Archives for July 2024

Homilies for August 2024

For August 4, August 11, August 18, and August 25, as well as the Feast of the Transfiguration (August 6; homily by Rev. John Cush) and the Solemnity of the Assumption (August 15) Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – August 4, 2 … [Read more...]

Twenty-five Years After the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification

How an Ecumenical Achievement Offers Catechetical and Pastoral Opportunities

This year marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (JDDJ). The declaration, first signed on October 31, 1999 by representatives of the Catholic Church[1. The Catholic signatories were … [Read more...]

Revolution in Theology?

A Closer Look at the Significance of Pope Francis’ Ad Theologiam Promovendam

A theological outrage was frothing in the wake of Pope Francis’ November 1, 2023, apostolic letter motu proprio: Ad Theologiam Promovendam (henceforth ATP), which accompanied the approval of new statutes for the Pontifical Academy of T … [Read more...]

Pain, Suffering, and Redemption: Where Faith and Reason Mingle

Much has been said about the compatibility between faith and reason, religion and science. But they are more than parallel tracks that share mutual respect. Rather, they are integrated; they inform one another. In a particular way, the … [Read more...]

Understanding Pain

Pastoral Approaches to Help Those Who Suffer

“Understanding Pain: Pastoral approaches to help those who suffer,” by Fr. John Love, The Priest, March 2024. ©OSV. Used by permission. No other use of this material is authorized. “If you feel pain, you’re alive. If you feel other people’s … [Read more...]

Why Israel Matters: The Biblical Roots of Catholic Zionism

The horrific Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023 and the ensuing war in Gaza have raised many questions among Catholics: Should they support Israel? And if so, should they do so on purely political or moral grounds (such as … [Read more...]

Questions Answered – August 2024

What Is Necessary to Belong to the True Church? Question from the reader: Who is a member of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church, and what is required for full membership in the “heart” of the Church? What is the relation of this C … [Read more...]

Book Reviews – August 2024

Worthy Lamb: An Exegetical-Spiritual Commentary on John’s Apocalypse. By Andreas Hoeck. Reviewed by Fr. Joseph Briody. (skip to review) True Confessions: Voices of Faith from a Life in the Church. By Francis X. Maier. Reviewed by Fr. St … [Read more...]