This cry of terror came from the disciples in whose storm-buffeted boat slept their Savior. For 21st century disciples requiring a piece of scripture relevant to their lives, this is it. This gospel is aimed at anyone overwhelmed by fear. Lately, existential threats have given us many excuses to be fearful—and therefore to lose our […]
As a Eucharistic minister, I can attest to the restorative power of prayer we bring with us—whether spoken from scripture or straight from one’s heart. We visit mostly older people who can no longer visit their church to pray and to receive the Eucharist. Eucharistic ministers are graced and privileged to bring these things to […]
“Street Gang,” a documentary about the origins of the children’s show, Sesame Street, inspired a fantasy in the mind of the child within me. The film tells its audience that the show’s purpose from the beginning was to depict characters representing all the cultures of its audience—as living productive lives. The movie also unveils ugly […]
If we had relied on Moses and the Old Testament prophets and even Jesus’ New Testament disciples to spread the word of God under their own power, not a letter of it would have reached 21st century humans. They started out as mortals, after all, and were thus handicapped by our “what’s in it for […]
When I was growing up, my grandparents’ house in North Royalton, Ohio seemed immense—especially for the few souls living there. And, indeed, it was a large house situated on the 12 acres of land it shared with an apple tree orchard, a picnic area and a well-stocked pond. But without the grounding spirit of love […]
Scripture repeatedly depicts the relationship between God and his people as that between a bridegroom and his bride. In such a relationship, the lovers devote their lives to each other, sharing in each other’s joy and grief. It’s the perfect analogy, especially when God takes human form as Christ to make that sharing complete. Through […]
On Mother’s Day, Moms finally get to enjoy some of the fruits of their labor. The children bearing that fruit do so as a result of the combined love and discipline Mom taught them—many times, with just a look. Those looks are not only good, they’re scriptural. Think how many times Our Mother Mary showed […]
No one seeking power in U.S. government gets far by touting religious beliefs. However, everyone in government puts their hand over their heart while reciting the Pledge of Allegiance—and concludes by saying “one nation under God…” So why would a nation that denies religion any seat of honor at its power table allow “Under God” […]
Online workplace environments and chat room are the favorite hideouts of frenemies. Columnist Walter Winchell coined that term in the 1950s when referring to the Russians, but if Jesus had spoken English, he might have come up with it first. He was surrounded by frenemies. Some were disciples. A frenemy is a person whose friendship […]
After the trials and tortures they saw their crucified Master suffer as a result of his public ministry, you can imagine Christ’s disciples yearning for a more cloistered life of solitary prayer. Such a life could have sheltered them from the evil forces Jesus bravely confronted out in the open. Centuries later, Catholic theologian Thomas […]