In a recent Sunday Gospel reading, Jesus reminded us that the gate into heaven is a narrow one. (Luke 13) The reading made me uncomfortable. The Church tells us that sin requires an element of knowing that we are doing it. The Gospels this summer...
On November 1, All Saints Day, the Catholic News Service reported on President Biden’s visit with Pope Francis. I’ll begin with a background note, then examine what the participants said about the meeting, and, finally, consider what message it sent...
“Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5: 8) For Polish Catholics, 28 May 2021 marks the 40th anniversary of Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński’s departure to the House of Father. Cardinal Wyszyński is commonly known as...
Why do people travel long distances; endure discomforts and inconveniences just to be together as a family around the same table like on Thanksgiving Day or on Christmas Day? At times, a meal is much more than a meal; and also, a meal can turn a...
The death of Rush Limbaugh on February 17, 2021 was reported around the world. The headlines in mainstream publications were generally objective. For example, USA Today: “’A true American legend’: Donald Trump, Bill O’Reilly, more mourn...
Background Note: I recently explained how popes have strived to preserve doctrinal continuity by supporting their predecessors’ pronouncements. I noted, as well, that though this action may be well intended, when the issue involves a contradiction...
That the Catholic Church has been losing numbers for decades has been well established. Why the loss has occurred, however, is not as clear. One might expect that Church leaders would be interested in finding the answer and sharing it with their...
A reader recently offered this (paraphrased) comment on an essay of mine: “Your essay and others like it leave me frustrated. They talk about the impact of Modernism, the failures of U.S. bishops and Pope Francis, sexual abuse by priests, financial...
