Photography undoubtedly is a gift. Yet it also has its limits. What are these limits? What pitfalls should we watch out for? How can we use photography for the glory of God and the good of souls?
Living in the World
How to Sanctify Your Driving
Driving is one of the most common human activities. A lot of us spend a great deal of time behind the wheel. During this time, we confront a number of dangers and temptations as well as opportunities to grow in virtue.
Given all this, it’s worthwhile to consider how we might sanctify this activity.
Beyond Attending Mass—4 Ways to Sanctify All of Sunday
Do you know how to live Sunday as the Lord’s Day?
Attending Mass is only one part—albeit the most important one—of keeping Sunday holy. But the commandment to keep holy the Lord’s Day doesn’t stop there. Rather, we should strive to sanctify the whole day. Here are four ways we do that.
More Than Repaired—Transformed
Have you ever felt broken beyond repair?
Fr. J. shared a story of how he once broke a precious vase. He could have fixed the vase, but to no avail. Even if every piece were glued back into place, you’d still see the multitude of cracks running through the vase.
Sometimes, we resemble that vase and we wonder: Can God fix me and, if so, why doesn’t He?
“Sunday Best”: Why Bother?
“Sunday best.” For many, it’s not what it used to be. Shorts and a t-shirt? Check! We’re all set for Mass.
Or not.
Sunday Mass is special. If there ever were an occasion for dressing up, this is it. But why?
Leisure: More than the Pursuit of Pleasure
June is here. At this point, we’re probably all hankering for a break. But too much leisure time takes a toll. Before we go barreling into summer, let’s reflect on how we can sanctify and refresh ourselves through the pursuit of leisure.
The Importance of Being Present
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.
How to Practice Charity with Difficult People
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.
Moving through Life’s Seasons: How to Face Change
It would be nice if I could hit a “Pause” button on life right now. I’m in such a pleasant situation, and have been for many months. Oh sure, I have my struggles, but they seem small compared to past ones. Meantime…
Facing Depression with Faith and Gratitude
Depression is a difficult topic to discuss. It afflicts a lot of people, but too often we miss seeing it in someone or we don’t know how to talk about it without causing offense. I have suffered from depression and know others who have as well. Here are my thoughts on it.
The Role of the Elderly and the Homebound in the Church
As Catholics, we know that each person is called to do God “some definite service”. What’s the role of the elderly and homebound, then? If they cannot actively partake in parish life, what can they do? As it turns out, quite a lot.
Made in the Image of God: The Human Body in Art
The human body is objectified in the present day in a way that it was not during the time of Michelangelo. This is a subject that generates heated discussion and is a source of contention even among Catholics, so how do we approach this issue in our daily lives?
The Spiritual Meaning behind Church Architecture
Let’s go on a short virtual tour of St. Raymond of Peñafort in the Diocese of Arlington, VA. This is a relatively new church (~2006) constructed in a traditional style. It is an ideal example of Catholic architecture for us to explore and draw reflections from.
What Does Modern Art Say about Our Culture?
As a freshman in college, I had the opportunity to take several trips with other art students to New York City. In one art gallery, I was surprised to find that the entire exhibition consisted of giant concrete blocks arranged in various ways. I walked around, confused. What’s the meaning behind “artwork” like this? What does it say about society that things like this are considered great art?
Entertainment Corner: Mercy and Grace in Les Misérables
Based on the 1862 book by Victor Hugo, this popular musical runs the gamut of human experience: love and loss, forgiveness and bitterness, justice and mercy, grace and despair.