With more and more people wearing face masks to protect themselves and others from the Corona Virus, social interactions aren’t as pretty as when our faces were naked. In fact communication is much more difficult. Facial expression is a universal language. Without seeing someone smile or frown, it’s hard to know whether something we’ve said […]
Throughout the Easter liturgies, we’ve meditated on how God died as one of us so we could live in Him. Humanity has always yearned for union with His spirit, but nobody expressed that yearning more soulfully than Jesus’ earthly ancestor, David. His psalms evoke a love that transcends flesh. This verse from Ascension Sunday’s mass […]
Over the centuries, human beings have turned lying into an art. We’re especially good at lying to ourselves. That particular sin costs us dearly—as we learn from a great piece of literature: The Brothers Karamazov. In this novel, Fyodor Dostoevsky offers the same piece of advice Shakespeare’s Polonius gives his son—“To thine own self be […]
For those who thought this Easter season was over already, allow me to share a little Easter memory from its beginning a few weeks ago. It’s actually a reminder for all of us. A friend called on Holy Saturday to wish our family a happy Easter—and to give us a sign for the occasion. I’m […]
On a recent late-night radio talk show, the topic was religion. An author who was interviewed stated: “I’m more spiritual than religious.” A memory switch in my brain clicked on. It seemed to me that I heard the same sentiment attributed to a famous historical figure. A google search told me that person is […]
Amidst all the horrors this pandemic has wrought is the blessing of people doing the saving work of Christ. Jesus told us this is how he would remain with us while he was entering his glory. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will […]
William Shakespeare’s play, As You Like It, includes the famous line, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” It’s part of a soliloquy dividing a human life into seven stages: infant, schoolboy, lover, soldier, justice, pantaloon and old age—concluding with death. No afterlife in this Shakespearian world. It’s funny, though, that’s Shakespeare’s inspiration […]
When Christ was looking for disciples to spread his light, the ones he chose weren’t the brightest bulbs. He often told them things three times and they still didn’t understand. The most important thing he taught was that he had to die a horrible death and then rise from the dead. Yet, as John tells […]
If Palm Sunday were only known as Passion Sunday, newcomers to Christianity might be confused as to whom that passion applies. The readings for this Sunday’s mass are filled with passion—mostly fear—on all sides. By this point in our Lenten journey, the people Jesus touched are passionate about his promise of salvation from earthly oppression. […]
Photo and cartoon caption contests are a big thing on social media. Businesses use them to generate traffic on their sites and help people remember their brand. The idea is to bring your own unique interpretation to a far-out concept. The Bible is full of far-out imagery generated by the prophets in the Old Testament […]