Commentaries
‘You shall not oppress an alien’ — in any era
John Garvey traces Donald Trump's attacks on Ted Cruz back to the 18th-century John Adams administration. Adams, who regretted his anti-immigration laws, lost to Thomas Jefferson.
Don’t give fear the upper hand, get to know a Muslim neighbor
If we get to know Muslims better, writes Carolyn Woo, we can begin to fight the scourge of extremism. Through love, we can banish a fear that robs our nation of compassion and diminishes us.
Resolutions that extend beyond the new year
Resolutions that seemed like a good idea at the time often end on Jan. 31. Effie Caldarola suggests we don't judge ourselves harshly this year, but to return to God's lavish mercy again and again.
And the Oscar for best homily goes to …
Jesuit Father William Byron suggests dioceses give annual awards for best preaching, best participating congregation and best liturgical music in order to improve liturgies in all parishes.
Stepping aside can be a loving gesture to those who are sick
Knowing that caregivers of very ill people can become overwhelmed by a constant stream of questions and requests for updates from friends, Maureen Pratt suggests ways to show support without adding to a family's stress.
A difference of 18 human lives, and many more
In 2014 there were 32,126 abortions in Pa., 18 fewer than the previous year, reports Amy Hill. People may shrug their shoulders, but they are falling into the indifference that Pope Francis warns against.
Photographs at a funeral
Seeing the scenes of a man's life at his viewing, CatholicPhilly.com's editor, Matthew Gambino, ponders the suffering of the deceased and his family, and how a new pamphlet can help families prepare for the inevitable.
In life as in the kitchen, it’s all gravy
Bill Dodds regales the grandkids with stories of doughnuts made at home with lard, while they tell him of quesadillas and Japanese dumplings. He savors the comfort of food, and the happy mess of making it.
Make visiting the elderly a high tech, no tech, work of mercy
Sister Constance Veit suggests hooking up with desperately lonely older people through a video service, or better yet, through real, in-person face time. Better still, share a meal and a memory with them.
With a new year, another ‘good thing’ for the family schedule
In their Marriage Matters column, Deacon Paul and Helen McBlain discuss what to do when one spouse wants to add one more activity or volunteer opportunity to an already busy life, and the other spouse does not.