Shows
The Victor's CrownThings I Want to Do More (Part 2) Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Things I want to do more (part 2)Yesterday I talked about a daily Rosary.Today: daily Mass.And again, this comes from my own personal experience of having five kids.I do not get to daily Mass as much as I'd like to.Now, of course, I have reasons. Like I said: there are five of them, and the sixth is my wife.But, like pr...
2026-05-1402 min
The Victor's CrownThings I Want to Do More (Part 1) Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Things I want to do more (part 1)I've thought about a series of reflections titled something like "Things I Want to Do More."And in this month of May, it might not be any surprise that the thing that I would love to do more is pray a daily Rosary.As far as the prayers and devotions that the Church in general recommends, praying a daily Rosary is near the top....
2026-05-1302 min
The Victor's CrownA Place to Return To Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---A Place to Return ToNot far from us there is a monastery that has Mass which is open to the public.Our family went to Sunday Mass there this past weekend.And for me, it's just one of the places that I know I can find peace and quiet.Of course, there's only so much peace and quiet when you bring five kids along to Mass.Bu...
2026-05-1202 min
The Victor's CrownDo People Change? Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Do People Change?I think, depending on who you ask, you would get very different answers to this question: Do people change?Even for myself, on the one hand, my first reaction is no.I think, for the most part, people don't change. But it also depends on what you're talking about.There's a lot of personality quirks, a lot of how you are raised, that can influence who yo...
2026-05-0602 min
The Victor's CrownThe Face of the Father Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---The Face of the FatherMy wife and I are fortunate to have welcomed our fifth child back in October, so she's almost six months now, which is always just a fun age.In Mass, she loves to not only be held and look into your face, but she has to touch your face with both hands.It's not lost on me that in God's wisdom He instilled in babies this lo...
2026-05-0502 min
The Victor's CrownLittle Actions Add Up Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Little Actions Add UpI started tracking what I eat every day with a fancy nutrition app.And while this reflection is not about my personal health and fitness journey, I am continually amazed at the parallels between having a healthy body and a healthy soul—and the lessons that we can take from one to the other.In this particular instance, the lesson that I have found is that little acti...
2026-04-2802 min
The Victor's CrownEat the Frog Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Eat the FrogI’ve been trying to teach my kids the lesson of “eat the frog.”It’s an odd expression that I learned a while ago and had to look up. I didn’t realize it came from a book, but the idea is this:If every day you had to eat a frog, you could either waffle and think about it and groan about it and worry about it all day—a...
2026-04-2702 min
The Victor's CrownWhen Something Has to Give Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---When Something Has to GiveThere are certain things in our lives that need balance.Like playing golf and having a family. Or, enjoying a beer and staying fit. With the right balance, both can exist in your life. But then there are other things—things that aren't "both/and."They're "either/or."They can't coexist. One has to go.A very stark example: being on a...
2026-04-2402 min
The Victor's CrownUnhinged Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---UnhingedAn expression that seems to have caught on in recent years is the idea of being “unhinged.”If you are described as unhinged, it is not a compliment. It's the equivalent of being off your rocker, off base, out of control.Funny enough, I was reading a book—written at least a few decades ago, a spiritual book—and they use this phrase "unhinged" in matters of faith.Not in mat...
2026-04-2302 min
The Victor's CrownBreaking the Equation Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Breaking the EquationI can't recall exactly where I came across this idea. I wouldn't be surprised if it was Saint Josemaría Escrivá because he just has a way of distilling the faith into little nuggets that are perfect.It goes something like this:2 + 2 = 4But 2 + 2 + God = ?Now, there's obviously not a numerical answer.But I think what we're getting at here is that introducing God...
2026-04-2202 min
The Victor's CrownTo Suffer or Commit? Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---I recently came across this idea: it's worse to commit an injustice than to suffer one.I don't know about you, but speaking for myself, suffering an injustice—whether that’s outright hate, or just uncharitable remarks or a misunderstanding—has come up a few times.It’s important to remember that our goal in life is not to prove ourselves right to everybody. It's not to escape every single injustice that comes our way.
2026-04-2102 min
The Victor's CrownA Cramped Horizon Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com ---A Cramped Horizon "The proud person's horizon is terribly limited: it stops in himself. He can see no further than himself, his qualities, his virtues, his talent. His is a godless horizon. Even other people have no place on this cramped horizon. There is no room for them." — Salvador CanalsOur qualities, our virtues, and our talents aren't bad things. They are good things.It's when we only see those that our...
2026-04-1502 min
The Victor's CrownNecessary but not Sufficient Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Necessary But Not SufficientIn living a full human life, as God’s creation—where we're not content to just skate by, to live in indifference without any sort of intention—I feel like there are some levels.The first might be what you'd call human virtue. Really, just being a decent human being kind of falls into this camp. Pursuing virtue, separate from faith. And maybe some people stop there.The...
2026-04-1402 min
The Victor's CrownWhat Carries Over? Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Happy Easter!Lent was about discipline and denial. Easter is about celebration and joy.Then the question is: what do we do with those disciplines that we built and embraced? Do we keep them? Or do we let them go?We don’t continue fasting during Easter in the same way we did during Lent. There is a proper time for fasting and a proper time for feasting.But that...
2026-04-1302 min
The Victor's CrownWho Was There? Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Who Was There?Yesterday, we looked at the exchange between Pilate and Jesus and Pilate's misunderstanding—or lack of understanding.But I keep coming back to this: How do we even know that this took place?Jesus is sent into the praetorium. The Jews don't follow Him because they'd be unclean.So who witnessed this conversation? How is it recorded?I haven't researched this at all, but my b...
2026-04-0202 min
The Victor's CrownDo You Understand? Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Do You Understand?Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom we...
2026-04-0103 min
The Victor's CrownDon't Be Judas Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Don't Be JudasOf course, there are many heartbreaking aspects of Holy Week.One that is painful to watch is Judas.Starting with complaining about wasting the expensive oil, to betraying our Lord, trying to undo it, to committing suicide.It's like watching a train wreck and not being able to peel your eyes away. But it also shows something important.When something goes wrong, there are tw...
2026-03-3102 min
The Victor's CrownLet Your Soul Be Stirred Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Let your soul be stirredHoly Week is a powerful week for a variety of reasons.But one that stands out to me is that the stories we hear from the Gospels are so vivid we can imagine ourselves there.Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Cleansing of the temple. The Last Supper. Our Lord’s passion, death, and resurrection.These are stories. Events. Moments you can picture.This week...
2026-03-3002 min
The Victor's CrownHealing the Wound Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Healing the Wound"It is not enough to remove the arrow from the body. We also have to heal the wound caused by the arrow. It is the same with the soul. After we have received forgiveness for our sins, we have to heal the wound that remains through penance." — Saint John ChrysostomYesterday I talked about the disparity between sin and penance.It's a deep topic for a variety of reas...
2026-03-2702 min
The Victor's CrownThe Disparity Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---The DisparityIt's around that time in Lent when many parishes will be having penance services or nights where multiple priests come in to hear confessions.I encourage you to take advantage of it.Because as I've been reflecting on the sacrament, this image came to mind: The incredible disparity within the sacrament of confession.What I mean is this.Our sins, when we think about them, ar...
2026-03-2603 min
The Victor's CrownShadowboxing Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---ShadowboxingDo you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. Thus I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. — 1 Corinthians 9:24-26There's a lot we could unpack from this Scripture pass...
2026-03-2502 min
The Victor's CrownThe Forty Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---The FortyOver the weekend, we celebrated a feast day that's not super well-known in the Catholic world, but it's an important one—personally and for this publication.The Feast of the Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebaste. This is where the name "The Victor's Crown" comes from.Here's the story.There was a division of the Roman army during the early fourth century when Christianity was outlawed. This division was...
2026-03-2403 min
The Victor's CrownThe Forty Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---The FortyOver the weekend, we celebrated a feast day that's not super well-known in the Catholic world, but it's an important one—personally and for this publication.The Feast of the Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebaste. This is where the name "The Victor's Crown" comes from.Here's the story.There was a division of the Roman army during the early fourth century when Christianity was outlawed. This division was...
2026-03-2303 min
The Victor's CrownThe Particular Cross Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---The Particulars of the Cross“We need to suffer patiently, not only in the burden of being ill, but of being ill with the particular illness that God wants for us, among the people that He wants us to be with, and with the discomforts that He permits us to experience.” — Saint Francis de SalesI think Saint Francis de Sales’s words are especially helpful for us during this season of Lent and beyond...
2026-03-2302 min
The Victor's CrownThe Good Guys Always Win Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---The Good Guys Always WinWhen our family watches movies or reads stories, sometimes the kids will get a little anxious.It's exciting. You don't know what's going to happen. There's peril. There's danger. Is the hero going to make it?When that anxiety is starting to creep in and it's not being fun anymore, my wife and I remind the kids: "The good guys always win."There's a le...
2026-03-1902 min
The Victor's CrownThe Weight of the Stone Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---The Weight of the StoneI was doing research recently for a project and came across Saint John Paul II's homily from the Easter Vigil in 1979.He draws attention to the stone rolled in front of Christ's tomb.This is what was on the women’s minds as they came to the tomb but it also symbolized the weight that had “crushed their hearts.”The weight of death. The weight o...
2026-03-1802 min
The Victor's CrownUnhurried Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---UnhurriedWe live in a world that prizes speed. Efficiency. Optimization. Getting the most done in the least amount of time.But that pace is exhausting. It’s relentless. And I don’t think it’s how we were meant to live.There are some things that move at a natural pace. A natural rhythm.I’ve been reflecting on this more and more: How can we move at an unhurri...
2026-03-1702 min
The Victor's CrownAs Planned Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---As PlannedThis Lent has been harder than I expected. And certainly not for the reasons I would have expected.But I feel like that’s usually how Lent goes.You come up with a plan. And then, as Mike Tyson famously said, that plan gets thrown out the window as soon as you get hit in the mouth.I think, in some sense, that’s the point of Lent.
2026-03-1602 min
The Victor's CrownSelf-Improvement Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Self ImprovementThere are things that we do as Catholics that the wider world might also do—but not for spiritual reasons.You can cut out social media to be more productive. You can fast to lose weight. You can give money to feel good about yourself.There’s a bit of a trap here for us during Lent. These are all good things, and they work to our better...
2026-03-1302 min
The Victor's CrownSee Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---See“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” Isaiah 5:20-21Depending on how much you get sucked into the news, or politics, or the wider world at large, I think this is what we see.The world telling us that something evil and dark is actually good.We see di...
2026-03-1002 min
The Victor's CrownThirst Now Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Thirst Now“If God ever causes you to suffer from thirst as He guides you through this life, it is because He will give you drink and plenty in the next life without any fear of it ever failing you.” — Saint Teresa of ÁvilaLent can be a time of hunger and thirst in quite a literal way. But also in a metaphorical way. A spiritual way. An emotional way.If at the en...
2026-03-0902 min
The Victor's CrownSanctify Your Work Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Sanctify Your Work"Sanctity, for the vast majority of men, implies sanctifying their work, sanctifying themselves in it, and sanctifying others through it. Thus, they can encounter God in the course of their daily lives." — Saint Josemaría EscriváFor the vast majority of us, our faith, our spiritual life, the life of Christian virtue—it's lived out in our work.Not in adding another prayer to the list. Not in squeezin...
2026-03-0602 min
The Victor's CrownThe High Price Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---The High Price“For highly valued things are not obtained except at a high price.” — Saint John ChrysostomSaint John Chrysostom was reflecting on a passage from the Gospel of Matthew. James and John’s mother comes to Jesus and asks that her sons be seated at His right and left in the kingdom.Jesus responds: “Can you drink the chalice of which I will drink?”He’s asking: Are you willing...
2026-03-0502 min
The Victor's CrownWant to Be Great Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Want to Be GreatOver the weekend, we had a bit of warm weather that, at least for the Northeast, made it feel like spring was just around the corner.I was able to get outside with my kids and play catch. My son is particularly excited about this season, asking questions like:"Dad, do you think I'll be great? Do you think I'll be the fastest? Do you think I'll ha...
2026-03-0402 min
The Victor's CrownFight Bravely Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Fight BravelyLent is not a warm, fuzzy time. It’s challenging—physically, emotionally, spiritually. Self-reflective in a way that can be uncomfortable. Especially when we reflect on our sinfulness.But the opportunity in Lent is this: from that sinfulness, we can return to the Lord. Follow Him. Fight for Him with renewed energy.Because we see both our wretchedness and His mercy. Our failure and His perfection.Saint Gregor...
2026-02-2602 min
The Victor's CrownActive and Passive Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Active and PassiveI recently came across a helpful distinction when we talk about mortifications.We think of mortifications as the disciplines or the things we give up—the way we embrace sacrifices during Lent.But there are actually two kinds: active and passive.Active mortifications are the things we plan for. The things we choose.What are we giving up during Lent? What are we going to d...
2026-02-2502 min
The Victor's CrownKeep the Cross in Lent Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Keep the Cross in Lent“If anyone wants to possess Christ, never let him seek him without the cross.” — Saint John of the CrossThis quote is such a good reminder for us in Lent.Think back a couple months ago to Christmas. Christmas is a joyful season. It’s so idealized in a sense—even the harsh reality of being born in a stable, we sometimes forget, because Christmas decorations make it look...
2026-02-2402 min
The Victor's CrownLook at the Altar Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Look at the AltarDuring the season of Lent, we offer up prayers, fasting, and almsgiving to God.If we want to know how to make that offering, we can look at the Mass. We can look at the altar.And it’s pretty simple: we offer God our best.Look at the tabernacle. The candles. The chalice and paten. The priest’s vestments. The marble. The stained glass. The sa...
2026-02-2002 min
The Victor's CrownHollow Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---HollowAt Mass yesterday, a thought hit me: our prayers can be empty. Hollow.What I mean is this: you can be kneeling, head down, eyes closed, mouth moving, saying the prayers—but if your heart is not in the prayer, it’s empty.I won’t say it’s meaningless. I don’t think that’s my place to judge that.But I will say we’re not approaching the...
2026-02-1902 min
The Victor's CrownSame Lent, Different You Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Same Lent, Different YouIt's a blessing that Lent happens every year.It makes me think of hearing a song you loved when you were younger. Or picking up a book you read years ago.The song can take you back. It breathes some youthful life into you, remembering bygone days. There's nostalgia in it. Familiarity.Rereading a book is similar yet different. There's still familiarity—you know the stor...
2026-02-1802 min
The Victor's CrownWhat the Fall Broke Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---What the Fall BrokeLast week, I talked about the three big areas where we face the greatest stress: work, family, and health.On further reflection, it hit me that this isn’t random. This makes perfect sense.Because these are exactly what was affected by the Fall.Work: Yes, we were made to work. But before the Fall, it wasn’t burdensome toil. It was work in the same w...
2026-02-1602 min
The Victor's CrownSeason with Salt Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Season With SaltIn Leviticus, God commands that all offerings be seasoned with salt."You shall season all your grain offerings with salt. You shall not let the salt of the covenant with your God be missing from your grain offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt."The whole idea of sacrifice feels a little foreign to us. That kind of language is baked into the Catholic Church—we use...
2026-02-1302 min
The Victor's CrownJust Come Back Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Just Come BackLast weekend, my son went to confession for the first time.Anytime your kids receive the sacraments, it's a unique opportunity to re-approach them yourself. You think about your own journey—the mistakes you made, the ways you drifted, the times you wandered off.And you pray your kids will do better.The reality is, after his confession, even though he's now officially in a state of g...
2026-02-1202 min
The Victor's CrownThe Little Things Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---The Little ThingsThere are probably three big areas that challenge us the most, test us the most, where the greatest stress lives:Work. Family. Health.Those are the big ones.Speaking for myself—sole provider, five kids under 10, always something going on health-wise, sometimes bigger, sometimes smaller—I get it. These areas carry real weight.We want to be faithful in the big decisions. The career moves...
2026-02-1102 min
The Victor's CrownNourishment, Not Reward Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Nourishment, Not RewardThe Eucharist isn’t a reward. It’s nourishment for our weakness and for the road ahead.I think sometimes we treat the Eucharist like something we have to earn. “When I’m good enough, then I’ll let myself receive.”But that’s backward.We don’t receive the Eucharist because we’re holy. We receive the Eucharist because we need it to become holy.It’s not the de...
2026-02-0902 min
The Victor's CrownIs This Worthy? Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Is This Worthy?Is this behavior worthy of a good Christian?It’s a good question to ask when you’re in a grey area. Or at least when you tell yourself it’s a grey area.Something might not be sinful. Not directly harmful. Not obviously hurtful.But that doesn’t mean it’s worthy.Instead of asking “Is this wrong?” try asking “Is this worthy of a good Christia...
2026-02-0602 min
The Victor's CrownFor Your Good Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---For Your GoodThis week I’ve been writing about trials—how not to be surprised when they come, how to be ready for them.Today, another angle on the same truth.Imagine you’re working with a personal trainer, walking through a weight room. You’re just walking through, chatting, getting the lay of the land.But you shouldn’t be surprised when that trainer stops and asks you to do so...
2026-02-0502 min
The Victor's CrownBe Ready Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Be ReadyYesterday we talked about not being surprised when trials come. Today, I want to talk about being ready for them.There’s a difference.Back in college, I played baseball. During the winter, we’d work out in the old basketball gym—a converted airport hangar. Dusty, stuffy, hard to breathe.Sometimes, at the end of practice, we’d have to run suicides.It was the worst...
2026-02-0402 min
The Victor's CrownDon’t Be Surprised Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Don't Be SurprisedHere's some advice we could all take to heart: Don't be surprised.When you first hear it, it might not mean what you think it means.My wife was telling me about a mother whose cause for canonization is open. One of her characteristics? She was never surprised when her kids acted like kids—when they were imperfect, when they fought, when they bickered.She wasn't shoc...
2026-02-0302 min
The Victor's CrownThe Right Tool Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---The Right Tool"Men are only instruments which God makes use of for the salvation of souls. We have to make sure those instruments are in a good state of repair so that God can use them." —St. Pius XWe are tools in God's hands.A hammer is different from a screwdriver. A shovel is different from a plow. A scalpel is different from both.Each has its purp...
2026-01-2902 min
The Victor's CrownA Spot of Joy Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---A spot of joyWhen we read the New Testament, emotions can get a little muted.We think of Jesus as super chill, super calm, very mellow. But then we get those peak moments—Jesus in the temple pulling out a whip and driving the vendors out. When you really think about how intense that must have been, you realize: Jesus wasn’t emotionless.And on the other end of the...
2026-01-2802 min
The Victor's CrownGive Him Everything Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Give Him Your Will"He who gives his goods in alms, his blood and scourging, his food and fasting, gives God what he has. But he who gives God his will gives himself, gives everything he is." —St. Alphonsus LiguoriWe can give God a lot of things. Our money. Our time. Our sacrifices. Our disciplines.But giving God our will? That's giving Him everything.I think we underestimate: the...
2026-01-2702 min
The Victor's CrownIn Every Situation Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---In Every SituationI have a challenge for each of us this week. Myself absolutely included.Here it is: Learn to turn to God in every situation. Not just when we need help—in every situation.We're pretty good at turning to the Lord when we need help. When things are hard. When we're desperate. When we don't know what to do.But what about the ordinary moments? What abou...
2026-01-2602 min
The Victor's CrownStrive Always Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Strive AlwaysPerseverance is a virtue that doesn’t get enough attention.Maybe because you can’t see it in a moment. Perseverance is possessed over time—over months, years, a lifetime of continuing to strive.St. Teresa of Ávila captures this beautifully:“Come what may, happen what will, let those complain who will, tire yourself as you must. But even if you die halfway along the road, tend always towa...
2026-01-2302 min
The Victor's CrownStanding With Him Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Standing With HimSometimes we treat our faith life like we’re always chasing after God.He’s way off there, distant, and we’re trudging through the muck trying to reach Him. Falling. Getting back up. Continuing.That image is true. It captures something real about the struggle.But there’s another image that’s also true—and we forget it too often.We’re not just chasing aft...
2026-01-2102 min
The Victor's CrownWilling to Fight Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Willing to FightIt’s around that time when many New Year’s resolutions are beginning to falter.Maybe we came out too strong. Maybe we were sprinting when we should have been thinking about a marathon.That’s okay. You can pick yourself back up and start again.The journey in this life is often that starting over. Failing, getting back up, trying again.It’s important...
2026-01-2002 min
The Victor's CrownUseless Things Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Useless ThingsWhat you give your attention to becomes your reality.I recently read this in a book about our online habits. The author’s point was simple: if you spend all day reading articles about crime, you’ll start seeing potential threats on every street corner.What you consume through your eyes, through your ears, through conversations—it all affects how you see the world, how you see yourself, how you see...
2026-01-1902 min
The Victor's CrownTo Cut Off Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---To Cut OffThe Latin root of the word “decide” means “to cut off.”The same root appears in words like homicide and suicide—-cide, to cut, to strike down.Every decision cuts something off. When you decide this, you cut off that.Deciding to pursue holiness means cutting away sin from our lives. But sin itself is also a decision—a cutting away from God.We don’t usually...
2026-01-1602 min
The Victor's CrownThe Gaps Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---The GapsAs we grow in faith, prayer takes on a central rhythm in our lives.We develop anchors—times when we pray consistently. Morning prayer bookending the day with night prayer. Grace before meals. The Angelus at noon. These are good. Our days are built around these anchors, but there's a lot of life happening between them.The question is: how do we let God into those moments?...
2026-01-1502 min
The Victor's CrownThe Ordinary Life Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---The Ordinary Life"The ordinary life of a man among his fellows is not something dull and uninteresting. It is there that the Lord wants the vast majority of His children to achieve sanctity." —St. Josemaría EscriváSanctity happens in the ordinary. In the everyday. In the life you're living right now.Not just at the retreat or the conference. Not only on the pilgrimage or during the mountaintop experience. Those...
2026-01-1402 min
The Victor's CrownUnwilling Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---UnwillingSt. Augustine gives us a disturbing scenario: at the final judgment, the devil and his demons speak these words to our Lord about us."Most just God, declare him to be mine who was unwilling to be Yours."It should unsettle us a little.First, because at the end of time, we're going one way or the other. It's as simple as that.But what strikes me...
2026-01-1302 min
The Victor's CrownWhere We Expect Him Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Where We Expect Him“How many souls are troubled by doubt because God does not show Himself in the way they expected.” —J. LeclerqThe problem isn’t that God doesn’t show up. It’s that He doesn’t always show up where we expect Him.We look for God in the big moments—the dramatic answers to prayer, the obvious interventions, the clear signs. And when we don’t see Him there, doubt...
2026-01-1202 min
The Victor's CrownAct and Trust Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Act and TrustThe spiritual life can feel like a roller coaster—steep declines where we fall into trusting ourselves, steep inclines where we're learning to trust God again.We swing between the extremes. Sometimes we trust but don't act, waiting passively for God to do everything. Other times we act obsessively but don't trust, thinking it all depends on us.Both are wrong.There’s an old saying often...
2026-01-0902 min
The Victor's CrownNot Into the Nest Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Not Into the Nest"God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into its nest." —Josiah Gilbert HollandOur journey toward God is one of collaboration.God doesn't do it for us. We don't do it entirely for ourselves. It's both.God provides the food, but the bird still has to leave the nest. God provides the grace, but we still have to cooperate with it...
2026-01-0802 min
The Victor's CrownWhen He Wills It Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---When He Wills ItOne of the challenging parts of following Christ is trust. Or as the saints call it: abandonment to Divine Providence.We trust that God wants the best for us, but in any given moment, we don't see the whole picture. We might desire to be somewhere else, to be different, to be a little further along in our lives.Different job. Different home. Different season of life. Di...
2026-01-0702 min
The Victor's CrownNo Proxy Conversions Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---No Proxy Conversions"We cannot forget that conversion is a profoundly inward act, in which the individual cannot be replaced by others and cannot make the community a substitute for him." —St. John Paul IIThere's no such thing as conversion by proxy.The trap is thinking that because we send our kids to the right school, or we belong to the right parish, or we're part of the right community, that...
2026-01-0602 min
The Victor's CrownBegin Again Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Begin Again“All human creations are the result of unwearied new beginnings.” —G. ChevrotChevrot is talking about works of art, sculpture, books—the products of our labor. But he’s making a deeper connection to the spiritual life.Excellence doesn’t come from getting it right once. It comes from trying again and again and again. Unwearied new beginnings.Whether we’re riding high or hitting a rough patch, w...
2026-01-0502 min
The Victor's CrownOne of the Five Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---One of the Five"How I wish your bearing and conversation were such that on seeing or hearing you, people would say, 'This man reads the life of Jesus Christ.'" —St. Josemaría EscriváWhat a line. Not "This man is perfect" or "This man has it all figured out." But "This man reads the life of Jesus Christ."There's something tangible here. If we want to reflect Christ to others...
2025-12-3102 min
The Victor's CrownLittle Skirmishes Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Little Skirmishes"Today, as yesterday, heroism is expected of the Christian, a heroism in great struggles if the need arises. Normally, however, the heroism will be in the little skirmishes of each day." —St. Josemaría EscriváA number of saints have talked about this idea, and I need to remind myself of it constantly.In my season of life—husband, father, working professional—most of my opportunities for heroism aren't grand gest...
2025-12-3002 min
The Victor's CrownChange My Face Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Change My FaceI remember back in college when a few friends informed me that I have a bit of an intimidating face. My wife says that my resting face can look a little stern. Apparently, I need to smile more.But the other day after receiving the Eucharist at Mass, a prayer came to mind. Usually it's "Lord, change my heart." But this time it was "Lord, change my face."No...
2025-12-2901 min
The Victor's CrownThe Path Is Lit Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---The Path Is LitOur Lord lights our path. He shows us the way.But sometimes that's by candlelight—we can barely see a few feet ahead. Sometimes it's a flashlight in the dark—we see our destination but we're not sure how to get there. And sometimes God lights up the path like an airport runway—crystal clear, unmistakable, just go.The intensity of the light changes, but the truth doesn't...
2025-12-2601 min
The Victor's CrownMerry Christmas Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Merry ChristmasI'm so grateful you're here. Thank you for spending part of your days with me this year—for reading these reflections, for wrestling with these ideas, for growing in faith alongside me.Today we celebrate the moment everything changed. God became man so that man can be with God. He entered into our mess, our chaos, our ordinary lives to show us the way home.That's what this is all...
2025-12-2501 min
The Victor's CrownDon't Miss Jesus Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Don't Miss JesusThe last thing you want for Christmas is to miss Jesus.I don't mean that's the last item on your list. I mean that's the very thing you want to avoid—missing Jesus when He comes on Christmas.In the Bible story, people actually missed Him. King Herod was too threatened to see who Jesus really was. The innkeepers were too busy to make room. The religious leaders were...
2025-12-2402 min
The Victor's CrownThe One True Light Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---The One True LightThe Christmas story has become so visual for us. We’ve seen nativity scenes, heard the story countless times, watched recreations. It’s familiar. Mary and Joseph searching for shelter in the cold night. Shepherds tending their flocks at night. Wise men following a star.The whole scene is wrapped in darkness.And that’s exactly the point. Christ comes into a world that is in darkn...
2025-12-2301 min
The Victor's CrownPreparing the Way Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Preparing the WayIt's not hard to see why Saint John the Baptist is a figure we return to in Advent. He came to prepare the way of the Lord, and he is also a model for us.He didn't do the work of Christ. He didn't heal the sick or cast out demons. He didn't convert hearts—that's the work of the Holy Spirit. What John did was prepare the people. He prep...
2025-12-2201 min
The Victor's CrownUnworthy Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---"Go to Holy Communion even when you feel lukewarm, leaving everything in God's hands. The more my sickness debilitates me, the more urgently do I need a doctor." —Saint BonaventureAre any of us actually worthy to receive the Eucharist? It's too great of a gift. Every time we approach, we pray: "Lord, I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed."
2025-12-1902 min
The Victor's CrownMaking the Stop Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Making the Stop"A good Samaritan is he who stops to relieve the suffering of another, no matter who or what he is." —Saint John Paul IIWe know the parable. It's dramatic. Life-or-death. The kind of suffering you can't miss.But what I love about Saint John Paul II's words: relieving suffering can mean a lot of things. The parable shows us someone in desperate need of help, but that's not...
2025-12-1801 min
The Victor's CrownJoy Beyond All Joy Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---Joy Beyond All JoyAdvent and Christmas are seasons of joy. There's joy in the waiting, in the preparation, in the anticipation. We hear it everywhere in these weeks—Mary's soul rejoicing in the Magnificat, John the Baptist leaping for joy in Elizabeth's womb, the shepherds receiving joyful news on Christmas night.This joy isn't just a nice feeling we're supposed to work up during the holidays. It's a reminder of what following Chri...
2025-12-1702 min
The Victor's CrownDeception Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---DeceptionThe day before Thanksgiving, I got scammed by someone impersonating my bank. Fortunately, no real damage was done. But what frightened me was how convincing they were—they even made their call appear to come from my bank's actual support number. Apparently scammers can do that now.When I talked to my real bank rep, they gave me simple advice: "Just be on the lookout. Someone is actively trying to trick you."
2025-12-1601 min
The Victor's CrownPatient with Ourselves Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com ---Advent is a season of waiting and preparation. We’re patiently waiting for Christmas Day. We’re patiently waiting for the coming of our Lord. Our kids are (somewhat) patiently waiting for the joy that comes with Christmas morning.What we often miss is: are we being patient with ourselves?How quickly do we get frustrated with ourselves? That we’re not far enough along on the path to heaven. That we’re not holy e...
2025-12-1502 min
The Victor's CrownA Means to MoreWelcome to The Victor’s Crown - a Catholic podcast about pursuing the imperishable crown of Heaven through daily prayer, wisdom from Scripture and the saints, and conversations that challenge us to grow in holiness.Today’s reflection is part of our First Victory series. Every weekday we release a reflection to ground your morning in prayer. Spend a few minutes with the Lord, so by His grace you can face whatever comes next with faith, virtue, and strength.Sign up at TheVictorsCrown.com to receive the written reflections delivered to your email inbox each morn...
2025-12-1202 min
The Victor's CrownA House Of“My house shall be called a house of prayer.”We hear this line a few times in Scripture—first in Isaiah, then when Christ quotes it in the New Testament.I think we can take a moment to reflect on this very practically.It’s not too far-fetched to think we want the same for our own homes. We want our homes to be houses of prayer.Now, it’s not going to be a house of prayer in the same way a Carmelite monastery is a house of prayer. Unless your kids...
2025-12-1102 min
The Victor's CrownIn a WordWelcome to The Victor’s Crown - a Catholic podcast about pursuing the imperishable crown of Heaven through daily prayer, wisdom from Scripture and the saints, and conversations that challenge us to grow in holiness.Today’s reflection is part of our First Victory series. Every weekday we release a reflection to ground your morning in prayer. Spend a few minutes with the Lord, so by His grace you can face whatever comes next with faith, virtue, and strength.Sign up at TheVictorsCrown.com to receive the written reflections delivered to your email inbox each morn...
2025-12-1002 min
The Victor's CrownThe SignWelcome to The Victor’s Crown - a Catholic podcast about pursuing the imperishable crown of Heaven through daily prayer, wisdom from Scripture and the saints, and conversations that challenge us to grow in holiness.Today’s reflection is part of our First Victory series. Every weekday we release a reflection to ground your morning in prayer. Spend a few minutes with the Lord, so by His grace you can face whatever comes next with faith, virtue, and strength.Sign up at TheVictorsCrown.com to receive the written reflections delivered to your email inbox each morn...
2025-12-0902 min
The Victor's CrownThe Time We Still HaveWelcome to The Victor’s Crown - a Catholic podcast about pursuing the imperishable crown of Heaven through daily prayer, wisdom from Scripture and the saints, and conversations that challenge us to grow in holiness.Today’s reflection is part of our First Victory series. Every weekday we release a reflection to ground your morning in prayer. Spend a few minutes with the Lord, so by His grace you can face whatever comes next with faith, virtue, and strength.Sign up at TheVictorsCrown.com to receive the written reflections delivered to your email inbox each morn...
2025-12-0802 min
The Victor's CrownWhat the Ear Alone BelievesWelcome to The Victor’s Crown - a Catholic podcast about pursuing the imperishable crown of Heaven through daily prayer, wisdom from Scripture and the saints, and conversations that challenge us to grow in holiness.Today’s reflection is part of our First Victory series. Every weekday we release a reflection to ground your morning in prayer. Spend a few minutes with the Lord, so by His grace you can face whatever comes next with faith, virtue, and strength.Sign up at TheVictorsCrown.com to receive the written reflections delivered to your email inbox each morn...
2025-12-0502 min
The Victor's CrownEverything You CanWelcome to The Victor’s Crown - a Catholic podcast about pursuing the imperishable crown of Heaven through daily prayer, wisdom from Scripture and the saints, and conversations that challenge us to grow in holiness.Today’s reflection is part of our First Victory series. Every weekday we release a reflection to ground your morning in prayer. Spend a few minutes with the Lord, so by His grace you can face whatever comes next with faith, virtue, and strength.Sign up at TheVictorsCrown.com to receive the written reflections delivered to your email inbox each morn...
2025-12-0402 min
The Victor's CrownSecond the MotionWelcome to The Victor’s Crown - a Catholic podcast about pursuing the imperishable crown of Heaven through daily prayer, wisdom from Scripture and the saints, and conversations that challenge us to grow in holiness.Today’s reflection is part of our First Victory series. Every weekday we release a reflection to ground your morning in prayer. Spend a few minutes with the Lord, so by His grace you can face whatever comes next with faith, virtue, and strength.Sign up at TheVictorsCrown.com to receive the written reflections delivered to your email inbox each morn...
2025-12-0302 min
The Victor's CrownPast, Present, FutureWelcome to The Victor’s Crown - a Catholic podcast about pursuing the imperishable crown of Heaven through daily prayer, wisdom from Scripture and the saints, and conversations that challenge us to grow in holiness.Today’s reflection is part of our First Victory series. Every weekday we release a reflection to ground your morning in prayer. Spend a few minutes with the Lord, so by His grace you can face whatever comes next with faith, virtue, and strength.Sign up at TheVictorsCrown.com to receive the written reflections delivered to your email inbox each morn...
2025-12-0202 min
The Victor's CrownThe Work That RedeemsWelcome to The Victor’s Crown - a Catholic podcast about pursuing the imperishable crown of Heaven through daily prayer, wisdom from Scripture and the saints, and conversations that challenge us to grow in holiness.Today’s reflection is part of our First Victory series. Every weekday we release a reflection to ground your morning in prayer. Spend a few minutes with the Lord, so by His grace you can face whatever comes next with faith, virtue, and strength.Sign up at TheVictorsCrown.com to receive the written reflections delivered to your email inbox each morn...
2025-12-0102 min
The Victor's CrownConsumedWelcome to The Victor’s Crown - a Catholic podcast about pursuing the imperishable crown of Heaven through daily prayer, wisdom from Scripture and the saints, and conversations that challenge us to grow in holiness.Today’s reflection is part of our First Victory series. Every weekday we release a reflection to ground your morning in prayer. Spend a few minutes with the Lord, so by His grace you can face whatever comes next with faith, virtue, and strength.Sign up at TheVictorsCrown.com to receive the written reflections delivered to your email inbox each morn...
2025-11-2801 min
The Victor's CrownA Head, A Heart, A SoulWelcome to The Victor’s Crown - a Catholic podcast about pursuing the imperishable crown of Heaven through daily prayer, wisdom from Scripture and the saints, and conversations that challenge us to grow in holiness.Today’s reflection is part of our First Victory series. Every weekday we release a reflection to ground your morning in prayer. Spend a few minutes with the Lord, so by His grace you can face whatever comes next with faith, virtue, and strength.Sign up at TheVictorsCrown.com to receive the written reflections delivered to your email inbox each morn...
2025-11-2702 min
The Victor's CrownIn It TogetherWelcome to The Victor’s Crown - a Catholic podcast about pursuing the imperishable crown of Heaven through daily prayer, wisdom from Scripture and the saints, and conversations that challenge us to grow in holiness.Today’s reflection is part of our First Victory series. Every weekday we release a reflection to ground your morning in prayer. Spend a few minutes with the Lord, so by His grace you can face whatever comes next with faith, virtue, and strength.Sign up at TheVictorsCrown.com to receive the written reflections delivered to your email inbox each morn...
2025-11-2602 min
The Victor's CrownThe Time for WorkWelcome to The Victor’s Crown - a Catholic podcast about pursuing the imperishable crown of Heaven through daily prayer, wisdom from Scripture and the saints, and conversations that challenge us to grow in holiness.Today’s reflection is part of our First Victory series. Every weekday we release a reflection to ground your morning in prayer. Spend a few minutes with the Lord, so by His grace you can face whatever comes next with faith, virtue, and strength.Sign up at TheVictorsCrown.com to receive the written reflections delivered to your email inbox each morn...
2025-11-2501 min
The Victor's CrownHe Did All Things WellWelcome to The Victor’s Crown - a Catholic podcast about pursuing the imperishable crown of Heaven through daily prayer, wisdom from Scripture and the saints, and conversations that challenge us to grow in holiness.Today’s reflection is part of our First Victory series. Every weekday we release a reflection to ground your morning in prayer. Spend a few minutes with the Lord, so by His grace you can face whatever comes next with faith, virtue, and strength.Sign up at TheVictorsCrown.com to receive the written reflections delivered to your email inbox each morn...
2025-11-2401 min
The Victor's CrownYear SeventeenWelcome to The Victor’s Crown - a Catholic podcast about pursuing the imperishable crown of Heaven through daily prayer, wisdom from Scripture and the saints, and conversations that challenge us to grow in holiness.Today’s reflection is part of our First Victory series. Every weekday we release a reflection to ground your morning in prayer. Spend a few minutes with the Lord, so by His grace you can face whatever comes next with faith, virtue, and strength.Sign up at TheVictorsCrown.com to receive the written reflections delivered to your email inbox each morn...
2025-11-2101 min
The Victor's CrownThe InheritanceWelcome to The Victor’s Crown - a Catholic podcast about pursuing the imperishable crown of Heaven through daily prayer, wisdom from Scripture and the saints, and conversations that challenge us to grow in holiness.Today’s reflection is part of our First Victory series. Every weekday we release a reflection to ground your morning in prayer. Spend a few minutes with the Lord, so by His grace you can face whatever comes next with faith, virtue, and strength.Sign up at TheVictorsCrown.com to receive the written reflections delivered to your email inbox each morn...
2025-11-2002 min
The Victor's CrownWhat Happens When You DieWelcome to The Victor’s Crown - a Catholic podcast about pursuing the imperishable crown of Heaven through daily prayer, wisdom from Scripture and the saints, and conversations that challenge us to grow in holiness.Today’s reflection is part of our First Victory series. Every weekday we release a reflection to ground your morning in prayer. Spend a few minutes with the Lord, so by His grace you can face whatever comes next with faith, virtue, and strength.Sign up at TheVictorsCrown.com to receive the written reflections delivered to your email inbox each morn...
2025-11-1901 min
The Victor's CrownWhat Are You Full Of?Welcome to The Victor’s Crown - a Catholic podcast about pursuing the imperishable crown of Heaven through daily prayer, wisdom from Scripture and the saints, and conversations that challenge us to grow in holiness.Today’s reflection is part of our First Victory series. Every weekday we release a reflection to ground your morning in prayer. Spend a few minutes with the Lord, so by His grace you can face whatever comes next with faith, virtue, and strength.Sign up at TheVictorsCrown.com to receive the written reflections delivered to your email inbox each morn...
2025-11-1802 min
The Victor's CrownHope Dies Last Get full access to The Victor's Crown at www.thevictorscrown.com/subscribe
2025-11-1401 min