Spirituality
Thanks to the Gloria, We Don’t Have to Invent Praise for God From Scratch
Father Patrick Brady can be forgiven for confusing St. Hilary of Poitiers with Harry Potter. The saint nicknamed the Hammer was instrumental in bringing the angels’ song of praise into the Catholic Mass, though it took centuries of strife to do so.
All Saints Day Points to End of Our Life’s Journey: Heaven’s Eternal Love
The continual transformation that takes place within our hearts through the struggles and joys of life prepares us for being in God’s presence, where we will see God "as He is,” writes Msgr. Joseph Prior on the Solemnity of All Saints.
Love of God Is Foundation of Our Love for All Humanity
Msgr. Joseph Prior explains how in this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus avoids the trap set for him by a scholar. He shows that the perfect love of the Holy Trinity, extended to everyone, is the model for our boundless love of neighbor.
‘Give to Caesar,’ But Keep God at the Center of Life
Human governance is necessary even when it isn't perfect, explains Msgr. Joseph Prior. He unpacks the meaning of the command of Jesus to "give to God what is God's" -- which is to trust God and assent to His will.
Kyrie Seeks God’s Mercy Down the Road That We Must Travel
When we get into a mess through the darkness of the night, only God can fix it, writes Father Patrick Brady. A misconstrued 1985 song lyric and a mysterious Greek prayer of the liturgy lead us to an ancient and new encounter with God.
Accepting the Invitation to God’s Feast
This week’s readings remind us that God invites all people to share in the heavenly feast, calling us to respond with gratitude, faith, and lives rooted in Christ.
God Loves Us With Persistent, Immeasurable Love
Msgr. Joseph Prior can point to definitions of love in a dictionary and signs of loving families, spouses and friends. But it's the life-giving sacrifice of Jesus on the cross that best shows the love of God for everyone.
Gospel Calls Us to Live God’s Way, the Way of Mercy
This Sunday's Gospel parable -- two sons are called, only one acts -- invites us to ponder God’s mercy and His invitation to repentance. It calls us to reflect on our attitude toward God’s gracious call and show mercy to others.
God’s Lavish Love is Given Not by Our Merit, But by His Mercy
Msgr. Joseph Prior explains this Sunday's Gospel and the parable of the Generous Landowner, representing God who gives His love, compassion, mercy and goodness to people not because we love Him but because of who He is.
The Confiteor: The Culturally Unfashionable Prayer
People apologize in ways that don’t admit fault, but Father Patrick Brady shows how an innovative prayer of the Mass seeks God’s mercy to repair relationships damaged by sin.