It’s remarkable how a simple gesture can provoke such controversy. Pope Francis caused quite the stir last year when he celebrated the Liturgy of Holy Thursday at a prison. While many lamented his departure from papal custom, more were puzzled…
“When the Lord looks at our fragility, he invites us to take care of it not with fear but with courage. “Don’t be afraid, I have overcome the world!” (Jn 16:33) “I am with you always until the end of…
Today’s readings serve as a kind of instruction manual in how to lead a life of faith. The psalm, for example, lays out the starting point of faith, reminding us of the importance of being receptive to the Word of…
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: parishes with RCIA programs are incredibly blessed – and particularly so during Lent – because the presence of those seeking entry into the Church re-energizes the entire community. It’s not uncommon…
The work of Carvaggio, the master Renaissance artist, proves a picture really is worth a thousand words. His powerful painting, Conversion on the Way to Damascus, has forever cemented in popular culture that notion that St. Paul was riding a…
One of the first apostles called by Jesus to follow him was Andrew, brother of Simon. Jesus said to them both, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” (Matthew 4.19) Simon, of course, became Peter, the first…
October is the season of saints. It begins and ends with a celebration of sainthood and the call to holiness. St. Therese of Lisieux brings in the month with the feast day of this Doctor of the Church on Oct.…
The other day I told some friends of mine that I was against military intervention in Syria’s civil war. One friend sharply criticized my response and suggested that our inaction will lead to the deaths of hundreds, if not thousands,…