Author Archives: Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

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About Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

A Roman Catholic priest since 1980 and a member of the Society of the Divine Savior (Salvatorians). www.Salvatorians.com. Six books on the Catholic church and U.S. culture are available on Amazon.com.

“I pretended to be them, so I could be me”

Posted on December 24, 2023 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

So, a child’s imagination begins by witnessing the magic adults perform every day. Slowly, that youthful seed is planted, watered and cared for. If you don’t identify with the plant metaphor, then please consider an infectious bug growing and spreading … Continue reading →

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“Keep Your Fork”

Posted on December 20, 2023 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

God sent His Son, His only Son, to save the world through redemptive words and actions of love, mercy, and hope. We acknowledge and honor that great event once again. God did a pretty good job, don’t you think? Jesus … Continue reading →

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“The Mystery of Faith”

Posted on December 7, 2023 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

That’s the line the priest says at Mass after holding up the bread and wine and repeating… or is it declaring, the very words of Jesus at the Last Supper. “Throw-away-line” to move us on to the next part? Hardly. … Continue reading →

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Sunsets & Advent

Posted on December 6, 2023 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

Whether attentively driving home on a bustling lane-changing Chicago expressway, preparing dinner for your family and warming a single portion for your child at some school practice, watching the nightly news with its nightly, frightening stories; or like me gazing … Continue reading →

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Advent Poem

Posted on December 2, 2023 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

Don’t Hesitate by Mary Oliver If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plentyof lives and whole towns destroyed or aboutto be. We are not wise, and not very oftenkind. And much can never … Continue reading →

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Advent I

Posted on November 28, 2023 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

In the lives of those who believe and pray, you can be sure of bleak winters of the spirit. We seem to go along so well for a while in prayer and relationships and life, but from season to season … Continue reading →

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Thanksgiving “Day!?”

Posted on November 19, 2023 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

“Thanksgiving Day?” One day? Why not make it a week of thankfulness? A day, sanctioned by the government [which many of you abhor, “Even more government control”], to honor one day which the Church honors each and every day as … Continue reading →

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Talent? “You’re kidding!”

Posted on November 19, 2023 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

Gospel of Matthew 119 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five … Continue reading →

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The Dawn of Nighttime

Posted on November 6, 2023 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

The sun begins to set on this November night as I look out my kitchen window. The bright sun that lit my day, all day long, slowly turns to glowing, multiple, softer colors to soften the transition to my night’s … Continue reading →

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“Saints” & “Souls” Days Combined

Posted on November 1, 2023 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

Two significant Catholic days separated by a quick, single … one second. “All Saints” followed by “All Souls.” As though they are not the same, we need to separate them.
 Separate? Apart? Not the same? Not equal? Not in my … Continue reading →

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