Author Archives: joekmac

Recently, I was walking with my son through a store and a coloring book caught my eye.  The book was an elaborate adult  coloring book and under most situations I would have not given it a second thought.  What made … Continue reading →

“Hey, Padre!”  I hear those words and all is right with the world.  This is what my oldest son calls me.  I can’t remember when he started.  All I know is that when I hear that small phrase my pulse … Continue reading →

Last week I presided at my uncle’s funeral in Houston.  I prepared what one should say at a graveside memorial.  I had the right litany, the right prayers, even the right words.  As I stood up and witnessed a score … Continue reading →

This summer I am preaching a series called “Down by the Riverside.”  I am moving away from the comfort of the lectionary and sharing Biblical stories that center around water. Sacred events are shared around lakes, rivers, streams, and wells. … Continue reading →

One fall day in 1995, I received a phone call from my wife.  She told me that “Julian had something to tell me.  He was coming soon.”  I stared at the phone as if she had lost her mind.  I … Continue reading →

My youngest son left for camp on Monday.  We felt victorious this year.  He actually got on the bus to go!  Last year he couldn’t attend because of a freak ice skating accident.  While he was with me on the … Continue reading →

How many of us keep our eyes on the door?  We wait for it to open so that we can step into the next part of our journey.  The open door calls us into a new adventure; a hope for … Continue reading →

I took this picture with my mother right after I finished seminary in June of 2010.  I like this picture because of her reaction and not mine.  Her eyes seemed to say, “Son, I am proud of you and happy … Continue reading →

There are times that you are strolling along, minding your own business, when all of the sudden you discover something that hits you at your very core.  You are left speechless, without any way of expressing how you feel, or … Continue reading →

The ticket is in your hand as you make your way through the airport.  You have been looking forward to beginning the next leg of your journey.  Woo!  Hoo!  This is going to be the best adventure ever.  The closer … Continue reading →