“The community of believers was of one heart and mind” (Acts 4:32) Icon of St. Barnabas and ancient mosaic of the "Procession of Early Christian Martyrs" It has become commonplace today to spread about the faults of priests. One … [Read more...]
The Septuagint in the Theology of Joseph Ratzinger / Pope Benedict XVI
April 10, 2013 By 4 Comments
In ascribing to the Septuagint a theological relevance reaching above and beyond the literal content of its Hebrew source, making it an “independent textual witness,” Benedict is drawing upon the theology of revelation that he began to … [Read more...]
Glorious Wounds—Christ’s and Ours
April 9, 2013 By 2 Comments
You could say that Christ’s glorious wounds are our wounds. He took our humanity to himself in the Incarnation ... Christ’s humanity is completely ours. Central to the mystery of the Christian faith is Jesus Christ’s suffering, … [Read more...]
Hand to the Plow
April 8, 2013 By 6 Comments
The religious sister’s separation from family and friends means that ... in order to “put one’s hand to the plow” (Lk 9:59-60) one may not look back ... in order to attend to the “one thing necessary.” Introduction One of … [Read more...]
Thank God for Pope Francis
April 6, 2013 By 6 Comments
If my assessment of Pope Francis is correct, then I believe that the Conclave of Cardinals could not have been other than divinely inspired. As I reflect upon the election of the new Pope, I cannot help but believe that it was in every … [Read more...]
April 2013 Homilies
March 26, 2013 By 2 Comments
For Sunday Liturgies and Feasts Homilies for April 2013 Jesus Risen by Carravagio; Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations by Harry Anderson; They hear his voice. 2nd Sunday of Easter—April 7, 2013 Something Greater Here than … [Read more...]
The Virtue of Fidelity
March 26, 2013 By 5 Comments
My thoughts turn to the importance and need of fidelity precisely at this time when the Church is being tested, both from within and from without. Fidelity to one’s word, to one’s promises, and to one’s vows to God is not … [Read more...]
Helping to Heal the Pain in the Pew: The Preachers Role
March 26, 2013 By 2 Comments
This sex abuse scandal is, perhaps, the first time our listeners in the pews truly understand the pervasiveness of sin. ... The preacher speaks of its toll on our hearts, while ...reminding us that grace is more … [Read more...]
On Giving: What goes around…
March 25, 2013 By 1 Comment
When we are reunited with God fully in the Heavenly City, how should we explain what we have done with the entirely unmerited gifts that have been given us? Parable of the Talents by Willem de Poorter; English martyr, Robert … [Read more...]
Darkness, the Theological Virtues, and Finding the Inflection Point
March 25, 2013 By 8 Comments
... the downward inflection consists of distrust in God, and a focus on the importance of self. The upward inflection involves abandonment to divine providence, and a focus on reflecting the light of Christ. According to many Catholic … [Read more...]
Welcome, Holy Father Francis!
March 15, 2013 By
Like Francis of Assisi, our Holy Father is calling us back to the great saint who “rebuilt Christ's Church” by living a life of sheer simplicity and charity. St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis: "Rebuild my House" Let us take … [Read more...]
Reflections on the Triduum: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday
March 13, 2013 By
Editor's note: From March 28 - March 30 this year, the Church celebrates the holiest three days of the liturgical calendar, the Easter Triduum, when we commemorate the birth of the Eucharist and the priesthood, the passion, crucifixion … [Read more...]
Twelve-Step “Pride Elimination” Plan
March 13, 2013 By
At the end of Lent, as we are called to put the Crucified One at the center of our lives, we are also encouraged to let go of the many subtle ways pride tempts us to keep ourselves at the heart of things. Narcissus versus Christ washing … [Read more...]
Pondering the story of Passion Sunday: Lessons for our lives
March 12, 2013 By
Passion Sunday calls us to be a little more attentive to what we say about others, what we accept about others ... reminding us that there is never a single story about any place, any people, or any person. Usually, on days like Palm … [Read more...]
How Did We Get Into This Mess? The Legacy of Postmodernism.
March 11, 2013 By
Scholars tell us that this tipping point, when all taboos were uprooted and all universal expectations were discarded, goes by the name "Postmodernism." We have the sense that we went to sleep and woke up in a future we don’t … [Read more...]
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