Allison Gingras's Blog

Fall Virtual Book Club Sept. 10 – Oct. 22 Wednesdays, 7-8 pm ET Over the summer, I have been blessed, through CatholicMom.com, to lead women across the country in an online book club featuring my new book, Jesus Heals: Finding Hope, Wholeness, and Peace (Our Sunday Visitor), the latest scripture study in the Stay Connected […]

Observing people while avoiding judgment can be a valuable lesson in growing one’s own virtues. On a recent business trip, I noted how fewer people seem to embrace a heart like Jesus. Yes, I know how dangerously close that statement is to judging, especially when only God knows the hearts of men, but what dwells within should be evident in our behavior. Again, I am speaking to myself!

“Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ~ Mark 10:17First, good news from Jesus regarding this question from the rich young man: we learn we don’t have to be good, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.” Although I strive to behave well, obey the Commandments, and act uprightly, I don’t always hit the mark.

In today’s Gospel, Martha, busy serving and fretting, loses sight of just who it is she has welcomed into her home. In light of the three-year National Eucharistic Revival, I wish to explore a subtle connection between Luke 10:38-42 and the Eucharist — although when we come to Mass, it is Jesus welcoming us into His home!

When reading Scripture, I often place myself as a character in the verse I am reading. In this case, I put myself in Peter’s place, but to my surprise, this question stumped me. “Who do you say that I am?” I sat there staring at the words for a long time, unable to answer them accurately. Am I confident enough, like Peter, to be able to say, “You are the Christ”?

Praying the Rosary when I drive has become habit. After years of remote work, I commute to an office about 30 minutes from home. I’m not too fond of driving, and sadly, most Massachusetts drivers live up to their reputation as being rude, aggressive, and reckless. So, you can gather why my Rosary beads have become my constant car companion.

“But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming” (John 16:13-14).During a recent Confession, I realized my greatest desire was truly to do the will of God; at the same time, coming to grips with this is also my greatest difficulty.