Spirituality
The sacred act of dishwashing
Cleaning up after meals can be a distasteful chore -- or an ordinary moment filled with extraordinary grace, as Laura Kelly Fanucci writes.
When we identify Jesus as Lord we grow closer to him, as Peter did
Jesus sees the work of the Father when Peter calls Christ "the Son of the living God," explains Msgr. Joseph Prior, writing on this Sunday's Gospel. Peter's profession becomes ours as well, drawing us into the love of God.
When the silence of God meets our life’s unfinished symphony
We often think the fullness of joy is ours to claim if we pray hard enough, writes Gina Christian. When God doesn't answer as we'd like, we should remember only Christ’s love makes this moment worth living, and eternity worth seeking.
Readings of the holy Mass – Twentieth 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.
Community as a source of strength and solidarity
While we all need time alone, our solitude is meant to renew us for communal life, writes Effie Caldarola. Jesus reminds us of the importance of being in relationship with one another.
Is it harder for Catholics to get to heaven?
Given their rich sacramental and theological tradition, are Catholics expected to "do more" to attain eternal life? Father Ken Doyle discusses how salvation is worked out, and also advises if priests can refuse to baptize children born out of wedlock.
A gentile woman’s persistent faith shows that salvation is for all
Msgr. Joseph Prior reflects on this Sunday's Gospel, showing how it continues to emphasize our call to faith, an invitation that extends to all peoples.
Readings of the holy Mass – Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Read or listen to the readings before Mass with the resources below from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition.
Peace that begins in silence can conquer chaos of our lives
Msgr. Joseph Prior reviews the readings for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time that show Jesus leading the disciples from peace through chaos and back to peace, all by faith.
Encountering God even in the people we’d like to avoid
A video showed the distraught singer Sinéad O’Connor teetering on the edge of suicide, but Gina Christian saw a chance to pray for her and all those with mental illness, however difficult they may be.