Spirituality
Fasting is a tie that binds us to Syrians and all suffering people
In his remarks last Sunday in Rome, Pope Francis called the whole church to a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria and the whole world. This is not the ritual fast before we receive the Eucharist, nor the traditional fast of Lent. This fast is a call to throw ourselves on the mercy of God, keening for the brokenness of the Body of Christ that has brought us — again — to the brink of war.
Yes, you can greet one another before Mass
Q. According to one article that I read, the bishops addressed the practice of inviting members of the congregation to greet those around them before the Mass begins -- their feeling being that this detracted from the sign of peace, which the liturgy places just before Communion. Sadly, though, this action continues in many parishes. What is your take on it? (Walnut Creek, Calif.) Q. We have all been told that Jesus and Mary were like us in all things but sin. I take that to mean that they felt all the emotions that humans naturally experience. But I heard a nun say on television that Jesus was not afraid to die. I don't believe that. I think he was terrified. Likewise, the early 18th-century St. Louis de Montfort said in one of his books that Mary suffered no pain in childbirth. Why not? Was she human or not? (Carrolltown, Pa.)
Our heart’s loneliness for God
One of my memories of growing up on a Midwestern farm is the feel of a harsh, southern wind blowing on a very hot day. This recollection conjures up childhood loneliness, which seemed all the more real on Sunday afternoon with no air conditioning, no school and seemingly nothing to do after we changed out of our church clothes. Neighbors were a distance away, play dates few and far between. My brothers traipsed through the woods and played on the tire swing. I clung to my paper dolls and an over-active fantasy life in which I created a huge family of imaginary cousins who lived nearby.
Pope: To fight evil, Jesus uses humility and love, not armies
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Jesus does not need an army to fight evil in the world; he uses the victorious weapons of love and humility, Pope Francis said. And Christians, likewise, should be known for bringing forth the light of Christ, not darkness, to fight the world’s demons, he said Sept. 3 during his morning […]
What to keep, what to lose, to get through the narrow gate
"Strive to enter through the narrow gate.” Lk. 13:24 Jesus’ words in this passage from Luke can be difficult for me to listen to, surfacing images of a divine sieve that only a few of us can pass through. But St. Cyril of Alexandria, a fifth century doctor of the Church, suggested in his commentary on Luke’s Gospel that I listen more closely to the exchange.
Children are still legitimate after annulment; questioning nail marks of crucifixion
Q. Would you please clarify the church's position regarding a marriage annulment's effect on children? I have some friends who are in a second marriage. They would love to have their first marriages annulled and their present marriage blessed so that they can receive holy Communion at Mass. But they have refrained from doing so because the children of their first marriages say that an annulment would render these children illegitimate or "nonexistent." It is a tender situation, and I believe that your reply would bring comfort and enlightenment. (Schenectady, N.Y.) Q. In a book about the Shroud of Turin, I read that when Jesus was crucified, the nails were driven through his wrists. The photos of the shroud seem to confirm this. But if that were so, then why did saints such as St. Francis and Padre Pio have stigmata wounds on the palms of their hands rather than their wrists? (Glen Allen, Va.)
Not our will, but God’s will
Last month, I received a strange call from a woman who was angry with God for not answering her prayers. Apparently she had come across an old column I had written on prayer and wanted some information. The conversation went something like this: "Since you know so much about prayer, tell me how you can get God to help me win the lottery."
Stop to listen for angels softly singing in glass
Even a silent chapel has something to say to us. The design of a church is meant to both speak to us of God’s saving work and to encourage us to speak to God in return. Images, whether frescos or stained glass windows, facilitate these conversations.
Faith isn’t ornamental, but means making tough choices, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Faith isn't something decorative one adds to life, but is a commitment that involves making choices that may require sacrifice, Pope Francis said. Faith "is not decorating your life with a bit of religion as if life were a cake that you decorate with cream," the pope said Aug. 18 before reciting the Angelus with visitors in St. Peter's Square.
Pope says Mary is always near, helping the church face its trials
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Mary, the mother of Jesus and mother of the church, already is in glory in heaven, but she is always with the church and helps it face the trials of the devil, Pope Francis said. While the church is blessed and holy, on earth it continues to live through “the trials […]