Spirituality

Devil targets those who succumb to despair, negativity, pope says

Sometimes Christians seem to prefer complaining and being unhappy in life, but that makes them a perfect target for the devil, Pope Francis said in a morning homily.

Sparks among the stubble

The death of a woman whose schizophrenia did not vanquish her strong faith reminds fellow parishioner Gina Christian that despite one's sufferings, the fire of God's love shines through them more brightly.

Pray with courage, pope says in morning homily

Christians must be courageous when praying to God and not simply repeat prayers "like a parrot," Pope Francis said.

Explaining same-sex unions to a child

Father Ken Doyle admits he is no master teacher for a 5-year-old, but offers church teaching on marriage and homosexual persons to the boy's father. Also, he chimes in on the use of bells at Mass.

Cleaning out our hearts enables us to see God

Lenten self-denial helps us to "stop, look and listen" so that we can view others through Jesus' eyes, writes Patrick Walsh. In every encounter, the Lord is constantly revealing himself to us.

Loved at our worst

Like a parent embracing a wayward teen at her lowest moment, so God's relentless love extends beyond us, writes Gina Christian. He does not abandon us but instead offers oneness with himself.

What exactly is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?

Father Kenneth Doyle clarifies one of the most controversial passages in Scripture, while advising another reader who has opted out of contemporary liturgical music by wearing earbuds during Mass.

Mary, Heart of the Mystical Body – Week 4

In the fourth of a seven-part series, Sister Constance Veit shares how devotion to the seven sorrows of Mary can deepen our understanding of God's love, while nurturing faith in our youth. Follow along with a video.

Accept the Father’s mercy, offer it to all

As we hear again the story of the prodigal son in the Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, this package of resources invites us to ponder the lessons of this parable, in text and videos.

Judge not, because we are all prodigal children

A permanent deacon tells of how difficult it is to go into the peripheries and minister without judgment to those who are not like us. But at a prison, he learned the power of forgiveness over fear.