Even though we had all been friendly enough earlier, the whole mood changed. We were no longer simply diners in the restaurant.

As we were beginning 2025, I decided to kick it up a notch. Why not try to go to 150 Masses?

As we inched forward, I watched him lift each host and place it into people’s hands. I was in awe that our son is so grown up.

When we crack claws and pluck crab meat over brown paper, we do it patiently and with joy for the process and the time together. Perhaps we can bring that same patient joy to our hopes for God’s work in our life.  

As we marked the anniversary of Cal breaking the streak, lots of those decades-old emotions came back.

I don’t want to say I’ve become a college move-in enthusiast, but I love our nieces and nephews, and I love visiting college campuses.

Summer is coming to a close, and the school year is beginning.

As Pope Leo XIV lifts the host during the Consecration, you can see his eyes filling up. He swallows, and he seems to be holding back tears.

The world was full of magic and wonder, and God—God was everywhere. And he was certainly with us on the beach, welcoming us into a new day, inviting us to see it for the gift it is.

For a moment, as I reached for the church door, I hesitated. I could go back to the car for an umbrella.