Homeless Catholic Community: Emails

Angels are not myths or merely poetic symbols. Sometimes we recognize God’s protection only after the danger has passed. Sometimes we recognize His guidance only after we reach the destination, and sometimes healing does not mean every illness disappears or every sorrow is removed. It means that God enters the suffering and prevents it from separating us from Him.

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Ron Bruni’s reflections: “The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech, but I will tell you clearly about the Father.” (John 16:25)

It’s been 100 years

Louise, the holy marker of Mother Mary in my life

By John Pearring

Lindy, Molly, Laurie, Mom, and Lisa

Click here to read John Pearring’s reflection from September 29, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

Mom was a bit untouchable. Reserved. Lauren Bacall and Jackie Kennedy demeanor. Not aloof. Just naturally cool. Staring into the distance threw us off. She wasn’t paying attention to us, we thought. But a “Harump,” or a “Tsk tsk,” reminded us that she had magic radar, jotting down a history we won’t get to review until we sit down with her in heaven.

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John Pearring’s reflections: He said to them, “Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

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You can read John Pearring’s books — Snarl and A Snarl Theology

You have been added to a list of individuals who attend the Wednesday Morning Prayer Group in Woodland Park, Colorado, as well as friends and writers who contribute reflections to the Homeless Catholic website and ministry, or those who wish to receive copies of our presentations from any of our reflection authors. The Homeless Catholic website includes reflections from John Pearring, Steve Hall, Steve Leininger, Lou Occhi, Tim Trainor, Norm McGraw, Ron Bruni, Steve Hessman, John Silvia, and Margit McCarthy.

Homeless Catholic Reflections 9/27/26

John Francis Pearring — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 14:04:39 GMT

See the latest Homeless Catholic reflections

NEW!

Norm McGraw: Be part of God’s family

Steve Hall: What’s with the laws and ordinances?

Older Reflections:

John Pearring: You can’t make this stuff up

Steve Leininger: A spirited discussion

Lou Occhi: The Seven Sorrows of Mary

Tim Trainor: Birth of the divine’s abode

Ron Bruni: The path from fear to faith

Steve Hessman: Spoiler: The King of Tyre is Satan

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Homeless Catholic: A father’s testimony

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflections from Norm McGraw & Steve Hall

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, September 27, 2026

Be part of God’s family

The Almighty already has the advantage

By Norm McGraw

By Ega Morgan

Click here to read Norm McGraw’s reflection from September 27, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

Research shows that 84% of the world’s population identifies with some religious group. Eighty percent of those believe in a deity or a higher power — 2.4 billion are Christian, 1.9 billion are Muslim, 1.2 billion believe in Hinduism, 500 million are Buddhists, and 16 million follow Judaism, with the rest comprising various smaller religious sects. The remaining people of the world are either atheists or agnostics, who represent a very small minority of the world’s entire population.

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Norm McGraw’s reflections: He said to them, “Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

What’s with the laws, precepts, and ordinances?

Hearing the Word and acting on the Word aligns us with the Word

By Steve Hall

Image by radek drbohlav

Click here to read Steve Hall’s reflection from September 27, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

Some laws are prescriptive; some are proscriptive. Some we claim are universal; others are not. Some are based on observation; others socially determined; and still others we consider inherent in the essence of things. What then, do we do with the Commands, laws, precepts, and ordinances referred to in today’s readings?

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Steve Hall’s reflections: For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:9)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

You can read John Pearring’s books — Snarl and A Snarl Theology

Homeless Catholic Reflections 9/15/26

John Francis Pearring — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 14:12:45 GMT

See the latest Homeless Catholic reflections

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Lou Occhi: The Seven Sorrows of Mary

Older Reflections:

John Pearring: You can’t make this stuff up

Steve Hall: What is there about his word?

Steve Leininger: A spirited discussion

Tim Trainor: Birth of the divine’s abode

Norm McGraw: ‘The Lord will make the rain powder’

Ron Bruni: The path from fear to faith

Steve Hessman: Spoiler: The King of Tyre is Satan

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Homeless Catholic: A father’s testimony

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflection from Lou Occhi

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, September 15, 2026

The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Mary was a special part of the plan of salvation

By Lou Occhi

Image by fbilhalva

Click here to read Lou Occhi’s reflection from September 16, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

On Sunday morning, Mary Magdalen and some other women came to the tomb; Mary, the mother of Jesus, was not there. Some speculate that Jesus had appeared to her earlier that morning. It is a lovely thought, and certainly, if He were to appear to anyone first, it would be His mom.

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Lou Occhi’s reflections: “The Almighty has done great things for me, and Holy is His name.” (The Magnificat)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

You can read John Pearring’s books — Snarl and A Snarl Theology

Homeless Catholic Reflections 9/8/26

John Francis Pearring — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 18:16:00 GMT

See the latest Homeless Catholic reflections

NEW!

Tim Trainor: Birth of the divine’s abode

John Pearring: You can’t make this stuff up

Older Reflections:

Steve Hall: What is there about his word?

Steve Leininger: A spirited discussion

Lou Occhi: Micah: ‘Just the facts, ma’am.’

Norm McGraw: ‘The Lord will make the rain powder’

Ron Bruni: The path from fear to faith

Steve Hessman: Spoiler: The King of Tyre is Satan

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Homeless Catholic: A father’s testimony

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflections from Tim Trainor & John Pearring

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, September 8, 2026

The birth of the divine’s abode

Three heavily involved in God’s Salvation Plan — Jesus, John the Baptist, & Mary

By Tim Trainor

Image by Arnie Bragg

Click here to read Tim Trainor’s reflection from September 8, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

Why do Catholics call Mary the “Untier of Knots”? The Theological answer is: In the 2nd century, the early Church Father Saint Irenaeus of Lyons wrote that what Eve “bound” by her disbelief, the Virgin Mary loosened by her faith. Thereby, her obedience to God untangled the “knot” of disobedience created by Eve in the Garden of Eden.

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Tim Trainor’s reflections: He said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him. (Luke 5:27)

You can’t make this stuff up

“The Lord says.” That’s not hubris. It’s an interdiction, a destruction of all other gods.

By John Pearring

Image by Qrry

Click here to read John Pearring’s reflection from September 8, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

“From you shall come forth for me …” Yes, prophecy is fulfilled — the line of David, the Messiah, was to be born in Bethlehem. Yet within one verse, one chapter, one book—packed into the Old Testament — the impact of its prophecy is felt for hundreds of years, and then is expressed definitively in the chapters and verses of several writers in the New Testament, until today, when we still joyously mine the depths of God’s word.

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John Pearring’s reflections: He said to them, “Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

You can read John Pearring’s books — Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

Homeless Catholic Reflections 9/1/26

John Francis Pearring — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 17:45:11 GMT

See the latest Homeless Catholic reflections

NEW!

Steve Leininger: A spirited discussion

Steve Hall: What is there about his word?

Older Reflections:

John Pearring: ‘Who then can be saved?’

Lou Occhi: Micah: ‘Just the facts, ma’am.’

Tim Trainor: Guard against indifference

Norm McGraw: ‘The Lord will make the rain powder’

Ron Bruni: The path from fear to faith

Steve Hessman: Spoiler: The King of Tyre is Satan

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Homeless Catholic: A father’s testimony

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflections from Steve Leininger & Steve Hall

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, September 1, 2026

A spirited discussion

The spiritual person, who is taught by the Spirit and can rightly evaluate spiritual matters

By Steve Leininger

Image by Welcome to All

Click here to read Steve Leininger’s reflection from September 1, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

We are told the Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God, and no one knows what pertains to God except the Spirit of God. And we learn that not with words taught by human wisdom, but with words taught by the Spirit, describing spiritual realities in spiritual terms.

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Steve Leininger’s reflections: For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:9)

What is there about his word?

Funny how verses in Scripture sometimes catch your attention and then just won’t let go

By Steve Hall

Image by Jens Hertel

Click here to read Steve Hall’s reflection from Septembe 1, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

It is only with at least a minimal level of spiritual maturity that one can recognize the enormous difference between man and God. Youth couldn’t grasp the beyond-cosmic size of that gap. (Maturity can’t grasp it either, but at least can know it’s there.)

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Steve Hall’s reflections: For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:9)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

Catholic Nutshell News

You can read John Pearring’s books — Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

Homeless Catholic Reflections 8/25/26

John Francis Pearring — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 20:03:11 GMT

See the latest Homeless Catholic reflections

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Steve Hall: ‘Misdirection distracts us from our path

Older Reflections:

John Pearring: ‘Who then can be saved?’

Steve Leininger: We know who the real G.O.A.T. is

Lou Occhi: Micah: ‘Just the facts, ma’am.’

Tim Trainor: Guard against indifference

Norm McGraw: ‘The Lord will make the rain powder’

Ron Bruni: The path from fear to faith

Steve Hessman: Spoiler: The King of Tyre is Satan

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Homeless Catholic: A father’s testimony

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflection from Steve Hall

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Misdirection distracts us from our path

Chaos continually attempts to disrupt the order eternally present

By Steve Hall

Image by Pexels

Click here to read Steve Hall’s reflection from August 25, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

Consider the Pharisees and Thessalonians and their focus on minutiae rather than the broader picture. In both cases, the key factor at play is distraction. For the Thessalonians, it was the distraction of a Second Coming, which would eliminate that continual demand to sort and decide. For the Pharisees, it was the distraction of reducing a guiding principle to a more manageable fact.

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Steve Hall’s reflections: For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:9)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

Catholic Nutshell News

You can read John Pearring’s books — Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

Homeless Catholic Reflections 8/18/26

John Francis Pearring — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 16:25:14 GMT

See the latest Homeless Catholic reflections

NEW!

Steve Hessman: Spoiler: The King of Tyre is Satan

John Pearring: ‘Who then can be saved?’

Steve Hall: ‘Arbitrary’ rules drawn up by men

Older Reflections:

Steve Leininger: We know who the real G.O.A.T. is

Lou Occhi: Micah: ‘Just the facts, ma’am.’

Tim Trainor: Guard against indifference

Norm McGraw: ‘The Lord will make the rain powder’

Ron Bruni: The path from fear to faith

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Homeless Catholic: A father’s testimony

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflections from Steve Hessman, John Pearring & Steve Hall

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Spoiler alert: The King of Tyre is Satan

The King of Tyre is said to have been in the Garden of Eden (Ezekiel 28:13)

By Steve Hessman

Image by Max Efex

Click here to read Steve Hessman’s reflection from August 18, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

Unlike how Satan and God are portrayed in movies, books, and cartoons, Satan and God are not equally powerful enemies warring with one another. On the contrary, Ezekiel 28 tells us the end of the story has already been decided. God, in His sovereignty, has already appointed for Satan, the King of Tyre, to come to a horrible end and to be no more.

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Steve Hessman’s reflections: “Amen, Amen. Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” John 12:24

‘Who then can be saved?’

That’s the whole point, isn’t it?

By John Pearring

Image by Arek Socha

Click here to read John Pearring’s reflection from August 18, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

The camel-through-the-eye-of-the-needle story is one of many metaphors Jesus combines into one message. Nothing, including your body, your reputation, your knowledge, your credentials, and your coin collection, will exist when you die. It’s just your heart and soul that pass on.

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John Pearring’s reflections: He said to them, “Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

‘Arbitrary’ rules drawn up by men

To claim to be the ‘traffic god’ will inevitably lead to death

By Steve Hall

Image by ACWells

Click here to read Steve Hall’s reflection from August 18, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

The rules of road traffic come to mind. Who is allowed to go and who must yield or stop? Who can turn and when? Who has the right of way? Who has precedence in interrupting the flow? All of these are ‘arbitrary’ rules drawn up by men. To ignore them, to write one’s own rules, to claim to be the ‘traffic god’ will inevitably lead to death.

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Steve Hall’s reflections: For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:9)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

You can read John Pearring’s books — Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

Homeless Catholic Reflections 8/11/26

John Francis Pearring — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 13:27:48 GMT

See the latest Homeless Catholic reflections

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John Pearring: Ezekiel, the mouthpiece of God

Steve Hall: Beware of the ‘father of lies’

Older Reflections:

Steve Leininger: We know who the real G.O.A.T. is

Lou Occhi: Micah: ‘Just the facts, ma’am.’

Tim Trainor: Guard against indifference

Norm McGraw: ‘The Lord will make the rain powder’

Ron Bruni: The path from fear to faith

Steve Hessman: God’s miraculous outcomes

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Homeless Catholic: A father’s testimony

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflections from John Pearring & Steve Hall

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Ezekiel, the mouthpiece of God

Let those who hear, hear! Let those who resist, resist!

By John Pearring

Image by Reijo Telaranta

Click here to read John Pearring’s reflection from August 11, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

Ezekiel often extended God’s messages through symbolic, dramatic presentations. For example, in Ezekiel 4:1-8, he built a model of Jerusalem and laid siege to it for 390 days, representing the years of Israel’s sin. These actions served as powerful visual representations of God’s judgment and the consequences of disobedience.

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John Pearring’s reflections: He said to them, “Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

Lamentation and wailing and woe!

Images and storytelling: Jesus’ most common method of instruction

By Steve Hall

Image by joduma

Click here to read Steve Hall’s reflection from August 11, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

From even a cursory glance at the Gospels, we recognize that images and storytelling were Jesus’ most common method of instruction. Obviously, Jesus also gave words of instruction, such as telling Peter that he must forgive his brother seventy times seven. But then there is the account of the Prodigal Son, and we have to ask which - the words or the story - has the greater impact on the heart.

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Steve Hall’s reflections: For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:9)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

You can read John Pearring’s books — Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

Homeless Catholic Reflections 8/4/26

John Francis Pearring — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 18:26:21 GMT

See the latest Homeless Catholic reflections

NEW!

Ron Bruni: The path from fear to faith

John Pearring: Summons to the endgame

Older Reflections:

Steve Hall: Beware of the ‘father of lies’

Steve Leininger: We know who the real G.O.A.T. is

Lou Occhi: Micah: ‘Just the facts, ma’am.’

Tim Trainor: Guard against indifference

Norm McGraw: ‘The Lord will make the rain powder’

Steve Hessman: God’s miraculous outcomes

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Homeless Catholic: A father’s testimony

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflections from Ron Bruni & John Pearring

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, August 4, 2026

The path from fear to faith

Do I trust the One who is with me in the storm?

By Ron Bruni

Image by Ken Williams

Click here to read Ron Bruni’s reflection from August 4, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

This week’s readings, from Jeremiah, Psalm 102, and two passages from Matthew, speak to people who are distressed, wounded, frightened, uncertain, or spiritually misdirected. In each case, God’s answer is not simply to remove the immediate problem. His deeper purpose is to restore the relationship, to bring His people back to Himself, back to trust, and back to hope.

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Ron Bruni’s reflections: “The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech, but I will tell you clearly about the Father.” (John 16:25)

Summons to the endgame

‘How else should one take the deadly risk of approaching me?’

By John Pearring

Image by Mariakray

Click here to read John Pearring’s reflection from August 4, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

Simple citizen and patron requests for our appearance, summons from on high, prepare us for the holiest one. An authority that we must respect and answer hails us to come. We either submit to the requests, or we ignore them and suffer the consequences. What do we practice?

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John Pearring’s reflections: He said to them, “Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

You can read John Pearring’s books — Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

Homeless Catholic Reflections 7/28/26

John Francis Pearring — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 16:29:57 GMT

See the latest Homeless Catholic reflections

NEW!

Norm McGraw: ‘The Lord will make the rain powder’

Steve Hall: Beware of the ‘father of lies’

Older Reflections:

John Pearring: God desires to share eternity with us

Steve Leininger: We know who the real G.O.A.T. is

Lou Occhi: Micah: ‘Just the facts, ma’am.’

Tim Trainor: Guard against indifference

Ron Bruni: Learn to travel well

Steve Hessman: God’s miraculous outcomes

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Homeless Catholic: A father’s testimony

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflections from Norm McGraw & Steve Hall

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, July 28, 2026

‘The Lord will make the rain of your land powder’

Help us, O God our savior

By Norm McGraw

Image by Hans

Click here to read Norm McGraw’s reflection from July 28, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

Because Jeremiah prophesied Jerusalem’s destruction, he was persecuted and beaten. He warned the people of Judah that Divine punishment would occur because of their idolatrous practices, false prophets, and their disobedience to the covenant God made with them. The people had rejected God, but Jeremiah pleaded for mercy.

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Norm McGraw’s reflections: He said to them, “Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

Beware of the ‘father of lies’

Jeremiah preached repentance; false prophets had the ear of the king

By Steve Hall

Image by Rosa García

Click here to read Steve Hall’s reflection from July 28, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

Be attentive to the authenticity of what you believe. This is not a message to be taken lightly, particularly in our day. The ‘father of lies’ has a firm grasp on what many pronounce as truth, as well as the truth they would have us ignore.

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Steve Hall’s reflections: For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:9)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

You can read John Pearring’s books — Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

Homeless Catholic Reflections 7/21/26

John Francis Pearring — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 16:51:09 GMT

See the latest Homeless Catholic reflections

NEW!

Lou Occhi: Micah: ‘Just the facts, ma’am.’

John Pearring: God desires to share eternity with us

Older Reflections:

Steve Hall: Rough waters tempt those aboard

Steve Leininger: We know who the real G.O.A.T. is

Tim Trainor: Guard against indifference

Norm McGraw: To God what belongs to God

Ron Bruni: Learn to travel well

Steve Hessman: God’s miraculous outcomes

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Homeless Catholic: A father’s testimony

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflections from Lou Occhi & John Pearring

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Micah: ‘All we want are the facts, ma’am.’

Micah wrote with no narrative and little in the way of structure and design

By Lou Occhi

Jack Webb - Dragnet

Click here to read Lou Occhi’s reflection from July 21, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

Sister Mary Michael assigned us a math problem to solve for homework. I threw myself into the problem and finally solved it. The next day, Sister asked who solved the problem. I raised my hand and went to the blackboard to show how I did it. There were several lines of equations leading to the answer. When I was done, Sister said that was very good, but it was like going to New Orleans by way of Chicago.

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Lou Occhi’s reflections: “The Almighty has done great things for me, and Holy is His name.” (The Magnificat)

God desires to share eternity with us

The fullness of divinity — Father, Son and Holy Spirit — wants you

By John Pearring

Image by Pexels

Click here to read John Pearring’s reflection from July 21, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

Without grasping that God removes guilt by pardoning our sins and then selflessly offers us a kinship, we are denied a physical and spiritual familial connection that allows us to participate in the goodness and riches of everything that is his.

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John Pearring’s reflections: He said to them, “Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

You can read John Pearring’s books — Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

Homeless Catholic Reflections 7/14/26

John Francis Pearring — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 15:12:23 GMT

See the latest Homeless Catholic reflections

NEW!

Tim Trainor: Guard against indifference

Steve Hall: Rough waters tempt those aboard

Older Reflections:

John Pearring: Jesus’ remarkable and fervent repair

Steve Leininger: We know who the real G.O.A.T. is

Lou Occhi: You are a man of God

Norm McGraw: To God what belongs to God

Ron Bruni: Learn to travel well

Steve Hessman: God’s miraculous outcomes

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Homeless Catholic: A father’s testimony

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflections from Tim Trainor & Steve Hall

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Guard against indifference

Jesus is asking us to master three ‘Key Spiritual Principles’

By Tim Trainor

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Click here to read Tim Trainor’s reflection from July 14, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

They loved watching Jesus heal the sick and feed crowds, treating Him like a traveling show. Jesus rebuked them because the true purpose of a miracle is to serve as a signpost pointing to the need for metanoia (a radical, total change of mind and heart). They wanted the benefits of His power without the surrender of repentance.

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Tim Trainor’s reflections: He said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him. (Luke 5:27)

Rough waters tempt those aboard

They should have known better in their judgment of Jesus

By Steve Hall

Image by Myriams-Fotos

Click here to read Steve Hall’s reflection from July 14, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

At the conclusion of our previous reflection, we were peacefully traveling along the river of the divine plan, with myriad stars filling the nighttime sky. That image may sometimes be true, but periods of treacherous waters are more common. Those in the boat are regularly subjected to the siren song of allurements …

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Steve Hall’s reflections: For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:9)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

You can read John Pearring’s books — Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

Homeless Catholic Reflections 7/7/26

John Francis Pearring — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 14:30:51 GMT

See the latest Homeless Catholic reflections

NEW!

Steve Leininger: We know who the real G.O.A.T. is

John Pearring: Jesus’ remarkable and fervent repair

Older Reflections:

Steve Hall: Between wondrous belief and simple doubt

Lou Occhi: You are a man of God

Tim Trainor: Jesus’ high priestly prayer

Norm McGraw: To God what belongs to God

Ron Bruni: Learn to travel well

Steve Hessman: God’s miraculous outcomes

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Frank & Ralph, Guardian Angels of Jesus

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflections from Steve Leininger & John Pearring

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, July 7, 2026

We know who the real G.O.A.T. is

“You shall not bow down before them or serve them”

By Steve Leininger

Click here to read Steve Leininger’s reflection from July 7, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

The job or mission of Jesus was to do the Father’s will. Part of that was to develop an understanding of God’s will among the apostles and disciples, which would become the foundation of what we know as the church. Spreading the good news to the ends of the earth is a big job, and Jesus gave the apostles the words and faith they needed to be a part of that effort.

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Steve Leininger’s reflections: For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:9)

Jesus’ remarkable display of fervent repair

“He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases”

By John Pearring

Image by LATUPEIRISSA

Click here to read John Pearring’s reflection from July 7, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

Jesus tells common men, and us two millennia later, that whatever the Holy Spirit has in mind is surely exciting and remarkable, but it’s going to require difficulties that will test your mettle. Stay the course.

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John Pearring’s reflections: He said to them, “Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

You can read John Pearring’s books — Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

Homeless Catholic Reflections 6/30/26

John Francis Pearring — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 14:38:35 GMT

See the latest Homeless Catholic reflections

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Steve Hall: Between wondrous belief and simple doubt

Older Reflections:

John Pearring: Two years since Jocelyn died

Steve Leininger: What’s your job?

Lou Occhi: You are a man of God

Tim Trainor: Jesus’ high priestly prayer

Norm McGraw: To God what belongs to God

Ron Bruni: Learn to travel well

Steve Hessman: God’s miraculous outcomes

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Frank & Ralph, Guardian Angels of Jesus

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflection from Steve Hall

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Between wondrous belief and simple doubt

We’ve seen both the peaceful and the anxious

By Steve Hall

Image by Sarah N

Click here to read Steve Hall’s reflection from June 30, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

The way is long, with many a winding turn. It leads us to who knows where? Who knows where? For now, we see in a mirror dimly. Yet we know what is necessary as we move with Christ and the Spirit over the water.

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Steve Hall’s reflections: For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:9)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

You can read John Pearring’s books — Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

Homeless Catholic Reflections 6/23/26

John Francis Pearring — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 14:59:34 GMT

See the latest Homeless Catholic reflections

NEW!

Steve Hessman: God’s miraculous outcomes

Steve Hall: God’s desired relationship with mankind

John Pearring: Two years since Jocelyn died

Older Reflections:

Steve Leininger: What’s your job?

Lou Occhi: You are a man of God

Tim Trainor: Jesus’ high priestly prayer

Norm McGraw: To God what belongs to God

Ron Bruni: Learn to travel well

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Frank & Ralph, Guardian Angels of Jesus

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflections from Steve Hessman, Steve Hall, & John Pearring

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Faith in God leads to miraculous outcomes

“Have you not heard? Long ago, I prepared it.”

By Steve Hessman

Image by wal_172619

Click here to read Steve Hessman’s reflection from June 23, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

Hezekiah’s response to the Assyrian threat is a powerful example of the effectiveness of prayer. Instead of relying solely on military might or political alliances, he seeks divine intervention. We should always make prayer our first response in times of trouble, trusting that God is always listening to the cries of His people. “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, in answer to your prayer for help against Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have listened” 2 Kings 19:20.

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Steve Hessman’s reflections: “Amen, Amen. Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” John 12:24

God’s desired relationship with mankind

“Therefore do not be anxious … your heavenly Father knows that you need ...”

By Steve Hall

Click here to read Steve Hall’s reflection from June 23, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

We might not think of God as a teacher. Yet, in more ways than we know, he instructs both at the individual level and at the broader level, which is addressed to all mankind. Scripture itself is primarily a revelation of who God is both in himself and in his relation to men. Think about it. The initiatives were all on God’s side as the Hebrew people were led to the Promised Land.

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Steve Hall’s reflections: For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:9)

Two years since Jocelyn died

Weepy, but unashamed, followed by a good gaze out the window, and things to do.

By John Pearring

Jocelyn “Josie” Redfern

Click here to read John Pearring’s reflection from June 23, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

I haven’t started talking to her. I’m thinking she’s still pretty busy getting acquainted with the unimaginable. Like when she went on a retreat or flew off to Taiwan. It’ll have to wait until I catch up to her. The Holy Spirit is talking to me about her, though. Not a report or anything. Just whimsical images. Giggles. The things I need.

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John Pearring’s reflections: He said to them, “Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

You can read John Pearring’s books — Frank & Ralph, Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

Homeless Catholic Reflections 6/16/26

John Francis Pearring — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:02:17 GMT

See the latest Homeless Catholic reflections

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John Pearring: Confession is just the beginning

Older Reflections:

Steve Hall: Consequence over message?

Steve Leininger: What’s your job?

Lou Occhi: You are a man of God

Tim Trainor: Jesus’ high priestly prayer

Norm McGraw: To God what belongs to God

Ron Bruni: Learn to travel well

Steve Hessman: Hear, listen, believe, and follow

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Frank & Ralph, Guardian Angels of Jesus

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflection from John Pearring

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Confession is just the beginning

We need God for renovations and repairs, and the ongoing necessary maintenance

By John Pearring

Image by Myriams-Fotos

Click here to read John Pearring’s reflection from June 16, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

The journal of Ahab’s malicious reign, compared to the catalog of our many-faceted positions of authority, might not appear similar. Yet, as baptized Catholics and Christians, and as father/mother, son/daughter, friend/neighbor, supervisor, and so on, in both family lineage and anointed roles, we have as many responsibilities as this ancient man. His legacy is a warning signal for those of us who fail to recant, repent, reconcile, and influence those we love.

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John Pearring’s reflections: He said to them, “Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

You can read John Pearring’s books — Frank & Ralph, Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

Homeless Catholic Reflections 6/9/26

John Francis Pearring — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 17:49:23 GMT

See the latest Homeless Catholic reflections

NEW!

Lou Occhi: You are a man of God

Older Reflections:

John Pearring: Bob can clap again

Steve Hall: Consequence over message?

Steve Leininger: What’s your job?

Tim Trainor: Jesus’ high priestly prayer

Norm McGraw: To God what belongs to God

Ron Bruni: Learn to travel well

Steve Hessman: Hear, listen, believe, and follow

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Frank & Ralph, Guardian Angels of Jesus

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflection from Lou Occhi

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, June 9, 2026

‘Now I know you are a man of God’

In the darkness, we see a spark of light

By Lou Occhi

Image by Rebecca Scholz

Click here to read Lou Occhi’s reflection from June 9, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

The Lord shines, and we reflect His light. When we console the grieving, visit the sick, smile as we walk along, pray for our friends and enemies, give to reputable charities such as St. Jude or Catholic Charities, etc., we are doing God’s work and letting His light shine through us.

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Lou Occhi’s reflections: “The Almighty has done great things for me, and Holy is His name.” (The Magnificat)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

You can read John Pearring’s books — Frank & Ralph, Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

Homeless Catholic Reflections 6/2/26

John Francis Pearring — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 15:43:53 GMT

See the latest Homeless Catholic reflections

NEW!

Norm McGraw: To God what belongs to God

John Pearring: Bob can clap again

Older Reflections:

Steve Hall: Consequence over message?

Steve Leininger: What’s your job?

Lou Occhi: They would not always have him

Tim Trainor: Jesus’ high priestly prayer

Ron Bruni: Learn to travel well

Steve Hessman: Hear, listen, believe, and follow

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Frank & Ralph, Guardian Angels of Jesus

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflections from Norm McGraw & John Pearring

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, June 2, 2026

‘Repay to God what belongs to God’

And you will be happy in this life, and in the next

By Norm McGraw

Walter Drummand

Click here to read Norm McGraw’s reflection from June 2, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

In the first reading, coming from the third chapter in the second epistle of St. Peter, the apostle calls us to live godly lives in anticipation of Christ’s return. As he states it: “Be on your guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled and to fall from your own stability. But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory now and to the day of eternity.”

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Norm McGraw’s reflections: He said to them, “Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

Bob can clap again

Finally, all the mysteries will be explained

By John Pearring

Bob Schlut at The OMG Zoom call

Click here to read John Pearring’s reflection from June 2, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

“Well, hello John.” Those three words might take Bob half a minute to say. By the time you reached out to shake his hand, time had slowed to the pace of a custom’s officer studying your passport, reviewing your history as he looked into your eyes and focused upon you and nobody else. But without the angst and worrisome indignation of a border patrol agent, of course.

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John Pearring’s reflections: He said to them, “Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

You can read John Pearring’s books — Frank & Ralph, Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

Homeless Catholic Reflections 5/26/26

John Francis Pearring — Sun, 31 May 2026 14:40:58 GMT

See the latest Homeless Catholic reflections

NEW!

Ron Bruni: Learn to travel well

Steve Hall: Consequence over message?

Older Reflections:

John Pearring: Don’t be angry with non-believers

Steve Leininger: What’s your job?

Lou Occhi: They would not always have him

Tim Trainor: Jesus’ high priestly prayer

Norm McGraw: A spiritual ‘Hi’ for everyone

Steve Hessman: Hear, listen, believe, and follow

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Frank & Ralph, Guardian Angels of Jesus

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflections from Ron Bruni & Steve Hall

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Learn to travel well

God will be present in every part of it

By Ron Bruni

Image by Shlomaster

Click here to read Ron Bruni’s reflection from May 26, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

St. Philip Neri suggests that holiness and joy are not opposites. In fact, joy may be one of the signs that we are finally learning what matters most. If we stay on this road long enough, we eventually realize something we may not have seen at the beginning: God has been present in every part of it. Not only what we gained, but even what we had to leave behind.

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Ron Bruni’s reflections: “The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech, but I will tell you clearly about the Father.” (John 16:25)

Are consequences more important than the message?

The message starts with the plan

By Steve Hall

Image by Alicja

Click here to read Steve Hall’s reflection from May 26, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

It’s easy to get sidetracked into a conversation about morality when the topic of Christianity arises. And when one considers the pagan cultures that those bringing the Good News have stepped into across the centuries — and still do today — it is easy to understand how consequences might become more important in conversation than the message itself. But the message starts with the plan.

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Steve Hall’s reflections: For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:9)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

You can read John Pearring’s books — Frank & Ralph, Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

Homeless Catholic Reflections 5/19/26

John Francis Pearring — Sun, 24 May 2026 17:04:59 GMT

See the latest Homeless Catholic reflections

NEW!

Tim Trainor: Jesus’ high priestly prayer

John Pearring: Don’t be angry with non-believers

Older Reflections:

Steve Hall: There is only plan ‘A’

Steve Leininger: What’s your job?

Lou Occhi: They would not always have him

Norm McGraw: A spiritual ‘Hi’ for everyone

Steve Hessman: Hear, listen, believe, and follow

Ron Bruni: When loving God becomes natural

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Frank & Ralph, Guardian Angels of Jesus

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflections from Tim Trainor & John Pearring

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Jesus’ high priestly prayer

The Church Fathers used it to refute early heresies

By Tim Trainor

Image by Pexels

Click here to read Tim Trainor’s reflection from May 19, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

In summary, Jesus is acting as an intercessor, praying for His disciples and for all believers, present and future. He asks that they be protected by the power of God and that their unity resemble the intimate union shared by the Father and the Son. Eternal life is an intimate knowing of the only true God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Not just knowledge about God, but knowing Him, being in a personal relationship with God beginning here and now.

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Tim Trainor’s reflections: He said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him. (Luke 5:27)

Don’t be angry with non-believers

Our self-sacrificing faith is a holy surrender only God can sell

By John Pearring

Image by Gerd Altmann

Click here to read John Pearring’s reflection from May 19, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

The Spirit led us from confusion to an awakening we knew came from a loving God. We would actually get excited and try to explain that to others. It was in those attempts that we knew the truth needed to come from God, not the mind or purpose of a human. “Ask him yourself” is where we end up.

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John Pearring’s reflections: He said to them, “Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)