Is This Your Year? An Invitation to Walk Toward the Light

 

Looking at this powerful image that graces our new beginning, we see Christ reaching out His hand toward us—an eternal gesture of invitation, of welcome, of divine love beckoning us forward. His outstretched arm breaks through the luminous background, reminding us that He doesn't wait for us to find our way in the darkness. He comes to meet us, extending His hand into whatever shadows we inhabit, calling us to follow Him into the light.

A New Beginning, A Timeless Invitation

Welcome to the reimagined Saintly Journeys.

As we stand at the threshold of 2026, everything feels fresh, bright, and full of promise. You might notice something different here—a lighter, more radiant aesthetic that reflects the very heart of our mission: walking toward the Light of the World, Jesus Christ. This isn't just a visual refresh; it's a recommitment to the fundamental invitation that has echoed through two millennia of Christian witness.

Come & See: An Invitation to Discover Christ.

These simple words—lifted directly from the Gospel of John—capture everything we're about. They're the same words Jesus spoke to those first curious seekers, the fishermen who wondered who this rabbi might be. "Come and see," He said, not demanding immediate commitment, not requiring complete understanding, simply inviting them to take a step, to draw closer, to experience for themselves.

And that's precisely what we're inviting you to do here.

The Question That Changes Everything

Is this your year?

It's a question we often ask ourselves in January. Is this the year I finally get in shape? Is this the year I change careers, write that book, repair that relationship, break that habit? We stand on January 1st like travelers at a crossroads, sensing possibility, hoping for transformation, wondering if this time might be different.

But what if we asked a deeper question? What if, beneath all those perfectly valid aspirations, there's a more fundamental inquiry waiting to be voiced?

Is this the year you finally respond to Christ's outstretched hand?

Is this the year you stop circling around faith and step closer? Is this the year you move from curious observer to committed disciple? Is this the year you stop merely learning about Christ and actually encounter Him?

Look again at that image of our Lord. His hand isn't tentative or uncertain. He's not passively waiting at a distance. He's actively reaching, extending, and inviting. The light surrounds Him, emanates from Him, and He's stepping toward us with that hand outstretched, as if to say: "Here I am. I've been waiting. Will you come?"

The question isn't whether He's ready for you. He is. He always has been. The question is:

Are you ready for Him?

Come & See

John 1:35-39 (RSV 2^nd Catholic Edition)

"The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples; and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God!' The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, 'What do you seek?' And they said to him, 'Rabbi' (which means Teacher), 'where are you staying?' He said to them, 'Come and see.' They came and saw where he was staying; and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour."

Jesus could have given them a theological lecture or demanded immediate conversion. But that's not what He did.

He said to them, "Come and see."

This is the pattern of authentic faith: Come. Taste and see. Draw near. Seek. Faith isn't passive—it's a response to an invitation, a step toward the Light, a hand reaching back to grasp the hand already extended toward you.

Meeting You Where You Are

One of the things I love most about that image of Christ reaching toward us is that His hand extends into our space. He doesn't remain in some distant realm, waiting for us to make our way to Him. He comes to where we are.

Whether you're a lifelong Catholic or a convert like me seeking deeper spiritual formation or someone who's never set foot in a church but finds yourself drawn to questions of faith—you're welcome here. Your questions are honored. Your search for truth is precisely what led those first disciples to Jesus.

I'm not a theologian with letters after my name. I'm a layperson, a fellow pilgrim who has experienced Christ's love and wants to share that with others. 

As I often say, God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

Walking Toward the Light in 2026

This new, brighter theme isn't just aesthetic. It represents a fundamental truth: we're always moving, always journeying, always being drawn forward by the Light.

Walking toward the light means making daily choices to align yourself with Christ. It means choosing virtue over vice, truth over deception, love over selfishness. It means getting up each morning and deciding, again, to follow Jesus.

It means engaging in spiritual practices that keep you oriented toward God: prayer, Scripture reading, sacramental life, and acts of charity. These aren't arbitrary religious hoops to jump through; they're the very means by which we maintain our connection to the Light.

But here's what walking toward the light doesn't mean: It doesn't mean perfection. It doesn't mean never stumbling or doubting. It doesn't mean you have to have it all figured out before you take the first step.

I stumble just like all of you. I created Saintly Journeys to remind myself of these truths, and I want to share them with all of you.

Christ's hand reaches toward us in our imperfection. He invites us to come as we are. His light doesn't expose our darkness to shame us, but to heal us.

What Awaits You

Throughout 2026, we'll offer accessible spiritual formation that meets you wherever you are and helps you and me together take the next step toward Christ. Throughout the year, I will be posting blogs and other content, reflections on the liturgical year, and practical guidance for deepening your prayer life.

The point isn't just knowledge—it's helping you respond to Christ's outstretched hand and walk toward the Light.

A Personal Word

As I write this, I'm mindful of my own journey—from that Cursillo weekend where I heard God's call, through years of learning and growing and stumbling and getting back up, to this moment of launching a new year and a new expression of our ministry.

 I'm mindful that I'm a layperson in central, Florida, trying to be faithful to a calling I never anticipated. I'm blessed by my wonderful spouse, who supports this work, and by the Orlando Diocese Cursillo community that shaped my faith. I'm mindful of my studies in spiritual direction at the Avila Institute, which continue to shape me as I walk alongside others seeking Christ.

But most of all, I'm mindful of grace—God's absolutely gratuitous, unmerited, lavish grace that has transformed my life and continues to transform it daily. None of us deserves the invitation Christ extends. All of us receive it as a pure gift. The only appropriate response is gratitude, and gratitude expressed through action: accepting the invitation, grasping the hand, walking toward the Light, and inviting others to do the same.

That's what Saintly Journeys is about. That's what "Come & See" means. That's why we're here.

Your Next Step

Don't let this moment pass. You've read this far, which means something resonated. Don't let that fade into background noise.

Take one concrete step today:

• Share your email, first name, and any thoughts in the Come and See section. (I will hold your information within and will not share it; you will only receive emails from saintlyjourneys@gmail.com)
• Explore our available programs
• Commit to one spiritual practice—daily prayer, weekly Mass, regular Scripture reading
• Reach out with your questions or your desire to go deeper

The Light is shining. The hand is extended. The invitation is offered.

Is this your year?

Come and see.

A Blessing for Your Journey

As we begin this new year together, I want to leave you with a blessing:

May the Lord bless you and keep you as you take your next step toward Him.

May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and illuminate the path before you.

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace—the peace that comes from knowing you're loved, you're invited, you're welcomed into the very heart of God.

May you have the courage to grasp Christ's outstretched hand.

May you have the perseverance to keep walking even when the way seems difficult.

And may this be your year—the year you respond to the invitation that has been waiting for you since before you were born.

Welcome to Saintly Journeys. Welcome to the Light.

Come and see.

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Randy Schwingle is the founder of Saintly Journeys, an online Catholic evangelization ministry. A Eucharistic Minister at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Wildwood, Florida, he is active in the Cursillo movement and studies spiritual direction at the Avila Institute. Responding to Isaiah 6:8—"Here am I. Send me!"—Randy creates accessible resources for spiritual formation and outreach.

The Gift of Love Made Flesh

 

Last night at the Christmas Vigil at St. Vincent de Paul in Wildwood, our priest reminded us of something beautiful and challenging: we need to empty our hearts and invite Jesus in. We need to let go of the things that are burdening us to make room for Him.

On this holy Christmas morning, we celebrate the most profound truth of our faith: God loved us so much that He became one of us.

In that humble stable in Bethlehem, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger, infinite Love took on human flesh. The Creator of the universe made Himself vulnerable, small, dependent—all for love of you and me.

Jesus didn't arrive in royal splendor or overwhelming power. He came as a baby, inviting us to draw near without fear. This is the heart of Christmas: God's love isn't distant or abstract. It's intimate, tender, and personal.

But here's the beautiful paradox: just as Mary and Joseph found no room in the inn, we sometimes fill our hearts so full of worries, regrets, and burdens that there's no room for the Christ Child. Jesus knocks gently at the door of our hearts, but He won't force His way in. He waits for us to clear the clutter, to release what weighs us down, to make space for His love.

Today, as we gaze upon the Christ Child, we see Love gazing back at us. Every cry from that manger whispers, "I came for you." Every breath He takes proclaims, "You are worth dying for." The Son of God left heaven's glory because He wanted to be with us—to share our joys, our struggles, our very humanity.

This Christmas, let's receive the gift He offers: Himself. Jesus doesn't just love humanity in general—He loves you specifically, completely, eternally. He knows your name, your heart, your deepest longings.

What burdens are you carrying today? What worries, fears, or regrets need to be released? The infant Jesus stretches out His tiny hands to receive them all. Empty your heart and invite Him in.

As the angels sang "Glory to God in the highest," they announced peace to those whom God loves. That's us. That's you.

This Christmas Day, may you feel the warmth of God's love surrounding you like those swaddling clothes embraced the infant Jesus. May you know, deep in your soul, that you are God's beloved.

Merry Christmas! Emmanuel—God is with us!

Gratitude This Thanksgiving

 

        As we gather around tables laden with abundance this Thursday, Thanksgiving offers us a beautiful opportunity to pause and reflect on the deep wells of gratitude that flow through our Catholic faith. This uniquely American holiday resonates profoundly with the very heart of our spiritual tradition—the Eucharist itself, whose name means "thanksgiving."

The Eucharist: Our Ultimate Thanksgiving

Every time we participate in the Holy Mass, we engage in the ultimate act of thanksgiving. The Eucharist is not merely a ritual but our response to God's infinite love—a love made manifest in the Incarnation, Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we approach the altar to receive our Lord in Holy Communion, we echo the sentiment that should fill our hearts this Thanksgiving: profound gratitude for gifts we could never deserve or earn on our own.

Saint Paul reminds us, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This isn't a call to be thankful only when life is easy, but to cultivate a spirit of gratitude that endures through both abundance and trial.

Counting Our Blessings

As Catholics, we're called to see our blessings through the lens of faith:

Family and Community: The domestic church of our families mirrors the unity of the Holy Trinity. Even imperfect and sometimes challenging, our families are schools of love where we learn to give of ourselves as Christ gave Himself for us.

Daily Bread: When we pray the Our Father, we ask for our "daily bread"—not luxury, not excess, but what we need for today. Thanksgiving reminds us that every meal, every provision, comes from the generous hand of our Father in heaven.

Trials and Growth: Our faith teaches us that even our crosses can be sources of thanksgiving when we unite them with Christ's suffering. The difficulties that have shaped us into who we are today—these too are gifts that have drawn us closer to God.

The Communion of Saints: We're never alone. We give thanks for the great cloud of witnesses who intercede for us, for the example of the saints who have gone before us, and for the universal Church that connects us across time and space.

Living the Eucharist Every Day

In a homily Pope Francis delivered in 2013, he reminded us that "a Eucharistic life is one of thanksgiving, not of complaining." How might we carry the spirit of Thanksgiving beyond this one day?

• Begin each morning with a prayer of gratitude, offering the day to God
• Practice the examen each evening, recognizing God's presence in the day's moments
• Say grace before meals with intention, not merely habit
• Keep a gratitude journal, noting three blessings each day
• Share your abundance generously with those in need

A Prayer for Thanksgiving

Gracious and loving Father, we come before You with hearts overflowing with thanksgiving. Thank You for the gift of faith, for the Church that guides us, for the sacraments that nourish us, and especially for Your Son, Jesus Christ, who gave everything for our salvation.

Bless the food we share, the families we gather with, and the memories we create. Please help us be mindful of those who suffer, are lonely, or lack the necessities of life. Make us instruments of Your generosity.

May the gratitude we feel on this day overflow into every day of our lives. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

An Invitation to Grateful Living

This Thanksgiving, as we give thanks for turkey and traditions, let's remember to give our deepest thanks for the greatest gift: God's love poured out for us in Christ Jesus. May our celebration be a foretaste of that heavenly banquet where we will give thanks and praise forever.

What are you most grateful for this Thanksgiving? How has your Catholic faith shaped your understanding of gratitude? I invite you to share your reflections in the comments below.

Happy Thanksgiving! May God bless you and yours abundantly.

Reflections on the Close of the Liturgical Year and the Dawn of Advent 2025

 November 23, 2025

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As the autumn leaves fall and the daylight hours grow shorter, we find ourselves at a profound threshold in the life of the Catholic Church. Whether you've been Catholic your whole life or you're just beginning to explore what this ancient faith is all about, this is a beautiful moment to understand how the Church marks time—and why it matters.

Today, November 23, 2025, we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe—the magnificent finale to our liturgical year. And in just one week, on November 30, we light the first candle of the Advent wreath, stepping into a new year of grace.

What Is the Liturgical Year?

If you're new to Catholicism or curious about the faith, you might be wondering: What exactly is a liturgical year?

Unlike the calendar year that runs from January to December, the Church follows its own sacred calendar that begins with Advent (usually in late November or early December) and concludes with the Feast of Christ the King. Throughout this cycle, Catholics journey through the major events of Jesus' life—his birth, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension—along with celebrations honoring Mary, the saints, and the great mysteries of our faith.

Think of it as a spiritual rhythm that shapes the entire year. Each season has its own character, colors, and focus. Advent uses purple to signify preparation and anticipation. Christmas brings white and gold for celebration. Lent returns to purple for repentance and reflection. Easter explodes in white for the joy of the Resurrection. And the long season of Ordinary Time uses green, symbolizing growth and hope.

This rhythm isn't just tradition for tradition's sake. It's a way of allowing the story of salvation to seep into our bones, year after year, forming us more deeply into disciples of Christ.

A Year Draws to Its Close

There is something beautifully fitting about ending our Church year with the celebration of Christ the King. After journeying through the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time, we arrive at this culminating feast that reminds us of where all of history is headed: the eternal reign of Jesus Christ.

Pope Pius XI instituted this feast in 1925 during a time when secularism and nationalism were reshaping Europe. He recognized that the world needed a powerful reminder that Christ's authority transcends every nation, every government, and every human institution. That message is just as relevant—if not more urgent—today, as our world continues to face uncertainty and division. It is more important than ever to remind ourselves and those around us of our profound need for Christ’s guidance and love. Initially celebrated in late October, Pope Paul VI later moved the feast to its current place at the conclusion of the liturgical year, connecting it beautifully to the "end times" teachings that precede it and the Advent season that follows.

This year's Gospel from Luke placed us at the foot of the cross, where we encounter the most unexpected image of kingship. There hangs our King—not adorned with jewels but crowned with thorns. Not seated on a throne of gold but nailed to a wooden cross. And in his final moments, he offers paradise to a repentant criminal. This is the nature of Christ's kingdom: a kingdom of mercy, love, and radical grace.

For those exploring the Catholic faith, this image of Christ the King reveals an essential aspect of who Jesus is. He is not a distant ruler demanding our fear. He is a king who conquers through love, who reigns from a cross, who welcomes sinners into his kingdom with open arms.

As we conclude this liturgical year, we are all invited to ask ourselves: Is Jesus Christ truly King of my heart? Have I allowed his reign of justice, love, and peace to shape my decisions, my relationships, my priorities?

The Dawn of Something New

But endings in the Church are never really endings—they are doorways to new beginnings. On November 30, we will hear the words "Happy New Year!" echo through our parishes as we begin the Season of Advent and a new liturgical cycle.

This First Sunday of Advent carries a unique energy. While the secular world has already embraced the frenzy of holiday shopping and Christmas decorations, the Church invites us into something countercultural: a season of waiting, watching, and preparation.

If you're new to the faith or considering becoming Catholic, Advent is an excellent time to begin attending Mass. There's something powerful about entering the Church's life at its "new year"—starting fresh alongside the whole community of believers.

The purple vestments will return, calling us to reflection and penance. The Advent wreath will be unveiled, and we will light the first candle—often called the "Prophet's Candle" or the "Candle of Hope"—a small flame pushing back against the growing darkness of late November. 

Understanding the Advent Wreath

For those unfamiliar with this tradition, the Advent wreath is a circle of evergreen branches holding four candles—three purple and one pink (or rose). Each Sunday of Advent, we light an additional candle, marking our progression toward Christmas. The circular shape represents God's eternity—no beginning and no end. Evergreens symbolize everlasting life. And the growing light reminds us that Christ, the Light of the World, is drawing near.

Many Catholic families have Advent wreaths in their homes, lighting the candles together before dinner and offering prayers. It's a simple but profound way to keep the season's meaning at the center of family life.

Welcoming Year A and the Gospel of Matthew

As we step into this new liturgical year, we also transition from Cycle C to Cycle A in our Sunday readings. This means we bid farewell to Luke's Gospel, which has accompanied us throughout the past year, and welcome Matthew as our primary guide.

A Quick Note on the Lectionary

If you're new to Catholicism, you might wonder why we read from different Gospels each year. The Church uses a three-year cycle for Sunday Mass readings (Years A, B, and C), each focusing primarily on one of the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke, respectively. The Gospel of John is woven throughout all three years, especially during Easter and other major feasts.

This system ensures that Catholics hear the vast majority of Scripture over the course of three years. It's one of the beautiful ways the Church immerses us in God's Word.

What Makes Matthew Special?

Matthew's Gospel brings distinctive gifts to our spiritual journey. Written by a Jewish Christian for a Jewish Christian community, this Gospel emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Matthew quotes the Hebrew Scriptures more than sixty times, repeatedly showing how Jesus embodies everything Israel had been waiting for.

In the coming year, we will hear the beloved Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches us what it means to be truly blessed. We will encounter the parables of the kingdom—stories of seeds and soil, wheat and weeds, hidden treasure and precious pearls. We will walk with disciples as they learn what it means to follow this unexpected Messiah.

Matthew frames his entire Gospel with a powerful message: Jesus is "Emmanuel"—God with us. The Gospel opens with this promise through the angel Gabriel and closes with Jesus' assurance to his disciples: "I am with you always, to the end of the age." In a world that often feels fragmented and uncertain, this is the message we need to hear.

For those exploring the faith, Matthew's Gospel is an excellent place to start reading Scripture. Its clear structure, powerful teachings, and emphasis on Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises make it accessible and deeply rewarding.

Living Between the Times

Advent holds a beautiful tension. We look backward, remembering how God's people waited for centuries for the promised Messiah. We celebrate the historical reality of the Incarnation—God becoming human in a stable in Bethlehem. But we also look forward, anticipating Christ's return in glory at the end of time.

This Gospel of Matthew will remind us to "stay awake," for we do not know the day or hour of the Lord's coming. Advent teaches us to live in holy anticipation, to keep our lamps trimmed and burning, to be ready.

In a culture that pushes us toward instant gratification, Advent offers a different rhythm. It invites us to slow down, to savor the waiting, to let anticipation deepen our longing for God. The four weeks before Christmas become not just preparation for a holiday, but training in hope.

Practical Ways to Enter This Season

As we stand at this threshold, here are some ways to embrace the transition—whether you're a lifelong Catholic or just beginning to explore:

Honor the ending. Take time this week to reflect on the past liturgical year. What graces have you received? Where have you grown? Where do you still need Christ's healing touch? Consider attending Mass on the Feast of Christ the King as a beautiful conclusion to the year.

Create space for Advent. Before the Christmas decorations go up, set out your Advent wreath. Let the four weeks of Advent be truly Advent—a season distinct from Christmas. Many parishes sell Advent wreaths, or you can make your own with a simple wreath form and four candles.

Get to know Matthew. Consider reading through Matthew's Gospel during the coming year. A chapter a day will take you through the entire Gospel in less than a month. Or read the Sunday Gospel passages before Mass each week to prepare your heart for the Word. (You can find the readings at usccb.org/bible/readings.)

Embrace the darkness. The shortening days of late November and December can feel oppressive, but they also create the perfect backdrop for Advent's message. Light your Advent candles in a darkened room. Let the small flames remind you that Christ is the Light of the World, shining in the darkness.

Attend Mass. If you're exploring Catholicism, Advent is a perfect time to start coming to Mass regularly. You'll experience the beautiful prayers and readings of the season, and you'll witness the community preparing together for Christmas. Don't worry if you don't know all the responses or when to stand and kneel—just come as you are. (Note: If you haven't received the sacraments of initiation, you're welcome to come forward for a blessing during Communion or remain in the pew in prayer.)

Wait well. Resist the urge to rush through this season. Let the waiting itself become a prayer. As you stand in lines, sit in traffic, or count down the days, offer that waiting to God as an act of trust.

For Those Exploring the Catholic Faith

If you're curious about Catholicism and feel drawn to learn more, this transition in the liturgical year is a meaningful time to take a step forward. Many parishes offer OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)—a process for those discerning whether to enter the Catholic Church. These groups typically meet weekly and provide a welcoming space to ask questions, learn about Catholic beliefs and practices, and journey alongside others who are also exploring.

You might also consider:

• Speaking with a priest or deacon at your local parish
• Attending a weekday Mass, which is shorter and often feels more intimate
• Reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church or a more accessible introduction like "Catholicism" by Bishop Robert Barron
• Exploring Catholic websites like wordonfire.org or saintlyjourneys.com

You are welcome here, no matter your journey. The Church is for everyone seeking growth, not just the perfect. We move forward together.

A Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, as this liturgical year draws to its close, we thank you for every grace, every challenge, every moment of growth. You have walked with us through seasons of joy and seasons of sorrow.

As we prepare to enter a new year of grace, open our hearts to the gift of Advent. Teach us to wait with hope, to watch with expectation, to prepare our hearts to receive you anew.

We pray especially for those who are seeking you, those exploring the Catholic faith, those who feel your gentle tug on their hearts. Draw them closer. Give them courage. Show them your love.

Come, Lord Jesus. Come into our world that longs for your peace.

Blessed are you, King of endless glory, now and forever. Amen.

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The Sacred Origins of Halloween: Understanding Hallowtide

Every October 31st, millions of people around the world celebrate Halloween with costumes, candy, and spooky decorations. But behind the modern festivities lies a rich spiritual tradition that many have forgotten. Halloween isn't just a secular holiday—it's actually the vigil of one of the most important feasts in the Catholic Church.

What Does "Halloween" Really Mean?

The word "Halloween" is a contraction of "All Hallows' Evening," with "hallow" being an old English word meaning "holy" or "saint." So Halloween literally means "the evening before All Saints' Day." Just as Christmas Eve precedes Christmas, Halloween serves as the vigil—the evening of prayer and preparation—before the Feast of All Saints on November 1st.

The Three Days of Hallowtide

Halloween marks the beginning of a sacred three-day period in the Catholic liturgical calendar known as Hallowtide. This season includes:

October 31st - All Hallows' Eve (Halloween)

The vigil that prepares hearts and minds for the celebration of the saints. Traditionally, this was a time of prayer and fasting before the feast.

November 1st - All Saints' Day

A holy day of obligation in the Catholic Church, this feast honors all the saints—both known and unknown—who have attained heaven. It's a day to celebrate the triumph of grace and the communion of saints who intercede for us.

November 2nd - All Souls' Day

This solemn day is dedicated to praying for the faithful departed who are being purified in purgatory. Catholics believe that our prayers can aid these souls on their journey to heaven, making this a day of spiritual charity and remembrance.

A Season of Sacred Connection

Together, these three days form a profound meditation on the mystery of death, eternity, and the bonds that unite the living with those who have gone before us. Hallowtide reminds us that the Church exists in three states: the Church Triumphant (the saints in heaven), the Church Suffering (souls in purgatory), and the Church Militant (the faithful on earth). During this season, the veil between these realms feels especially thin.

Reclaiming the Meaning

While modern Halloween celebrations may seem far removed from their spiritual roots, understanding the holiday's origins can deepen our appreciation for both the joy and the solemnity of the season. Whether we're lighting candles for the departed, honoring the saints who inspire us, or simply gathering with loved ones, Hallowtide invites us to remember that we are part of a much larger story—one that transcends even death itself.

So this Halloween, as you carve pumpkins or hand out candy, consider taking a moment to reflect on the holy origins of this evening and the beautiful traditions that follow in its wake.

New Page Coming to Saintly Journeys - This Week!

Draw Near Resources Page 

"Draw Near to Me, and I Will Draw Near to You"

This is where I share free resources that have helped me grow closer to Christ—and I hope they'll help you too. You'll find book recommendations, study guides, apps, journaling tools, and more. I'll be honest about what's worked well in my spiritual journey and what hasn't, so you can discover what might work best for you.

Whether you're just beginning your journey or have walked with Him for years, His Word is always calling you deeper. There's always more to discover, always more of Jesus to know.  

He's waiting—draw near.

🙏

Welcome

 

Encounter Jesus Christ

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
— Matthew 11:28-29

Welcome, dear friend.

 I'm grateful that you've found your way here to Saintly Journeys.

A Journey Together

Saintly Journeys exists for one purpose: to help you draw closer to the heart of Jesus Christ. As a lay Catholic evangelist, I've dedicated myself to sharing the timeless truths of the Gospel and the rich treasures of our Catholic faith. It is a response to the Lord's calling, echoing the Prophet Isaiah:     

"And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said,"Here I am! Send me." - (Isaiah 6:8). 

But more than sharing information, my prayer is that through these pages, you will experience a genuine, life-changing relationship with our Lord.

You may be a convert Catholic, like me, who is seeking to deepen your faith, someone rediscovering the Church after time away, a fellow Christian who has not committed, or perhaps exploring faith for the first time. All are invited to explore and encounter. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, Jesus is calling you by name. He knows you, loves you, and desires an intimate relationship with you.

While Saintly Journeys is rooted in the Catholic tradition, I extend a warm welcome to all Christians and seekers. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and my greatest hope is that everyone who visits will grow closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

What You'll Find Here

Through Saintly Journeys, you'll discover:

• The beauty and depth of Catholic teaching
• Practical ways to grow in prayer and relationship with Christ
• Stories of the saints who have walked this path before us
• Encouragement for your daily walk with Jesus
• Resources to help you encounter Christ in the Sacraments
• A community of fellow travelers seeking the Lord

My Invitation to You

I invite you to explore, to question, to seek, and most importantly, to encounter. Jesus Christ is not a distant historical figure or a set of rules to follow—He is the living God who desires to meet you right where you are, in this very moment.

Open your heart. Take the journey. Let Christ transform your life.

May the Lord bless you abundantly as you begin or continue your saintly journey toward Him.

In Christ,
Randy Schwingle
Lay Evangelist

The Prayer Jesus Taught

 In Luke's Gospel, we witness the disciples making a simple yet profound request: "Lord, teach us to pray." How human, how relatable! Even those who walked closest to Jesus needed guidance in approaching the Father.

Jesus responds by giving us the Lord's Prayer—not as a magic formula, but as a pattern for a relationship. Notice the intimacy: "Father." Not a distant deity, but Abba, the One who knows us completely and loves us still.

The prayer Jesus teaches is beautifully balanced. It begins with God—His name, His kingdom, His will—reminding us that prayer isn't about bending God to our agenda, but aligning our hearts with His. Yet immediately, Jesus turns to our daily needs: bread, forgiveness, and protection. Nothing in our lives is too small or too mundane to bring before our Father.

The emphasis on forgiveness is striking. We ask to be forgiven "as we forgive"—a sobering reminder that receiving mercy and extending mercy are inseparable in the Christian life.

Perhaps most comforting is what this passage reveals: that we can bring our spiritual poverty to Jesus. "Teach us," the disciples say, admitting they don't have it all figured out. And Jesus doesn't scold them—He gives them exactly what they need.

When we feel unsure about how to pray, we can always return to this prayer, knowing these are the very words Jesus gave us —the perfect path into communion with our Father.

The Great Commandment: Love as the Path to Life

Today's Gospel, God asks us the same question He asked the lawyer: "What is written?" Deep down, we know. We know when we've loved poorly, when we've held back, when we've made God an afterthought and our neighbor invisible.

The pathway to life isn't complicated—but it costs everything. Will we love God with our whole heart, soul, strength, and mind? Will we love our neighbor as ourselves?

"Do this and you will live." Not someday. Not in the next life alone. Now. Today. Love is not merely the path to eternal life—it is life itself.

Join me today, and let's support one another as we go through our day, so that all of our actions will show that we love God with our whole heart. If we DO this, others may follow us and do the same. 

God Bless and Please Pray for Each Other.

A Special Prayer Request - Come Holy Spirit

I'm honored to share that starting today, October 2nd, through Sunday, October 5th, I will be serving on the Orlando Diocese Cursillo Men's 111 team as a table leader.

This three-day weekend presents a profound opportunity for men to deepen their relationship with Our Lord, Jesus Christ, and to experience His love and grace in a transformative way.

I ask for your prayers during these next three days:

Please pray for:

• The entire Cursillo team as we serve and guide
• The men attending who are opening their hearts to encounter Christ more deeply
• The Holy Spirit to work powerfully in each person's life
• Grace, wisdom, and compassion for all involved

The Cursillo movement has touched countless lives, helping men and women grow closer to God and become active disciples in their communities. It's a blessing to be part of this beautiful ministry.

Over the next few days, please lift us all up in prayer.

De Colores!

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." - Matthew 18:20