Go up to an average American Roman Catholic priest and ask them, “When can white vestments be worn?” and you will probably receive the answer, “Always.” It is commonly thought that white is the default color for vestments; however, a natural … [Read more...]
Archives for 2024
Teaching Theology to Gen Z
Three Lessons from Henri de Lubac
Each fall, as I prepare to stand before a classroom of undergraduates, required as they are to take my Introduction to Catholic Theology course, I reconsider how to teach the faith most effectively. This task has become more challenging … [Read more...]
Failure in the Christian Life
Pastoral Lessons from Dostoevsky’s Idiot and Endo’s Silence
Recent years have witnessed a burgeoning range of books, articles, and online publications dedicated to the problem of failure. Much of the material is aimed at helping leaders and professional groups deal with failure by using strategies … [Read more...]
Questions Answered – May 2024
Farewell and Thanks to Fr. Mullady For many years, Fr. Brian Thomas Becket Mullady, O.P., has been the author of HPR’s “Question and Answers” column. Fr. Mullady entered the Dominican Order in 1966 and was ordained a priest in Oakland, Cali … [Read more...]
Book Reviews – May 2024
Isaiah (An Exegetical & Theological Bible Commentary). By J. Gordon McConville. Reviewed by Sr. Mary Micaela Hoffmann, RSM. (skip to review) Who Do You Say I Am?: Daily Reflections on the Bible, the Saints, and the Answer That Is … [Read more...]
Homilies for April 2024
For Divine Mercy Sunday, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, the Third Sunday, Fourth Sunday, and Fifth Sunday of Easter Second Sunday of Easter (Sunday of Divine Mercy) – April 7, 2024 Readings: Acts 4:32–35 • Psalm 118:2–4, 13–15, 22–24 … [Read more...]
Induction and Allegory: Clement of Alexandria’s Catechetical Method
This essay examines the pedagogical contribution of Clement of Alexandria (A.D. 150 – 215) and implications for contemporary catechesis. Inductive Learning and Catechesis Allegorical exegesis, a unique aspect of Clement’s method, presents … [Read more...]
Seven Characteristics of the Resurrection Appearances
The Resurrection is a central mystery of our Christian faith. Without the perspective of the resurrection, we lose sight of eternity and the life hereafter. Yet despite the centrality of this mystery, I wonder how many Christians could … [Read more...]
Saint Paul, Masculinity, and Priestly Identity
When speaking to his son, King David reminds Solomon what it takes to succeed as king: “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, be courageous [לְאִֽישׁ], and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping … [Read more...]
Counsels vs. Commands in Vocational Discernment
Anxiety. Fear. These words frequently come up in commentary about young Catholics and vocational discernment.[1. For example, S. E. Greydanus, “Rethinking Vocational Discernment,” HPR, June 23, 2023, www … [Read more...]
Prayer as the Fountain of Faith
Prayer is the latch that opens the window to God’s mysterious beauty and brings fresh air to our soul. Without the breath of prayer, faith suffocates. A daily practice of prayer stabilizes us against winds of deceit. Prayer liberates us f … [Read more...]
Questions Answered – April 2024
The Mission of the Family Question: The government seems to be usurping more and more of what are traditionally rights of the family. What is the Church’s teaching about this? Answer: The family has four dimensions which grow out of the … [Read more...]
Book Reviews – April 2024
The Apostle Paul and His Letters: An Introduction. By James B. Prothro. Reviewed by Fr. Vien V. Nguyen, SCJ. (skip to review) An Immovable Feast: How I Gave Up Spirituality for a Life of Religious Abundance. By Tyler Blanski. Reviewed by … [Read more...]
2024: The Year of Prayer
Pope Francis has called for 2024 to be honored as a “Year of Prayer.” What does this mean? The special character of this year is based on the year following, 2025, which is a jubilee year for the Church. The custom of the jubilee year has … [Read more...]
Homilies for March 2024
For the Third Sunday, Fourth Sunday, and Fifth Sunday of Lent (Scrutiny, Year A) For the Third Sunday, Fourth Sunday, and Fifth Sunday of Lent (Year B) For the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy … [Read more...]
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