Growing up Italian, one of my favorite meals was rigatoni marinara paired with a thick slice of homemade pepperoni bread. I am sure most of you have eaten a rigatoni or two, but what about freshly baked pepperoni bread? My mother, to this day a fantastic baker, after kneading and…

Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and…

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our…

Eternal Father, at the baptism of Jesus you revealed him to be your Son, and your Holy Spirit descended upon him like a dove: Grant that we, who are born again by water and the Spirit, may be faithful as your adopted children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives…

I had a college friend whose mother named her while watching the Micky Mouse Club; I’m sure she’s not the only one to have been named that way. But, in the Bible, names have tremendous importance; often, chosen in light of some spiritual or family event. Proverbs says, “A good…

O Lord Jesus Christ, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise make ready your way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient toward the wisdom of the just, that at…

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and the comfort of your holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which…

This Sunday is the beginning of Advent. It is a time that the church waits for Christ to break through to bring us the joy that keeps us in Christ’s love forever. It is a time traditionally of reflection, austerity, and even fasting. It is a time to reflect on…

Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people, that bringing forth in abundance the fruit of good works, they may be abundantly rewarded when our Savior Jesus Christ comes to restore all things; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and…