Spirituality

From darkness to light of Christ: An audio reflection for Lent

Listen to our podcast of Permanent Deacon Michael Pascarella offering a reflection on the danger of moving in the darkness and the freedom of living in the light, so we can see where we are going.

Pope criticizes rigid judges, says mercy needed for justice

Those who are corrupt, hypocritical and rigidly follow the letter of the law do not know what mercy is, and there can be no justice without mercy, Pope Francis said at a morning Mass.

Was crucifixion necessary? It’s a matter of debate

Father Ken Doyle weighs in on a reader's question about Christ's death on the cross that has occupied theologians from St. Luke to St. Augustine to St. Anselm and over the entire history of Christianity.

Doors of ‘the house of Jesus’ are open, so come in, pope says

Pope Francis criticized unwelcoming parishioners today, saying, "Who are you to close the door of your heart" to a person who wants to "re-enter the people of God because the Holy Spirit stirred their heart?"

The Word of God, as a soaking rain

Reflecting on a reading for the Easter Vigil, Michelle Francl-Donnay lets the Gospel saturate her heart, fulfilling the purpose for which it was sent by the Father.

As fragile as a fig tree: An audio reflection for Lent

Listen to our podcast of Permanent Deacon Michael Pascarella offering a reflection on how we are like the proverbial fig tree, whom God cares for and wants to bear good fruit.

What’s the Catholic view on Islam and terror?

Father Ken Doyle offers the church's teaching in answer to a reader's Catholic friend, who lumps all followers of Islam together with terrorists.

In Isaiah, words for those who long for God

In one of the readings for the Easter Vigil, Michelle Francl-Donnay sees not only glittering words of hope in dark times, but hints of how God hopes we will respond to his immense and steadfast love.

God forgives and expects you to do the same, pope says

"Sin is not just a simple mistake," Pope Francis said today at Mass. "Sin is idolatry. It is adoring the idol, the idol of pride or vanity, money, myself or well-being -- the many idols we have."

God wants to heal us: An audio reflection for Lent

Listen to our podcast of Permanent Deacon Michael Pascarella offering a reflection and a prayer on how God can restore our connection to him.