Criticism of Amy Coney Barrett in the wake of her nomination to the Supreme Court last autumn has focused on her legal philosophy and on her devout Catholic faith.[1. “The conclusion one draws is that the dogma lives loudly within you,” rem … [Read more...]
The New Sarah and Abraham
March 12, 2021 by Mark Drogin
“I thank you, Father, for you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little ones.” (Matthew 11:25) “In the beginning was the Word . . . and the Word became flesh . . .” (John 1) “So shall my Word be th … [Read more...]
Questions Answered – January 2021
January 14, 2021 by Fr. Brian Mullady, OP
What Does It Mean to Judge? Question: When can we and when can we not judge? Answer: “Judge not, lest you be judged.” (Mt. 7:1) This text is the origin of much handwringing on the part of Christians about judging others. As a confessor, … [Read more...]
Outgrowing Jesus?
How Atheist Richard Dawkins' Recent Book Misleads Young Adults
October 1, 2020 by Nathan Farrar
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...]
The Hail Mary and Love
September 22, 2020 by Keith Berube
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...]
Book Reviews – June 2020
June 24, 2020 by Book Reviews
At Mass with Jesus on Calvary: Reflections on the Prayers of the Mass and the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist By Fr. Gene Martens, SJ. Reviewed by Fr. James Swetnam, SJ. (skip to review) Hope to Die: The Christian Meaning of … [Read more...]
Springs of Mercy in the Coronavirus Desert
June 5, 2020 by Dr. Katie Froula
This period of pandemic has been one of significant suffering and substantial sacrifice. Most notably, we mourn the physical suffering and loss of life of those most deeply affected, and the grief of those who love them. Those of us less … [Read more...]
The Book of Jonah
On Repentance, Mission, and Compassion
April 4, 2020 by Fr. Matthew Gonzalez
Of the twelve minor prophets, the book that has been consistently pondered and examined with much fascination is the Book of Jonah. This is attributed to its mythical imagery, which illustrates the prophet’s journey to the land of Nineveh. U … [Read more...]
God the Father Revealed in “The Prodigal Son”
April 4, 2020 by Thomas Hardy
Traditionally the parable of The Prodigal Son has been one of the greatest sources of hope for mankind, as Jesus provides us with a metaphor for His Father that stresses His forgiveness and mercy. We stray as the prodigal son strays, but … [Read more...]
Book Reviews – April 2020
April 4, 2020 by Book Reviews
Equality and Non-discrimination: Catholic Roots, Current Challenges By Jane F. Adolphe, Robert L. Fastiggi, and Michael A. Vacca. Reviewed by Christopher Siuzdak. (skip to review) Christian Ethics and Moral Philosophy: An Introduction … [Read more...]
Homily Possibilities for the Sunday Scrutinies
March 20, 2020 by Fr. William Dillard
During the three middle Sundays of Lent, the Christian people welcome in a special way the Elect who are presented to Christ’s Church as those seeking full communion. The 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent thus provide great opportunities f … [Read more...]
Preaching the “Story of Stories”
February 26, 2020 by Fr. Thomas F. Dailey
Of the many writings from the French philosopher Paul Ricoeur, one stands out simply by virtue of its intriguing title — “Life: A Story in Search of a Narrator.”[1. P. Ricoeur, “Life: A Story in Search of a Narrator,” in eds. M.C. Doeser and … [Read more...]
What Is True Mercy?
February 26, 2020 by Rev. Kenneth M. Dos Santos, MIC
Is mercy merely the affirmation, allowance, or clemency an authority figure extends toward a subject — in light of the subject’s understanding of an act he or she desires to engage in given a specific circumstance? Or, is mercy something muc … [Read more...]
Conscience as Relationship, Part II
A Dialogue through Which God Takes Us beyond Ourselves
February 10, 2020 by Francis Etheredge
In the second of these two articles on conscience[1. See Francis Etheredge, “Conscience as Relationship, Part I: General Principles and Personal Experience,” Homiletic & Pastoral Review (Jan 2020), hpr … [Read more...]
Running in the Bible
Its Implications for the Christian Life
In the United State of America in the early twenty-first century, running is one of the most popular forms of physical exercise. Of these, today’s runners, one might ask: how many know that running has a significant place in the Bible? Many … [Read more...]