Archives for August 2017

Homilies for September 2017

September 3, 2017—Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/090317.cfm Jer 20:7-9; Ps. 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9; Rom. 12:1-2; Mt. 16:21-27 Conversion is hard. We want to change, we want to be with God, b … [Read more...]

In Heaven, There Is Only Singing

A Review of Two of Father Rutler's Books, and an Interview with the Author

I was fortunate to be able to read two review copies of recent books by Father George W. Rutler. As always happens when I read his writing, I was delighted by his style, inspired by the soundness of his doctrine, and enlightened–and s … [Read more...]

Meditations Upon The Virgin’s Virtues for Contemporary Clergy, Part 1

Introduction What is the difference between a furrow and a rut? A furrow is an intentional emptiness cut into the earth in preparation for fullness. A farmer’s plow intentionally cuts a furrow, opening the earth to produce a full harvest. A … [Read more...]

Perceptions of Ministry, and Facilitators and Barriers of Self-Care, Amongst Roman Catholics and Anglicans in Full-Time Ministry

The work of clergy and others serving in full-time Christian ministry is unique. They are often intimately involved in important life transitions and events, such as births, baptisms, weddings, serious illnesses, deaths, and the grieving … [Read more...]

Screen Time, Sacred Time

Could Tech Use Affect Your Ability to Pray?

Let me begin with a story I read a while ago that really got me thinking about screen time.[1.This article is based on a parish education presentation given in May 2017 at Saint Mary of the Visitation Catholic Parish, Elm Grove, … [Read more...]

The Flawed Strategy Behind Amoris Laetitia

Catholics continue to be confounded by the mixed signals sent by Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia. Given the high-ranking Church officials who have weighed in (but on opposite sides), and some who have been apparently … [Read more...]

Drawing Others to Celebrate God’s Mercy Through Storytelling

“Read me just one more story!” Maggie lay snuggled beneath the pink floral quilt, her brown eyes imploring me to continue reading from the big book of fairy tales. “You should be asleep already,” I replied. I gave a half-hearted sigh, tur … [Read more...]

Questions Answered

Question: Can you explain to me the problem of evil exemplified in the Book of Job? Answer: In answer to your question, I would like to summarize the Commentary on the Book of Job by Thomas Aquinas, which I have recently translated. As … [Read more...]