The Meaning of Faith
And you brought the umbrella? “Faith” is believing the impossible will happen. Everything is possible with God, who in Jesus has loved his children and called and sent us to be a sign of hope in the world. “Faith” is…
Tag Faith
Sunday Reflection: Instruction Manual for the Life of Faith
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…
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
“That they may all be one.” To Christians around the world, this prayer of Jesus (John 17.21) is something of a mantra at this time of year. From Saturday, Jan. 18, to Sunday, Jan. 26, our churches will echo with…
Media and the New Evangelization
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…
Welcoming New Catechumens: Celebrating The Rite of Acceptance in Your Parish
Many parishes blessed with an RCIA program will choose this weekend to hold the Rite of Acceptance, a significant moment in the faith journey of those discerning entry into the Catholic Church. This brief ritual sees inquirers in the RCIA…
The Basilica of Saint John Lateran
“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10) Most people assume that the pope’s cathedral is St. Peter’s Basilica, located within the walls of Vatican City.…
Cultivating a Grateful Spirit
Thanksgiving is a perfect time to assess the role gratitude plays in our lives. In North America, many of us are so profoundly blessed that we run the risk of taking it all for granted. Sometimes we forget to offer…
The Cross as a Sign of Boundless Love and Mercy
The cross is at the very heart of our faith. As a symbol, it reminds us of God’s boundless love for us, and as a spiritual and historical reality it holds out the merciful promise of salvation. The Feast of…
The Assumption of Mary
Today’s great Marian feast, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a day with joyful implications for all of us. The Assumption celebrates Mary having been taken into heaven, body and soul, at the end of…
Welcoming the Stranger to the Table
Well the turkey is down to soup and Julia, my youngest, has finished off the stuffing – the best part of the turkey, she declares every Christmas and Thanksgiving. Thinking back to our recent Christmas dinner, I can’t help but…