During the American Revolutionary War, a distinguished gentleman in civilian clothing observed a corporal in the uniform of the Continental Army ordering his men to move a large beam. Because it was very heavy and the men were struggling with it...
All Christians know the story of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection by heart. They know, as well, the incomparable blessing bestowed by those events, succinctly expressed in the words, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only...
Early in the 20th century there was a German Jewish author named Franz Kafka who wrote gripping but disturbing stories of people desperately searching for salvation in a cruel and depressing world. One of these stories is titled The Castle, in which...
A major event in the history of the Archdiocese of Detroit will occur in two weeks: Venerable Solanus Casey will be beatified, or given the title “Blessed”—the final step before possibly being declared a saint. Even though he grew up in Wisconsin...
About 130 years ago in France, two men were sharing a train compartment: a young man who was smartly dressed, and an older man in simple clothing. The older gentleman was silently praying the Rosary, and the youth said contemptuously, “I see you...
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. (Matthew 11:29) It is trendy, nowadays, for farmers such as those in my native province of Treviso, Italy, to hang yokes on the walls...
The prayer that begins with this petition is my favorite and the favorite of millions of people of various religious denominations around the world. A musical version of the prayer, “Make me a channel of your peace,” is also popular with church...
Two of Jesus’ parables give special emphasis to humility. The Parable of the Guests (Luke 14) explains how being humble would spare a guest embarrassment. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18), explains that a humbler penitent...
