person being baptized is immersed under water three times, symbolizing the three days that Christ was in the tomb!  In Baptism, we die with Christ and rise with him to new life.  The …

“Mr. Rogers Neighborhood”

In these troubled times, it is not difficult to encounter someone who is weary.  But do we always see them?

The weary ones are all around us…at work, in school, at the market, on the street corner, …

“How do I let go of self-center ways to become the best version of myself?”

Feelings come and go. Human emotions can sometime control you; leaving you to feel worry, fear, and self-centerness. God calls us to let go of …

This, I believe, is not just a difficulty for “church professionals” but for people in general. We use phrases so often that the phrase loses the significance it should have in our lives. We sing, pray and proclaim the “Glory …

Jesus could no longer tolerate people taking advantage of others in the temple area, so much so, that he made a whip out of cords and drove them all out.  He even spilled the coins of the money changers and …

How can my living reflect God’s Light?

In this Sunday readings, we hear about Christ’s light and how it should reflect on others. Christ’s glorified body and the dazzling light are revealed to the disciples that followed Jesus up the …

My friends who run marathons take their physical fitness seriously throughout the year.  They incorporate physical exercise routines and healthy eating into their daily lives.  However, as a marathon draws near, they step things up a notch.  In order to …

This week we hear another story of Jesus going about preaching and healing. After this particular instance, he goes off to pray. When the apostles find him and suggest they need to go because “everyone is looking for you.”

While …

In this past Sunday’s Gospel, we hear about Jesus’ authority. Jesus is in the temple preaching, teaching, and driving out demons. He is asking us to bring all of our desires and worries to him so that he can guide …

Do you remember that moment in your life when you felt Jesus truly present to you? Perhaps it was at your Confirmation or when you married or when you had your first child. It was at that moment that you …

Today we reflect on how we were led to the vocation we have pursued over our lifetime. Some of us have taken many different roads that have brought us to where we are in our lives. We have all been …

At Epiphany, the Church honors the Three Kings (Astrologers) from the East. Our modern culture glamorizes them. They were looking for the New Born King; they recognized His Sign – the STAR. Yet, my personal opinion prevents me from calling …

Without Jesus, there would be no Christmas.
Where would we be without Christmas?
More importantly, where would we be without Jesus?
Our families are not perfect.
Although Christmas is supposed to be one of the most joyful times of the …

“Be not afraid!” are the very first words with which the angel greets the lowly shepherds as they keep watch over the sheep in the dead of night. They are also the first words the angel Gabriel addressed to the …

Most of the times, what we really need is only a heart of surrender and always trust what God has plan for our life. Doing the best we can and letting God take the rest is what we call FAITH. …

“How can I be a radical witness to my faith?”

Being Christian, specifically being Catholic, is becoming less and less acceptable in today’s society.

Being radical in today’s world may be as simple as being intentionally faithful in our everyday.…

The beginning of a new year is often a time when we take a close look at ourselves, assess our relationships, our physical well-being, and other important areas of our lives, and make concrete plans to live fuller, healthier lives.  …

Watch Matt Hunt’s Video on Facebook…

How can I use my gifts to support those with greater needs?…

Wisdom is a gift God has granted to all of us. We search for God in our lives even though we may not always have a clear idea of what his plan is for us. In our journey we are …

Our world is driven by accomplishment, but it is also driven by claiming responsibility for our successes. How can we use the Lord’s humble example to find satisfaction with the execution of our expertise? Our natural talent is a gift …

Which Commandment is greater?
Love your God or love your neighbor?

They’re actually more related than you might think.
Find out how in Matt’s Connecting Point reflection for this week.

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Our first reading this weekend gives us the Church’s answer to the Gospel’s question about what belongs to God and what belongs to Caesar. All the power that the Persian ruler Cyrus holds comes from God. Just so with Caesar. …

The danger of our being a Christian is when we start to feel secured and comfortable; that mentality can oftentimes blind us and lead us to what we call “cheap grace,” grace without good works, grace without authentic discipleship, grace …

Do we allow the things of the earth to dwell in us more deeply than our awareness of Christ dwelling in us and God’s plan for our lives?

The responsibilities of life control most of our daily schedules. Priorities are …

Throughout my life, I can define moments when I believed that I was held back from achieving a goal because of some fault of my own, or factors out of my control. I loved sports and wanted to play them …

Watch Father Ron’s video Connecting Pount as he sums up the last three weeks in forgiveness.

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Forgiveness can be an uncomfortable challenge. Jesus tells this story after Peter proposes an extravagant limit of forgiveness. He uses the biblical number of perfection, “seven times”. Jesus changes seven to seventy-seven indicating infinity and challenging us to even surpass …

Asking for forgiveness is not easy, but find out what is even a greater challenge.

Matt explains in his reflection of this week’s Connecting Point.

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What obstacles are getting in the way of truly following Jesus?
Check out what Matt Hunt has to say about that:

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In John’s Gospel 1:45-51, Nathanael says to Philip, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
Nathanael (aka Bartholomew) had a bad attitude toward Jesus even before he actually met him simply because of where he was from.
In contrast, Jesus had …

The Canaanite woman in today’s Gospel calls Jesus to recognize that his mission is to and for all people. She opens his mind to acceptance and inclusion. Our faith is called to be the same way. We are called to …