Magazine

Human Life and the Divine Life

Introduction The article presented here was originally written by the Dominican priest Fr. Ambroise Gardeil, O.P. (1859-1931). Fr. Gardeil was a professor at the house of formation for the French Dominican Province at the turn of the … [Read more...]

On the Lord’s Prayer

When the dawn appears, When the light grows, When midday burns, When has ceased The holy light, When the clear night comes; I sing your praises, O Father, Healer of hearts, Healer of bodies, Giver of … [Read more...]

Questions Answered – October 2020

The Question of Gluten-Free Hosts Question: Are the following valid matter for the Eucharist: grape juice or gluten-free hosts? Answer: I am astonished at how many questions I get about what constitutes valid matter for the Eucharist. … [Read more...]

Homilies for October 2020

For October 4, October 11, October 18, October 25 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time – October 4, 2020 Readings: Is 5:1-7 • Ps 80:9, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20 • Phil 4:6-9 • Mt 21:33-43 usccb.org/bible/readings/100420.cfm The Jewish Scriptu … [Read more...]

The True Meaning of Vatican II

The Church today is divided, and very likely to divide even more. Throughout Church history there have been disputes; that’s not so unusual. What’s odd about this situation is that the two disputing groups, the “liberals” and the “conser … [Read more...]

Homeschooling Is Not the Ideal

[N.B: Essays appearing on Homiletic & Pastoral Review have been deemed to be compatible with the teaching of the Church, but do not necessarily reflect the opinions of HPR. Fr. Meconi and his staff have always been grateful for the hard … [Read more...]

Pope Francis and the Feast of our Lady, Untier of Knots

Thanks to the effort of Pope Francis, the feast of Our Lady, Untier of Knots (or undoer of knots), is celebrated on September 28th. Though the feast is still relatively unknown in the United States, it is gaining in popularity. More about … [Read more...]

Outgrowing Jesus?

How Atheist Richard Dawkins' Recent Book Misleads Young Adults

Outgrowing God, the most recent book by famed evolutionary biologist and outspoken atheist Richard Dawkins, caught my eye when being prominently displayed in a local bookstore following its release in late 2019.[1. R. Dawkins, Outgrowing … [Read more...]

A Catholic Vote Must Be a Moral Vote

There was a time not too long ago in our nation’s history when Catholic doctrine positively influenced the outcome of ballot votes by effectively contributing to meeting the perennial need to keep civil law in harmony with moral law. One m … [Read more...]

Book Reviews – October 2020

  Can Francis Change the Church? How American Catholics Are Responding to His Leadership. By Thomas P. Sweetser. Reviewed by Christopher Siuzdak. (skip to review) Into His Likeness: Be Transformed as a Disciple of Christ. By … [Read more...]

Conjugal Rights: Defined and Applied

Dr. Gregory Popcak recently suggested that a woman ignore the advice of her priest, who claimed that she should have sex with her husband despite his adultery.[1. Gregory Popcak and Rachel Popcak, “Does My Husband Have a Right to Sex?” Fai … [Read more...]

Lord, Liar, or Lunatic?

Aquinas on the Divinity of the Johannine Christ

In his Antiquities of the Jews, Josephus, the noted Jewish historian of the first century, described Jesus of Nazareth as a “wise man [sophos anēr] . . . a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure.”[1. “sophos anēr . . . didask … [Read more...]

The Hail Mary and Love

At the Annunciation, St. Gabriel brought a message from God that was really a declaration of love. No doubt some people reading this have heard that praying the Rosary is not as repetitive as it may seem at first glance, because with each … [Read more...]

Saint Therese of Lisieux: Doctor of Divine Love

In her Story of a Soul and other writings, St. Therese of Lisieux reveals profound insight into Christ’s passion as the ultimate revelation of God’s love.[1. On October 19, 1997, in the Apostolic Letter Divini Amoris Scientia, Saint John Pau … [Read more...]

Say What You Mean; Mean What You Pray

In one of his characteristically rich catechetical addresses at a general audience in September 2012, Pope Benedict XVI spoke of the rule of Saint Benedict in respect of the psalms.[1. Benedict XVI, general audience, September 26 2012 … [Read more...]