Spirituality
Gift of understanding helps us to see as God does
Understanding moves us beyond merely agreeing with what God has revealed to taking seriously what his revelation means for our everyday decisions.
Trouble understanding? Spirit helps us listen
Our lack of understanding often leads not to a productive conversation but to a refusal to listen. Be it in our families, our politics or global issues, the Spirit's gift of understanding asks us to go deeper.
Readings of the Holy Mass: Second 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.
Making someone smile can witness to Gospel’s joy
Commenting on this Sunday's Mass, Msgr. Joseph Prior tells of how an old woman in a nursing home made a priest laugh, showing a witness to Jesus that would make St. John the Baptist proud.
Preaching to the choir can create harmony
Scripture teaches that sharing our beliefs and convictions with like-minded others gives us energy to pursue good works, writes Gina Christian. In the process, we write a song that all are called to sing.
God’s word can never be ‘enchained,’ pope says at audience
In a Jan. 15 address, Pope Francis said that the church, like St. Paul, continues to proclaim the love of God in Christ despite misunderstanding, rejection and persecution.
A taxi ride with the Holy Spirit
While sharing a cab with friends, writer Shemaiah Gonzalez learned a life-changing lesson about inviting the third Person of the Trinity more deeply into her daily life.
Even in the 21st century, there’s room for wisdom
More than ever, this gift of the Holy Spirit -- freely given to young and old -- is needed to renew the faithful and inspire them to take right action.
Can you speed up holy Communion?
Father Kenneth Doyle counsels a reader who is concerned that the distribution of the sacrament is taking a long time at Mass. In response to another question, he explains when the Christmas season actually ends.
Life of love begins with baptism, united in Christ
This Sunday’s feast of the Baptism of the Lord is a time to recommit ourselves to a life of faith in Jesus because we are the adopted daughters and sons of the Father who loves us, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.