We all have ups and down in our faith. But how do I respond in the moments of difficulty, the times it feels dry? A true “metanoia” (a change of mind, a new lens for seeing and evaluating life) is needed. And an anti-fragile faith can be born!
Author: Fr. Michael Brungardt
Fr. Michael Brungardt (S.T.B, M.Div.) is a priest of the Diocese of Wichita and the pastor at St. Paul in Lyons, Holy Name of Jesus in Bushton, and Holy Trinity in Little River, Kansas.
A Faith Which Shapes Our Lives (Part 4)
Pope Leo XIV’s first homily addressed a simple yet profound reality: many of us believe in Jesus but live as “practical atheists.” In other words, we don’t truly listen to or follow the Good Shepherd. How can we begin to follow Him once again?
A Faith Which Shapes Our Lives (Part 3)
“Love is love,” right? In English, sure. But the Greeks had four words for love, and as the Gospels were written in Greek, there is a specific “love” Jesus is talking about. And in this scene of Jesus asking Simon Peter, “Do you love me?” we can learn a lot about what it actually means when Jesus calls us to “love.” Love is the answer, love is the Great Commandment of Jesus. But as the 1990’s “philosopher” Haddaway asked, “What is love?”
A Faith Which Shapes Our Lives (Part 2)
As we remember Pope Francis, one word comes to mind from this faithful shepherd of the Church: mercy. The essential content of the Christian faith is mercy. And yet, how does this shape our lives in the Church? Do we allow this faith of ours to truly shape our lives?
A Faith Which Shapes Our Lives (Part 1)
Jesus’ resurrection is the central claim of Christian faith. But does it shape our life? What if faith in the resurrection reshaped our lives and narratives? This is the day that changed the world, and the day that can change your world, your life.
“Renewing…” Week 10: A Transformative Mystery
Holy Week calls for active participation in the mystery of Christ’s passion, beyond mere ritual. We are invited to unite our entire lives with Jesus’ suffering for real transformation.
“Renewing…” Week 9: A New Life Offered
What we see all throughout salvation history (and later plagiarized in great novels) is the story of sin and the Lord’s response of mercy and healing. And yet, the decision is still ours: accept this new life or not.
“Renewing…” Week 8: The Divine Physician
Just like we avoid the doctor, we can easily avoid the Divine Physician. As St. Jerome would say, “To receive mercy, one must not flee but reveal all to the Divine Physician.” And this is precisely what we see in the parable of the Father with two sons.
“Renewing…” Week 7: Healed and Bearing Fruit
All of this “navel gazing” as we seek to identify our wounds and faulty “roots” can leave us feel a little off-put. But this work is a necessary first step for the “more” God wants for us.
“Renewing…” Week 6: Exodus: Suffering to Glory
The second Sunday of Lent focuses on Jesus’ transfiguration and the concept of a New Exodus, paralleling the original Exodus story of liberation from slavery. Jesus, through His death and resurrection, offers not just freedom from sin but spiritual renewal.
The Beggar 