For October 1, October 8, October 15, October 22, and October 29 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time – October 1, 2023 Readings: Ez 18:25–28 • Ps 25:4–5, 6–7, 8–9 • Phil 2:1–11 • Mt 21:28–32 bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100123.cfm In tod … [Read more...]
Archives for 2023
Evangelizing Catechesis
As a member of the USCCB’s Committee of Evangelization and Catechesis, we have spent a great deal of time developing a new vision of what we call “Evangelizing Catechesis.” We have defined it as such: At the heart of the Church’s mission to … [Read more...]
Is the Universal Call to Holiness a New Teaching?
It is not uncommon to find the opinion that the Church has introduced a new understanding of what it means to be holy and who is called to it through Lumen Gentium’s teaching on the universal call to holiness. Oftentimes, this claim of n … [Read more...]
On Moral Perfection
All humans struggle with moral perfection, and temptations to sin are ever-present. Jesus tells us, “Temptations to sin are sure to come . . .” (Lk 17:1; RSV-CE). Yet Jesus, the Catholic Church, and Sacred Scripture call us to moral per … [Read more...]
Grace and Free Will in Spiritual Growth
In the 2000-year history of theology, some of our greatest thinkers have struggled to define the precise relationship between grace and free will in the lives of individual Christians. Are we free to choose the good? Do we need grace even … [Read more...]
Through My Fault
In the beginning of the Mass in the penitential rite we all say: I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, … [Read more...]
Questions Answered – October 2023
The Reasons for Marian Devotion Question: Would Fr. Mullady please explain the Church’s emphasis on Mary? Since the answer could be lengthy, recommending a few core texts would be very helpful. It seems that Marian devotion is a wonderful g … [Read more...]
Book Reviews – October 2023
Aquinas on Scripture: A Primer. By John F. Boyle. Reviewed by D.M. Walker. (skip to review) Remembering Why We Preach: A Retreat to Renew Your Spirit and Skill. By Karla J. Bellinger and Michael E. Connors, CSC. Reviewed by Deacon … [Read more...]
Homilies for September 2023
For September 3, September 10, September 17, and September 24 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – September 3, 2023 Readings: Jer 20:7–9 • Ps 63:2, 3–4, 5–6, 8–9 • Rom 12:1–2 • Mt 16:21–27 bible.usccb.org/bible … [Read more...]
The Work of Catechesis for Priests and Deacons
Foreword by Rev. John P. Cush: “HPR Ressourcement, Part II” As you, as our faithful reader (or even new reader!) might know, this journal, now known as Homiletic and Pastoral Review, was founded over 123 years ago. When I think about the pr … [Read more...]
Healed, Mystic, Teacher: Seminary Spiritual Formation
Go to Part I “Spiritual formation is directed at nourishing and sustaining communion with God . . . This intimate relationship forms the heart of the seminarian in that sacrificial love that marks the beginning of pastoral charity.”[1. Na … [Read more...]
Preachers of the ERD
Deacons must be comfortable with proclaiming the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. The wisdom of the ERD is not commonly shared with Catholics in the pews. The United States Conference of Catholic … [Read more...]
He Who Hears You, Hears Me
Upon commissioning the preaching of the Gospel, our good Lord said to His Apostles, “He who hears you hears me.” (Luke 10:16, RSV) These words the Catholic bishops applied to themselves: “This sacred Council teaches that the bishops, from di … [Read more...]
“I am the Truth”: Brief Catholic Ponderings on Truth
In a well-known passage, Jesus proclaims, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” (Jn 14:6a) As with all the seven “I am” sayings recorded in John’s Gospel, Jesus here is making a claim regarding His divinity. Indeed, three individual c … [Read more...]
Questions Answered – September 2023
What American Education Lost Question: What is the bottom line in the almost universal rejection of objective truth in American education today? Answer: This problem is twofold. One is the destruction of Western Civilization. The other … [Read more...]
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