The Shepherd metaphor is one of the clearest and most vivid in all of Scripture and not surprisingly was adopted by the Church and used for millennia to describe the relationship of its bishops with its people. The Bible is filled with references to...
Our invitation to accept the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the life of the Church begins the moment we are baptized, when we are anointed with sacred chrism on the crown of our heads. In that anointing, we are appointed priest, prophet and king. We...
Scripture tell us that when Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove—and so this image is often used for the Holy Spirit. In medieval times, dozens or even hundreds of doves would be released inside cathedrals to remind...
If you know anything about the history of college football, and especially if you’re a Michigan Wolverines fan, you’ve probably heard of Tom Harmon. Over seventy years ago, he was a star running back at the University of Michigan, winning honors as...
What are the things that you would change in our Church, in our city, in our family, in our nation, in the world? As you compile your list, let me try to anticipate it by offering a simple solution to any of the problems that bother you and to any...
I recently read Deacon Kurt Godfryd’s incisive article, A Gentle Breeze, in this publication. It was a powerful witness for the faith and the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It led me to wonder just how many times I have felt that gentle...
Cardinal Basil Hume, O.S.B., once remarked: “There is a gentle breeze if we can but catch it, which blows all the time to help us on our journey through life to our final destination. That breeze is the Holy Spirit. But the wind cannot be caught or...
My friend has a dog named Diamond. Whenever I talk to my friend on the phone, my friend will frequently put the phone on speaker. When my friend does put the phone on speaker, I like to call the dog’s name and say, “Hi Diamond. Would you like a...
