In the 2000-year history of theology, some of our greatest thinkers have struggled to define the precise relationship between grace and free will in the lives of individual Christians. Are we free to choose the good? Do we need grace even … [Read more...]
Archives for 2023
Through My Fault
September 22, 2023 by Brent Withers
In the beginning of the Mass in the penitential rite we all say: I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, … [Read more...]
Questions Answered – October 2023
September 22, 2023 by Fr. Brian Mullady, OP
The Reasons for Marian Devotion Question: Would Fr. Mullady please explain the Church’s emphasis on Mary? Since the answer could be lengthy, recommending a few core texts would be very helpful. It seems that Marian devotion is a wonderful g … [Read more...]
Book Reviews – October 2023
September 22, 2023 by Book Reviews
Aquinas on Scripture: A Primer. By John F. Boyle. Reviewed by D.M. Walker. (skip to review) Remembering Why We Preach: A Retreat to Renew Your Spirit and Skill. By Karla J. Bellinger and Michael E. Connors, CSC. Reviewed by Deacon … [Read more...]
Homilies for September 2023
August 28, 2023 by Fr. Joseph Sigur
For September 3, September 10, September 17, and September 24 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – September 3, 2023 Readings: Jer 20:7–9 • Ps 63:2, 3–4, 5–6, 8–9 • Rom 12:1–2 • Mt 16:21–27 bible.usccb.org/bible … [Read more...]
The Work of Catechesis for Priests and Deacons
August 28, 2023 by Theodore Musco
Foreword by Rev. John P. Cush: “HPR Ressourcement, Part II” As you, as our faithful reader (or even new reader!) might know, this journal, now known as Homiletic and Pastoral Review, was founded over 123 years ago. When I think about the pr … [Read more...]
Healed, Mystic, Teacher: Seminary Spiritual Formation
August 28, 2023 by Deacon James Keating
Go to Part I “Spiritual formation is directed at nourishing and sustaining communion with God . . . This intimate relationship forms the heart of the seminarian in that sacrificial love that marks the beginning of pastoral charity.”[1. Na … [Read more...]
Preachers of the ERD
August 28, 2023 by Deacon Gregory Webster
Deacons must be comfortable with proclaiming the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. The wisdom of the ERD is not commonly shared with Catholics in the pews. The United States Conference of Catholic … [Read more...]
He Who Hears You, Hears Me
August 28, 2023 by Joanne M.M. Baker
Upon commissioning the preaching of the Gospel, our good Lord said to His Apostles, “He who hears you hears me.” (Luke 10:16, RSV) These words the Catholic bishops applied to themselves: “This sacred Council teaches that the bishops, from di … [Read more...]
“I am the Truth”: Brief Catholic Ponderings on Truth
August 28, 2023 by Eric Manuel Torres
In a well-known passage, Jesus proclaims, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” (Jn 14:6a) As with all the seven “I am” sayings recorded in John’s Gospel, Jesus here is making a claim regarding His divinity. Indeed, three individual c … [Read more...]
Questions Answered – September 2023
August 28, 2023 by Fr. Brian Mullady, OP
What American Education Lost Question: What is the bottom line in the almost universal rejection of objective truth in American education today? Answer: This problem is twofold. One is the destruction of Western Civilization. The other … [Read more...]
Book Reviews – September 2023
August 28, 2023 by Book Reviews
Torture and Eucharist: Theology, Politics and the Body of Christ. By William T. Cavanaugh. Reviewed by Rev. John P. Cush, STD. (skip to review) Passions of the Christ: The Emotional Life of Jesus in the Gospels. By F. Scott Spencer. R … [Read more...]
Homilies for August 2023
July 27, 2023 by Fr. Joseph Zwosta
For August 6 (Feast of the Transfiguration), August 13, August 15 (Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary), August 20, and August 27 Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord – August 6, 2023 Readings: Dn 7:9–10, 13–14 • Ps 97:1–2, 5–6, 9 • … [Read more...]
The Importance of the Value of Reputation, Part II
July 27, 2023 by Michael J. Mazza
Go to Part I As the Church was the sign and sacrament to the world, there was a direct link between the reputation of the Church’s ministers and the mission of the Church itself.[1. Liguori cites the “rigorous discipline” of the early Chu … [Read more...]
The Benedictus: Hope for Priests
July 27, 2023 by Fr. Kenneth G. Davis, OFM Conv.
Introduction: Intimidating Indicators When asked to preach to priests, I recall the advice of a bishop: “Preach hope. The guys need to hear a hopeful message.” Presbyterates needing hope is a theme I’ve heard for many years, perhaps becau … [Read more...]
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