Spirituality

Readings of the Holy Mass – Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

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.

Better to go to church or be kind? A false choice to avoid

Choosing church attendance or acts of daily kindness is not an "either-or" proposition, Father Ken Doyle replies to a reader. In fidelity to Jesus we do both, and thereby make steady progress in the Christian life.

To go or to stay? ‘Hard saying’ on Eucharist demands commitment

While some disciples of Jesus walked away when he referred to himself as the Bread of Life, the Twelve replied to the Master, "to whom shall we go?" Msgr. Joseph Prior reflects on the readings for this Sunday's Mass.

Readings of the Holy Mass – Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

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.

It’s settled: Death penalty not permitted, is contrary to Gospel

With the latest clarification, the church makes clear that no matter how horrendous the crime perpetrated, civil society has no right to decide that a prisoner's life is over, explains Father Ken Doyle.

More than example, the Eucharist is Jesus himself

Through faith, we can taste and see the goodness of the Lord, made present in the bread and wine, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior. Nourished by the living bread, we give thanks to God for his love.

Readings of the Holy Mass – Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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.

Washing hands at Mass signifies inner purity, not outer dirt

Father Kenneth Doyle confirms a reader's hunch that the celebrant's handwashing during Mass is more than skin deep. In response to another reader, he clarifies what Jesus means by "poor in spirit."

In the car wash of the spiritual life: neutral, and no brakes

Gina Christian wants to stay in charge but she must let go and trust -- an apt metaphor for the life of Mary, the Mother of God, on the eve of the feast of her Assumption into heaven.

Through faith, we recognize Jesus as the Bread of Life

In this week's Gospel, we are called to enter more deeply into the mystery of God's love, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior. Trusting his word, we encounter Christ in the Eucharist.