Nov 24, 2021

In the midst of the tragic Civil War that caused so much death and destruction in America, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed two special days: the last Thursday of April 1863 as a <a href="https://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/media/articles/proclamation-of-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/">National Day of Prayer...

Sep 14, 2021

September 11 is the anniversary of one of most brutal acts of terrorism of all time.  Three days later, on September 14, the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation, and triumph of the cross of Jesus Christ. This reflection brings out the link between 9/11 and the victory of...

Aug 21, 2021

Christians are called to be not just believers, but intentional disciples who make a conscious decision to follow Jesus and him alone.  But discipleship can't be a one-time decision.  As in a marriage, the commitment must be renewed daily.  For the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, cycle B.

Aug 15, 2021

The Assumption of the Virgin Mary (called the Dormition in the Christian East) has been celebrated as a solemn feast on August 15 since ancient times.  What is the meaning and basis of the dogma and the Solemnity?

I once asked a college theology class if anyone could explain the doctrine of the Assumption of Mary.  A...

Aug 9, 2021

Since the days of Judas, there have always been bad apples among the clergy.  In the days of St. Francis and Clare, clerical corruption was particularly bad since being a bishop or Cardinal meant ownership of lands and considerable streams of income, not to mention the prestige of belonging to the nobility. ...