Abortion is one of the most heated topics of discussion in our country. Anytime abortion comes to the fore in current events, it generates a communications firestorm. As Catholics, we have a responsibility to set the example in how we talk about abortion as well as when and where we talk about it.
Easter is a season of new beginnings. It’s a time for us to allow the blossoming of the spiritual seeds that Lent sowed in our hearts, and also to allow the restoration of that which was broken. The cry “He is risen!” is not a far-distant memory, but rather…
When Holy Week arrives, there is a sense of anticipation. Palm Sunday begins a countdown to Easter for many people, a time when we can return to the things we gave up for Lent. But is this the right way to approach Holy Week? How do we make the most effective use of our time during the holiest week of the liturgical year?
Envy is a sin alive and well in our society. Its venom courses through social media and news programs, school and work environments, and even into our churches and homes. Despite this, I’ve heard little mention of this sin. What is it exactly? How does it differ from jealousy? And what makes it so dangerous?
Right like clockwork, every year on December 26th stores begin sweeping away their Christmas stock to put up Valentine’s Day gear. Candy, bouquets, cards, and other forms of goodies and romantic gifts can be found lining the shelves. As Catholics, we have a unique opportunity this time of year to teach others about the proper meaning of love. That’s what Valentine’s Day is supposed to be all about. But does our society recognize what love actually is?
My mom and I went out to brunch with a number of older folks we see at daily Mass. Towards the end of our outing, the matter of payment came up. It was then that Jim, a new acquaintance, found out that Margaret had paid for everyone’s meals.
I’ve been musing on Joseph and how significant his presence is. It seems as if the whole point of Joseph’s life is just to be present to Jesus and Mary. Miracles, words of wisdom, grand gestures? Nope. Just be present wholeheartedly to God and those around you. That’s enough.
A friend was thanking me for praying for him when he said something most striking. He remarked on how we ask people to pray for us, but forget to thank them later on.
What a profound thought. We say thank you to someone who’s done us some favor, and…
I was recently reflecting on the Presentation and Simeon’s surprising enthusiasm at meeting Jesus. He’d waited so long and patiently for the Messiah, and what did he see?
Thanksgiving is nearly upon us. Families are planning gatherings all around the country—hopefully, joyful ones. The reality, though, is that many are mentally cladding themselves in iron cloaks and adopting a survivor’s mentality in anticipation of dinner with their family members.
Catholics are known for many things. One is the set of ‘calisthenics’ we perform at Mass, which often bewilders newcomers—we stand, then sit, then stand again, sit again, stand again, kneel, etc. Another is the belief in the Real Presence…
The most concrete example of friendship in the Scriptures is the interaction between Jesus and the paralytic (Mark 2:1-12). Everyone rightfully pays attention to what Jesus does when the paralytic comes down through the roof. Less frequently discussed are the friends. Their conduct is a clear example of what authentic friendship…
The other week, I shot a friend of mine (let’s call her Rita) an email. The subject line: “10 Things I Like about You.” My intent was to give her spirits a boost. According to a mutual friend of ours, Rita had been struggling with handling a certain issue.
People are starved for good conversation. Whether they know it or not, many are longing for something beyond the surface level encounters typical between modern people. Yet how to strike deeper?