Commentaries
How to drink like a saint
During the summer with its parties, ball games and more leisurely pace, Oblate Father Thomas Dailey raises a toast, in moderation, to the virtues of sipping an adult beverage in celebration of life.
In tumultuous times, first listen to the darkness
These transitional times challenge our core beliefs and question about our fundamental notions: should we look for as it was or as it will be? Sister Ann Heath faithfully watches for signs of light amid the darkness.
Drowned by indifference
If only the deaths of a father and his daughter in the Rio Grande really were heartbreaking, then we might be moved to address the suffering and causes of 70 million people migrating worldwide, writes Gina Christian.
An unexpected voice, a painful message
The Vatican's lead investigator of all clergy sexual abuse reports worldwide, for 17 years, might have the worst job in the church, observes Greg Erlandson. Msgr. John Kennedy's honesty, and insights, are revealing.
Lessons in morality and philosophy in a superhero movie
Richard Doerflinger takes a good look at the Spiderman, Batman and Avengers movies, and in them sees society's struggle with moral decision making and what happens when utilitarianism isn't even useful.
The good Samaritans under arrest
As thousands have died at the U.S. southern border, kind people are offering the migrants water and food but are facing criminal charges. Moises Sandoval believes we can't let human suffering overwhelm our humanity.
The works of God made visible
Elise Italiano Ureneck does not know the reason why good people suffer from cancer and die too young. But with faith she notices selfless acts done out of love and for love.
State-sanctioned euthanasia is not about love
Archbishop Anthony Fisher gets the reason why people may favor euthanasia. He was totally paralyzed and in terrible pain. Facing unfixable human suffering requires hard loving, not killing, he argues.
Theaters for ‘movies,’ churches for ‘worship’ in the Netflix age
Movies, sports and concerts are cultural liturgies because they draw upon our longing to be part of something bigger than ourselves, writes Brett Robinson. Young people today are seeking something bigger in the real world, not in fantasy.
Watch for the ‘Lord of the dance’ among us
As Effie Caldarola watched her teenage nephew sway to the music, she caught a glimpse of the divine when a pretty young woman asked the young man to dance, regardless of his Down syndrome.