Spirituality
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.
Readings of the Holy Mass: Baptism of the Lord
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.
Become Christ to others, and avert World War III
Jesus is not a "spiritual teddy bear," but a Savior who transformed the violence of his death into the ultimate act of love, writes Gina Christian. Through the Eucharist, we share in his triumph and renew a deeply wounded creation.
Don’t stay indifferent, ‘get your hands dirty’ pope says
It is wrong to hate someone, but it is also wrong to be indifferent, which is a camouflaged form of hatred, Pope Francis said. Love "is expressed by doing good," he said.