Dennis McIntyre
Failing is a part of growth. Imagine a child learning to walk—wobbly steps, uncertain footing—but a parent's hand is there, steady and strong. That's the image here: God as a patient guide, not a harsh judge.
Dennis McIntyre
This is a powerful assurance that Jesus will unconditionally accept anyone who comes to Him. Nothing, no sin, background, or failure, will disqualify someone from His grace. Please remember that if guilt or shame keeps you from turning towards Jesus.
Dennis McIntyre
Does the New York State law protecting religious freedom truly protect that right? A recent article in the Christian Post raises the question of religious freedom in New York. Please share your thoughts on this article in the "Comments" section.Peacehttps://www.patheos.com/blogs/faith4today/2025/08/religious-freedom-perspectives-from-new-york/
Dennis McIntyre
These words are easier said than done. In today's high-paced, relentless world everyone has some level of anxiety. Jesus tells us, "Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important...
Dennis McIntyre
We are more forgiving of others than of ourselves. We often judge ourselves based on our expectations, maybe even those of our parents and family. As a result, we tend to get down on ourselves instead of seeing ourselves as God sees us. God will judge us based on our...
Dennis McIntyre
This is the deepest truth of our lives—we are incredibly loved by our God. Many of us find this hard to accept, but it is true. Everything begins with God's love for us. Focus on God's love and mercy instead of our sins and failings.
Dennis McIntyre
Patience is a virtue. We work on God's time and not our own. Many times, when we feel that God is not responding to our prayers or seems distant, we think God isn't focused on us. God is always working on us, working with us, and often preparing us for...
Dennis McIntyre
While we may chart our course, it is ultimately God who determines the path we walk. This verse calls us to submit our intentions to God, knowing He sees the big picture. Surrender isn't weakness; it's wisdom.
Dennis McIntyre
Communication is the key to success in every relationship, even your relationship with God. Jesus teaches us to pray often, with sincerity, boldness, honesty, and forgiveness in our hearts. Most importantly, we need to "listen" for God's response.
Dennis McIntyre
This verse encourages believers to always seek God's direction in every decision, especially when the path forward isn't clear. This is an active trust in choosing God's wisdom even when it goes against our instincts or expectations.
Dennis McIntyre
This Sunday, August 17, is the Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time. The gospel reading focuses on Jesus' truth, which brings division. This gospel is challenging to read, but it has a tremendous message. Please share your thoughts in the "Comments" section.Peacehttps://www.patheos.com/blogs/faith4today/2025/08/division-understanding-jesuss-message-of-truth/
Dennis McIntyre
One of Job's friends urged him to repent, but Job's suffering wasn't from sin. Job's faith was tested, but these words speak of faithful stewardship. It is a call to "speak life" (our words carry spiritual weight), walk in truth, and always trust God.
Dennis McIntyre
Jesus didn't just happen to pass through Samaria - He purposely went to the well to meet someone that others avoided. This meeting broke down barriers between the Jews and Samaritans. Jesus offered the woman eternal life, dignity, truth, and redemption.
Dennis McIntyre
Sometimes we need an event in our lives to realize what we truly need. All too often, we just roll up our sleeves and try to deal with whatever is in front of us. Turn to God and offer up the challenges before you to Him.
Dennis McIntyre
God's love for us is greater than we can imagine. Everything we have is a gift from God, and when we sin, His mercy is greater than the sins we commit. Thank God for all He has given us in this life.
Dennis McIntyre
This is the best example of forgiveness. After being scourged, beaten, and nailed to the cross, Jesus asks the Father to forgive those who did this to him. Pray for the grace to forgive others as Jesus did.
Dennis McIntyre
We overthink everything and worry about things we can't control. 1 Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you." Consider those things you can't control, and then give them over to God and enjoy the peace that Jesus gives us.
Dennis McIntyre
This Sunday, August 10, is the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The theme of the readings is "Be vigilant!" Jesus teaches us to be like servants awaiting their master's return from a wedding. Please share your thoughts in the "Comments" section.Peacehttps://www.patheos.com/blogs/faith4today/2025/08/vigilant-the-call-to-be-prepared-always/
Dennis McIntyre
God never gives us more than we can handle. This goes back to the concept that "God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called." God doesn't promise us an easy life, but He does promise to be with us through it all.
Dennis McIntyre
This beatitude from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount is deeply spiritual. The "pure in heart" are those whose motives, desires, and affections are sincerely aligned with surrendering to God's will.
Dennis McIntyre
The words that come to mind here are "Don't sweat the small stuff." We can retrain ourselves by consciously deciding to forgive, love, and move on past the slight. It may not always be easy, and we will fail at times, but doing so can lead to living life abundantly...
Dennis McIntyre
On August 1, President Trump ordered two nuclear submarines to be repositioned near Russia in response to escalating rhetoric from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. This repositioning may escalate tensions further. Please share your thoughts in the "Comments" section.Peacehttps://www.patheos.com/blogs/faith4today/2025/08/submarines-positioned-near-russia-what-it-means/
Dennis McIntyre
How often do we worry about situations that we have no control over? While we may not have any power, He does. Bring these issues to prayer and let God do His work.
Dennis McIntyre
Our Deacon once said during a homily at Mass, "In your weakness, you will find me." I struggled to understand that for a while. This meme sums it up nicely. He is always there with us. Sometimes it takes us to hit rock bottom to realize it.
Dennis McIntyre
How true are these words? We find it so much easier to forgive others than ourselves. Instead of focusing on God's mercy, we focus on the guilt and shame of the things we have done. God has forgiven us and moved on. We should, too.
Dennis McIntyre
"Listening" for God is often overlooked. We may speak to God frequently, but do we take the time to listen? "Listening" could be a voice, a thought, a feeling, or someone coming into your life to say or do something at the right time. Always be aware for God's response.
Dennis McIntyre
We read this phrase repeatedly in the Bible, yet we still struggle with it. This is an invitation to trust God. This is not simply encouragement; it is spiritual truth. Fear can stop us from stepping into our purpose. God is with us always. That is His promise. Trust God.
Dennis McIntyre
Sometimes, we think we're in control. We're not. Everything you encounter on a daily basis is God's will, and He will be with you through everything. Always trust God.
Dennis McIntyre
Jesus chose us and called us by name for a specific purpose in our lives. Think about that - our God, who made the world and everything in it, felt we needed to be part of it. Living our lives intentionally, loving ourselves and others, all to fulfill the purpose...
Dennis McIntyre
Think about this for a minute. You realize that God is asking you to do something that scares you. It could be to help someone you don't like, walk with a relative on their final journey, etc. God will give you what you need when you need it. Always trust...
Dennis McIntyre
Jesus didn't just talk about kindness; He lived it. Matthew 25:40 sums up Jesus' charge to us to take care of our brothers and sisters: "And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine,...
Dennis McIntyre
This Sunday, July 27, is the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The theme for the readings is persistence in prayer. Please share your thoughts in the "Comments" section.Peacehttps://www.patheos.com/blogs/faith4today/2025/07/persistence-sunday-reflection/
Dennis McIntyre
This verse is a call to those who are weighed down by life. Jesus offers physical rest and the peace that only Jesus can give. He invites us into a relationship marked by grace, gentleness, and renewal.
Dennis McIntyre
We tend to focus on the negative aspects of life. Many people live in guilt and shame over things they have done in the past, instead of focusing on God's mercy and His forgiveness of our sins. Pray over your negative thoughts - these are not from God. Focus on...
Dennis McIntyre
We live in a divided world, divided by race, gender, sexual preference, religion, or politics. One way to bring unity in every situation is to follow Jesus' example. Please share your thoughts in the "Comments" section.https://www.patheos.com/blogs/faith4today/2025/07/unity-in-a-divided-world-a-spiritual-guide/Peace
Dennis McIntyre
Everything we have is a gift from God. Too often, we believe that we have to earn God's love, but God freely gives us His unconditional love. This can be difficult to understand as sinful people, but God forgives and wants us to live abundantly with Him.
Dennis McIntyre
This Psalm was written by David during a time of deep distress. It marks a turning point in David's shift from anguish to trust. The call is to release all your worries to the Lord, and He will always walk with you.
Dennis McIntyre
Always trust in God. Jesus speaks about trusting God as a way of life. Matthew 6:26 says: "Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?"
Dennis McIntyre
We don't know what challenges other people are dealing with. God asks us to always help others. Being kind is a part of that effort. Mother Teresa said it best - "If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway."
Dennis McIntyre
This Sunday, July 20, is the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The gospel reading is a significant story about spiritual priorities. Please share your thoughts in the "Comments" section.Peacehttps://www.patheos.com/blogs/faith4today/2025/07/spiritual-priorities-insights-from-the-gospel/
Dennis McIntyre
Paul reminds believers that evil will not prevail. The evil one will continue to try to separate us from God in every way possible. If this temptation draws you away from God, it is from the evil one. God's invitation will always pull you closer to Him.
Dennis McIntyre
How often do we not see a path forward on an issue, or a relationship, etc., and suddenly the path appears right in front of us? Hope combines prayer and trust that God will show you the way forward.
Dennis McIntyre
"God is never late, and rarely early. He's always right on time." God's timing is a combination of trust, patience, and purpose. Trust that God's timing is perfect.
Dennis McIntyre
Matthew 6:19-21 - "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroy, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your...
Dennis McIntyre
The IRS recently declared it would not prohibit churches and Pastors from endorsing political candidates. Is this the right thing for the Catholic Church to do? Please share your thoughts on this article in the "Comments" section.Peacehttps://www.patheos.com/blogs/faith4today/2025/07/irs-decision-impacting-church-endorsements/
Dennis McIntyre
This call from Jesus in Matthew 16:24 is a radical invitation to a transformed life. We are called to let go of self-centeredness, die to our sinful selves, and rise to a new life with God. Embrace each day as God's will for you. Peace
Dennis McIntyre
How often do we exclude God when making decisions? Spending time in prayer when major decisions are at hand ensures that you include God's wisdom and direction in the final decision.
Dennis McIntyre
Sometimes things happen in our lives, and we know it was God behind the scenes. Coincidence is when God chooses to be anonymous.
Dennis McIntyre
Forgiving others is usually much easier than forgiving yourself. Sometimes, it is our own expectations, and other times, it can be family or friend expectations. We always focus on the sin and live with shame and guilt. Maybe we should focus more on God's mercy and less on what God...
Dennis McIntyre
The two most essential words in this passage are "but God." God steps into our lives not because of anything we have done, but because He loves us in a way that we will never understand. God's mercy is so much bigger than our sins. We should thank God for...
Dennis McIntyre
God leads us on the path of life. We may not always see the path, but trust in God that He will lead you to where you are meant to be. Walking in communion with God delivers a deep, abiding joy to our lives.
Dennis McIntyre
The biggest obstacle to my relationship with God is me. I know I am not alone. Surrendering to God's will is challenging, but the peace we experience is unlike any we have ever experienced.
Dennis McIntyre
This is so true from my own personal experience. Just because one door you want to open is closed to you, trust that God has something much greater waiting for you. Trust God to lead you to where you were meant to be.
Dennis McIntyre
This verse is similar to the words we use on Ash Wednesday - "turn away from sin and believe the Good News." This is a call to "active righteousness." It is a call to consciously turn away from sin.
Dennis McIntyre
Samuel spoke these words at a time when Israel had its first king, King Saul. Samuel is reaffirming his commitment to prayer and teaching. He believed that intercessory prayer was a moral obligation. Let's follow Samuel's lead and pray for others at all times.
Dennis McIntyre
Our best protection from the evil one is to embrace God's love and share it with others. In this way, we become more like Jesus.
Dennis McIntyre
In this Sunday's gospel reading, Jesus sends his disciples "two-by-two" before Him to find "laborers for the harvest." This is the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Please share your thoughts on the article in the "Comments" section.Peacehttps://www.patheos.com/blogs/faith4today/2025/07/the-harvest-embracing-the-call-for-laborers/
Dennis McIntyre
Dennis McIntyre
These words from Jesus were a complete reversal of societal values then and now. Those honored last in society, the poor, the marginalized, those with little faith, will come first in Heaven.
Dennis McIntyre
Jesus asks us not to judge others. He is the only judge. We cannot let our conscious or unconscious biases prevent us from loving others. This is what Jesus expects of us.
Dennis McIntyre
If it is part of God's plan, the door will be opened. If not, He has something so much better waiting for you that you may have never imagined. Trust God and His plan for you.
Dennis McIntyre
The evil one thrives on sowing deception and discord. Thoughts that make you question your own worth, sow confusion in your mind, and will lure you into sin. When experiencing these thoughts and feelings, ask yourself - Is this bringing me closer to God or pushing me away from God?...
Dennis McIntyre
This is called agape love. Agape love is a completely selfless and unconditional love that looks for nothing in return. This is the love that God has for us. We are to love others the same way.
Dennis McIntyre
The Solemnity of Saint Peter and Saint Paul is Sunday, June 29. These are two foundational leaders of the Catholic Church. Jesus built His Church on Peter, whom he called His "rock." Saint Paul shared the Gospel tirelessly across the Roman world. Please share your thoughts on this article in...
Dennis McIntyre
The gate is narrow and requires intentionally seeking God. Following Jesus isn't easy; it requires self-denial, humility, and obedience. Those that do enjoy the fullness of life.
Dennis McIntyre
Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, but I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. John 14:27.
Dennis McIntyre
These are the words that Jesus spoke to "Doubting Thomas" after showing his hands and his side to Thomas. Thomas exclaims, "My Lord and My God." While this is a historical moment, it is also a deeply personal prayer of adoration and a belief in Jesus' divinity.Peace
Dennis McIntyre
Agape love is the highest form of love. This is a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love that gives without expecting anything in return. God's love for us is agape love, as He sacrificed His son's life for us to be able to find our way back to him. Please share your...
Dennis McIntyre
God wants a relationship with us. He knows us and wants us to know Him. You can read about Jesus or learn about his ministry, but ultimately, knowing Jesus will transform your life in ways you may never expect.Peace
Dennis McIntyre
These are the words of David, spoken after an escape from danger. He had fled from King Saul, but found himself in a terrifying situation with the Philistine king Abimelech. David intentionally sought out God, and his prayers were answered.
Dennis McIntyre
Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous. Our God is constantly working on our behalf, but do we have the awareness to find Him during our day? I was taught as a Spiritual Director that God will use any means at any time to lead, guide, and interact with...
Dennis McIntyre
Agape love is one we don't talk about enough. Agape is the highest form of love: a selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love. It is a love of giving, without expecting anything in return. Agape is the love that God has for us, and we are called to share it with...