These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.

Saint Teresa of Jesus, virgin and doctor of the church, October 15

"Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins?
Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.
Even the hairs of your head have all been counted.
Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows." (Lk 12:1-7)

Indeed, we are worth more than many sparrows. So, God does notice us, God does watch over us—for we are precious in God’s sight. Saint Teresa of Jesus (or Saint Teresa of Ávila as she is also known) is the Doctor of Prayer:

Let nothing disturb you.
 Let nothing frighten you.
 All things are passing. 
God never changes.
 Patience gains all things. To the one who has God, nothing is lacking. Only God is enough.