Spirituality
Attending Mass when you suffer from anxiety attacks
Fear of crowds and enclosed spaces affects one reader's ability to attend Mass, but God understands, writes Father Ken Doyle. The sign of peace should be given in a way that respects personal sensibilities and keeps the focus on the Eucharist.
Reading Scripture in an age of short attention spans
At a time when few people finish reading a story online, it can become easy to cheat ourselves by skimming the Word of God too, writes Gina Christian. The Lord's words are life giving, if we put in the effort.
Salvation is free, not a ‘pay to save’ deal with God, pope says
When it comes to salvation, God does not seek any form of compensation and offers it freely to those in need of his love, Pope Francis said.
Where there is sin, there will always be God’s mercy, pope says
As each person follows God's call, "there will be sins, there will be disobedience, but before this disobedience, there is always mercy," because God is always faithful and never rescinds his gifts.
Jesus calls us to lives of humble service
In order to lay down our lives for others, we must first listen to and obey the word of God, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior. Through humility, we receive the strength to serve.
Readings of the holy Mass – Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Read or listen to the readings before Mass with these resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition.
If itemizing donations on a tax form, do we contradict Jesus?
As long as one doesn't put one's holiness on display, it is OK to donate to a church, and wise to claim credit for tax purposes, writes Father Ken Doyle. He also explains the "Protestant" ending to the Our Father.
Need for power and money is path of clericalism, pope says
Clericalism is a path taken by those who, unlike the good shepherd, concern themselves with money and power and not with people who are suffering and neglected, Pope Francis said.
Love of God and love of neighbor are the heart of Christian life
Jesus transformed the ancient command to serve the Lord wholeheartedly into a new call to love others in the same way, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.
Readings of the holy Mass – Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Read or listen to the readings before Mass with these resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition.