Reflections

Be Ready

St. Paul the Apostle to the nations characterizes the pagans by saying that they do not have God and they do not have hope. As we begin Advent today, we should ask ourselves: Are we Christians and Catholics a people [read more...]

Happy Thanksgiving

Father Arthur, Father Gilbert and the Our Lady of the Wayside Parish Staff wish you and your loved ones a Blessed, Happy Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Day Prayer Lord, we thank you for the goodness of our people and for the spirit [read more...]

Christ the King

On this last Sunday of ordinary time in the Church year, we celebrate Christ Our King. Jesus Christ is present in the Church all of the time. He is our Head, our Leader, our King and our Lord. He is [read more...]

A Conversation with Fr. Mike Schmitz

As a Catholic, you probably got to know Fr. Mike Schmitz through YouTube, or through either of his #1 podcasts: The Bible in a Year or The Catechism in a Year), or through regular posts at the bottom of our [read more...]

Open Eyes, Open Heart

The example of the master who gave his servants different talents in this Sunday’s gospel reminds us that God is always giving good things to us, and we must share them with others. In this situation, it is tempting to refrain [read more...]

Strategies for Perplexing Scripture Readings

Today’s Gospel reading about the ten virgins and their lamps is perplexing. There are some strategies to use for perplexing scripture readings, including context, characters, symbolic numbers and symbolic objects. Kathleen Miller also announced an upcoming Bible study about talents [read more...]

Are Your Sins the Same Story Again and Again? Rewrite the Script

Do you commit the same sins over and over again? Does it feel like a bad movie that you’re stuck watching, with the same sad script playing over and over again? Rewrite it. Rewrite the script. Today, Fr. Mike gives [read more...]

Make Life’s Seasons Count

Unlike other places in this country, Chicago has four seasons. We have a short springtime when everything comes alive and is fresh; the sun shines and life seems full of hope. When the summer comes, everyone is happy and ready [read more...]

The Sobering Readings for Sunday

Kathleen Miller led a Bible study session at Our Lady of the Wayside, focusing on the sobering readings for the coming Sunday. Readings discussed: Malachi 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10; 1 Thessalonians 2:7b-13; Matthew 23:1-12 Enjoy!

Prayer, The Greatest Battle

When we read the lives of the saints it can appear like prayer comes so easily to them; almost as if they were soaking in a hot tub of grace. But then when we go to pray we are confronted [read more...]