The girl was walking in the fields some ways off from her home, when two strangers appeared and asked her to pick them some fruit. Brought up to show courtesy to adults, the nine-year-old hurried to obey. Not until she was in the forest did she realize it was a trick. Continue »

Jesus had "appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, and to have authority to cast out demons" (Mark 3:14-15). They had been busy sharing in Jesus’ ministry, preaching repentance and even healing the sick (6:12-13), and now they had returned, eager to tell Jesus all they had done. Tired from the continual press and clamor of the crowds, Jesus sought a place of rest for himself and the twelve (6:30-32). It was futile, however. When Jesus was recognized, the people hurried after him (6:33). Continue »

Bringing a new life into the world is an astonishing responsibility. How many new parents have looked down at their baby in the crib, then looked up at each other and wondered, "What have we done?" Continue »

It is an early winter day in Naples, over seven hundred years ago. Two men in the distinctive black and white robes of the Dominican order make their way to a small chapel. One is a large man with sharp, intelligent eyes. His clothing is frayed and poorly fitted. The other man is younger, an obviously attentive friend. Continue »

Suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him. And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts 9:3-4) Continue »