Crossing the finish line of a marathon is indescribable.  Running and walking for hours to reach mile 26.2 is the goal, but endorphins, stamina and above all physical, psychological and spiritual endurance is what has helped me in the past to be a marathon finisher. Crossing the finish line happens really fast; once you cross … Continue reading Fr. Juan’s Training Update

Preaching about the importance of the nuclear family as the domestic Church is something that I have been doing in my preaching very often. The Second Vatican Council brought forward from the writings of the Church Fathers the description of the family as “the domestic Church.” In Familiaris Consortio, Pope John Paul II speaks of the … Continue reading Focusing on Family

In the last few weeks, parishioners asked me what am I doing to lose weight? (probably, not knowing that I am training for a marathon).  I have received comments like, "Father you look thinner".  My secret is not only being disciplined at my training but the title of this reflection: I am eating smaller portions … Continue reading Eating Less, Praying More

Lately, people have asked me: Father how many miles have you run this week? My answer: Zero, I don't like to run... Silence (and after a long pause seeing their faces)... I repeat: yes! I don't like to run... Really Father, but you are training for a marathon? Yes, but I do not need to run a certain … Continue reading Why am I running a Marathon?

Lately, I have insisted in my preaching about the importance of Sacred Scriptures to help us know more about the Lord.  I am a cradle Catholic.  When I was growing up, my family did not read the Bible very often.  When I am teaching catechism to the teenagers who are preparing for Confirmation I use … Continue reading The Importance of Sacred Scripture in Our Lives

Bad habits interrupt what a good and healthy lifestyle really is. Bad habits prevent us from accomplishing our goals. They put in danger our health mentally and physically as we waste time and energy. Spiritually speaking, bad habits can prevent us from having a close relationship with the Lord and with others as well. A … Continue reading A Way to Go: Replacing Bad Habits for Good Habits

As a priest, I visit the sick very often in hospitals, senior centers, and in houses to administer the Sacraments.  Sometimes people (old and young) walk in the parish office to ask for guidance or they just ask to have some spiritual guidance. Beside bringing God's graces through the Sacraments, I practice the ministry of … Continue reading Ministry of Presence, Amazing People and Cancer Patients

A few days ago I came back to the parish. As soon as I entered my office, I knew that a big amount of work was waiting for me; it is been piling up in my desk. I prepared psychologically to the workload I would face after a long time out of the parish. I … Continue reading Back to the Parish, Ready to Work Hard

I do not like to wait and most of us we do not like to wait. When I am in a waiting room, I somehow feel desperate. I feel that time runs slowly. When I am in an airport waiting for a flight or for a connection, I have to do something; sometimes I pray, … Continue reading Patience: a Virtue and a Gift

When I celebrate Easter year by year,  I reassure my faith, I reaffirm that the Lord is resurrected and I have new hope for the future.  In contrast, we see a messy world: many people are turning away from God, suicide, addiction, abortion and the lack of respect for human life and the environment is … Continue reading From the distance: Happy Easter!!!