This Sunday, we meet Abraham at the oak of Mamre and Mary at the feet of Jesus. Two very different scenes. One bustling with hospitality, the other marked by quiet attentiveness, and yet, both are moments of divine encounter.

Abraham hurries to welcome mysterious visitors and offer them sustenance. Mary, meanwhile, offers her full presence, simply listening to Jesus. In both stories, God speaks.

One of the most countercultural things we can do today is stop. Not scroll. Not skim. Not hustle. But stop … to notice the sacred guest already in our midst. In a world of Marthas, always rushing to complete the next task, Jesus still reminds us:

“There is need of only one thing.”
(Luke 10:42)

And as the psalmist so beautifully invites us:

“Be still and know that I am God.”

What is that one thing for you today? What sacred presence have you overlooked while preoccupied with the urgent?

For Teachers and School Leaders: A Special Invitation

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Before You Go...

Whether you're more like Martha, juggling ten things at once, or more like Mary, curled up with coffee and Scripture, know this:

God is not measuring your holiness by your productivity today.

He’s just happy you paused long enough to listen, reflect, and maybe even smile. And hey … if your “one thing necessary” today is a nap, a walk, or five minutes of actual silence, then don’t underestimate the holiness of that sacred sanity.

And to all our teachers and principals gearing up for a new school year:
You’ve got this! … Yes, even if your to-do list is longer than your summer vacation.

Let grace go before you, laughter go with you, and may at least one copier be working when you get back.

Warm regards,

John Henry

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Dear friends in the Light,

Summer has officially arrived—and so have the kids. Everywhere. All the time.
The fridge is suddenly empty, the house is surprisingly loud, and your patience… well, it's probably taking a little vacation of its own. 😄

But even in the heat and hustle of summertime, there’s something beautiful stirring: a chance to be together. Not just with family and friends around the grill or the backyard sprinkler—but also with Our Lord, who never takes a break from loving us.

Tomorrow’s Gospel (Mark 4:35–41) reminds us that even when storms rise and waves crash, Jesus is right there in the boat with us. The disciples cry out, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And what does He do? He wakes, speaks to the wind, and brings stillness. Peace.

Maybe that’s what summer is for—learning again to trust in the calm voice of Christ, even when life feels loud or off-schedule. Whether you’re chasing toddlers through the sprinkler or teenagers through their summer laziness, Jesus is with you in the midst of it.

So let’s take advantage of these longer days—not just to rest or explore—but to reconnect with the One who calms our storms. Maybe that means bringing the family to Mass a little early to light a candle… Maybe it’s reading Scripture on the porch with your morning iced coffee… Or maybe it’s as simple as thanking Him for the gift of this season, full of its messy beauty.

Keep laughing. Keep praying. And keep walking—Always Toward the Light.

In the peace of Christ,
John Henry
https://alwaystowardthelight.org

P.S. If you need prayers (or parenting survival tips), reply anytime. I may not have all the answers, but I’ll join you in the boat.

One more exciting update—Always Toward the Light is launching its very own digital magazine: A New Dawn. We’re currently collecting stories, poems, artwork, photos, and articles (like conversion stories—ahem!) from those who feel called to share something beautiful, faith-filled, or creatively inspired. If you’ve got something on your heart—or know someone who does—I’d love to hear from you. Just send an email to hello@alwaystowardthelight.org for submission guidelines and details. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or simply someone with a story to tell, your voice is welcome here. Let’s bring light to others, together.

Finally, if you enjoy our content but becoming a premium member is not possible at this time, then I invite you to consider buying a “Cup of Coffee”, which will help us in the creation of A New Dawn. Thank you in advance … especially for your prayers!

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Introduction

Mark 1:40-45 recounts a profound moment in Jesus’ ministry: a man with leprosy approaches Him with faith and humility, saying, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus, moved with compassion, stretches out His hand, touches the man, and says, “I am willing. Be clean!” The leprosy instantly leaves the man. Despite Jesus’ instruction…

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Note: I didn’t plan to write this article today… but I’ve been having discussions with people about the missing books from Protestant Bibles which led me to engage with one of them … the Book of Sirach. As I flipped through my Bible, I was reminded about some of my favorite passages that I underlined years ago. I felt co…

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Reflection: Preparing for Christ’s Coming

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Luke 3:10-18, John the Baptist calls us to action: “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” The crowd’s question, “What should we do?” resonates deeply during Advent, a season o…

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"To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, ‘Look, h…

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In the Gospel of Luke 1:26-38, we encounter one of the most profound moments in salvation history: the Annunciation. The angel Gabriel comes to Mary, a young woman of Nazareth, with a message that will forever change the world. He announces that she will conceive and bear the Son of God, and her response is one of humility, faith, and total surrender:

"B…

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"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

In today’s Gospel, Jesus offers us one of the most tender and compassionate invitations in all of Scripture. He calls out t…

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