Go to Part One This essay examines the pedagogical contribution of Clement of Alexandria (A.D. 150 – 215), with focus on pedagogical pragmatism as the basis for prescribed moral purification, and implications for contemporary c … [Read more...]
Draw Near to Christ through Our Lady and the Saints
How is it possible to grow close to God, even very close? What’s the best way to climb the steep stairway of perfection? St. Thérèse of Lisieux has some wonderful advice for us on these questions in her autobiography, The Story of a Sou … [Read more...]
“The Wind Blows Where It Wills”: Understanding the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
April 26, 2024 by Tyler Pellegrin
The Second Vatican Council, in its document Gaudium et Spes, teaches us that only in the mystery of the Incarnate Word does the mystery of man take on light, that Christ fully reveals man to himself. The goal of this article is to shed more … [Read more...]
Seven Characteristics of the Resurrection Appearances
March 30, 2024 by Fr. James McTavish
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...]
Book Reviews – January 2024
December 29, 2023 by Book Reviews
Ecclesial Exegesis: A Synthesis of Ancient and Modern Approaches to Scripture. By Gregory Vall. Reviewed by D. Malachi Walker. (skip to review) God’s Call is Everywhere: A Global Analysis of Contemporary Religious Vocations for Women. By … [Read more...]
On Moral Perfection
September 22, 2023 by Nate Guyear
All humans struggle with moral perfection, and temptations to sin are ever-present. Jesus tells us, “Temptations to sin are sure to come . . .” (Lk 17:1; RSV-CE). Yet Jesus, the Catholic Church, and Sacred Scripture call us to moral per … [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...]
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...]
Book Reviews – January 2023
December 22, 2022 by Book Reviews
Theology as Prayer: A Primer for the Diocesan Priest. By Msgr. Walter R. Oxley and Fr. John P. Cush. Reviewed by Fr. Ryan A. Muldoon. (skip to review) Theology and Science in the Thought of Ian Barbour: A Thomistic Evaluation for the … [Read more...]
Caregivers of the Soul
November 25, 2022 by Carolyn Humphreys, OCDS
In the first dwelling of her spiritual classic, The Interior Castle, Teresa of Avila cautions us: “We know we have souls. However, we seldom consider the precious things that can be found in this soul, or who dwells within it, or its high v … [Read more...]
Solidarity in Suffering
June 24, 2022 by Carolyn Humphreys, OCDS
Physical suffering is an unpleasant fact of life. Responses to a chronic disease can fluctuate from creative growth to self-pity. It can bring out the best or the worst in a person as well as sanctify or darken their soul. In other words, … [Read more...]
Book Reviews – May 2022
April 28, 2022 by Book Reviews
The Decline and Fall of Sacred Scripture: How the Bible Became a Secular Book. By Scott Hahn and Benjamin Wiker. Reviewed by Nathan Farrar. (skip to review) Exegetical Gems from Biblical Hebrew. By H.H. II Hardy. Reviewed by D. Malachi … [Read more...]
Lent: In Search Of the One and the Real
February 26, 2022 by Philip Primeau
Lent, the great and holy fast, comes upon us again. It is a season of promise and peril. Promise, because we are invited to anticipate in ourselves the paschal mystery, whereby human nature is healed and elevated. Peril, because we risk … [Read more...]
Book Reviews – September 2021
September 9, 2021 by Book Reviews
The Hundredfold Songs for the Lord. By Anthony Esolen. Reviewed by Lawrence Montz. (skip to review) An Introduction to the Creeds. By Steve Ray and Dennis Walters. Reviewed by Joseph Tuttle. (skip to review) Eight Popes and the Crisis … [Read more...]
Prayer as the Gateway to Mystery
August 30, 2021 by Carolyn Humphreys, OCDS
For a Christian, mystery is reverenced as that hidden dimension in things, people, situations and life which is beyond time, place or physical description. We may understand aspects of this esoteric reality beyond us and we can appreciate … [Read more...]
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