Questions Answered

Question: The Pope has declared this year to be a "Year of Mercy." Can you give me an explanation of what mercy is, and how it relates to justice? Answer: The intention of the Pope in declaring this year a “Year of Mercy” seems to enco … [Read more...]

The Power and Powerlessness of Mercy

In seeking to appreciate as well as to imitate the mercy of God—which the Church proclaims in a special way in this Jubilee Year—a concept of “power” would seem, if not contradictory, at least not helpful for our spiritual journey. When we a … [Read more...]

The Prophetic Power and Practice of Jubilee

A Gift of Shalom

Introduction: “Rich with Joy and Peace” St. Luke's description of Jesus' proclamation of His mission tells us that, on a sabbath day in a synagogue in Nazareth, the Lord stood up to read ... “He has sent me ... to proclaim the accep … [Read more...]

The Merciful Call to Holiness

Addressing the Dualism Between Mercy and Doctrine in Cardinal Kasper’s Proposal

Ever since it was first floated in his 1977 work, Cardinal Walter Kasper’s proposal to apply mercy to those suffering outside full communion with the Church through civil divorce and remarriage has been the source of much debate.[1. Walter K … [Read more...]

The Excess Of Divine Love

The distance between our humanity and the divinity of God is so incomprehensible that to begin to try and imagine this distance through the eyes of faith, is to catch a glimpse of the unfathomable power of God, and immensity of his love for … [Read more...]

Preaching the Truth in Love and Wisdom: Pope Francis’ 2013 Apostolic Exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium”

...conversion occurs when the Gospel speaks to the deepest yearnings of our hearts, and the desires present within us are filled by a supernatural grace that comes from God. “The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who e … [Read more...]

Early Suggestions on How Our Parishes Can Observe Divine Mercy Sunday This Year

The feast is intended to highlight divine mercy as God's greatest attribute, the crowning work" of all his works.  As such, it should form a Catholic's spiritual attitudes and behaviors.  Divine Mercy image of Christ. Each year since 2 … [Read more...]

“I Haven’t Killed Anyone!” What Serious Sins Will Exclude Us From the Kingdom of God?

Why aren’t we more concerned about how even many of our fellow Catholics are engaging in behaviors (“lifestyles”), or accepting, or even approving them, in others, that scripture says will exclude them from the kingdom? Right after Va … [Read more...]