Magazine

Homilies for May 2024

For the Sixth Sunday of Easter, the Solemnity of the Ascension, the Seventh Sunday of Easter, Pentecost Sunday, and the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Note: Homily for Pentecost Sunday by Rev. John P. Cush, STD; all others for May … [Read more...]

“The Wind Blows Where It Wills”: Understanding the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

The Second Vatican Council, in its document Gaudium et Spes, teaches us that only in the mystery of the Incarnate Word does the mystery of man take on light, that Christ fully reveals man to himself. The goal of this article is to shed more … [Read more...]

Early Ratzinger on Revelation, Faith, and Tradition

A Refutation of Ormond Rush

Ormond Rush’s Interpretation of Early Ratzinger’s Commentary At the Synod on synodality, October 23, 2023, Australian theologian Fr. Ormond Rush gave a lecture on the early Joseph Ratzinger’s theology of revelation, faith, and tradition, in … [Read more...]

Can White Vestments Be Worn at All Times?

Go up to an average American Roman Catholic priest and ask them, “When can white vestments be worn?” and you will probably receive the answer, “Always.” It is commonly thought that white is the default color for vestments; however, a natural … [Read more...]

Teaching Theology to Gen Z

Three Lessons from Henri de Lubac

Each fall, as I prepare to stand before a classroom of undergraduates, required as they are to take my Introduction to Catholic Theology course, I reconsider how to teach the faith most effectively. This task has become more challenging … [Read more...]

Failure in the Christian Life

Pastoral Lessons from Dostoevky’s Idiot and Endo’s Silence

Recent years have witnessed a burgeoning range of books, articles, and online publications dedicated the problem of failure. Much of the material is aimed at helping leaders and professional groups deal with failure by using strategies … [Read more...]

Questions Answered – May 2024

Farewell and Thanks to Fr. Mullady For many years, Fr. Brian Thomas Becket Mullady, O.P., has been the author of HPR’s “Question and Answers” column. Fr. Mullady entered the Dominican Order in 1966 and was ordained a priest in Oakland, Cali … [Read more...]

Book Reviews – May 2024

Isaiah (An Exegetical & Theological Bible Commentary). By J. Gordon McConville. Reviewed by Sr. Mary Micaela Hoffmann, RSM. (skip to review) Who Do You Say I Am?: Daily Reflections on the Bible, the Saints, and the Answer That Is … [Read more...]

Homilies for April 2024

For Divine Mercy Sunday, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, the Third Sunday, Fourth Sunday, and Fifth Sunday of Easter Second Sunday of Easter (Sunday of Divine Mercy) – April 7, 2024 Readings: Acts 4:32–35 • Psalm 118:2–4, 13–15, 22–24 … [Read more...]

Induction and Allegory: Clement of Alexandria’s Catechetical Method

This essay examines the pedagogical contribution of Clement of Alexandria (A.D. 150 – 215) and implications for contemporary catechesis. Inductive Learning and Catechesis Allegorical exegesis, a unique aspect of Clement’s method, presents … [Read more...]

Seven Characteristics of the Resurrection Appearances

The Resurrection is a central mystery of our Christian faith. Without the perspective of the resurrection, we lose sight of eternity and the life hereafter. Yet despite the centrality of this mystery, I wonder how many Christians could … [Read more...]

Saint Paul, Masculinity, and Priestly Identity

When speaking to his son, King David reminds Solomon what it takes to succeed as king: “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, be courageous [לְאִֽישׁ], and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping … [Read more...]

Counsels vs. Commands in Vocational Discernment

Anxiety. Fear. These words frequently come up in commentary about young Catholics and vocational discernment.[1. For example, S. E. Greydanus, “Rethinking Vocational Discernment,” HPR, June 23, 2023, www … [Read more...]

Prayer as the Fountain of Faith

Prayer is the latch that opens the window to God’s mysterious beauty and brings fresh air to our soul. Without the breath of prayer, faith suffocates. A daily practice of prayer stabilizes us against winds of deceit. Prayer liberates us f … [Read more...]

Questions Answered – April 2024

The Mission of the Family Question: The government seems to be usurping more and more of what are traditionally rights of the family. What is the Church’s teaching about this? Answer: The family has four dimensions which grow out of the … [Read more...]