Spirituality
Recognize God’s closeness, extend it to others, pope says
Pope Francis, who began but never finished a doctorate based on the writings of Father Romano Guardini, encouraged the Berlin-based foundation named for the philosopher to promote dialogue based on his writings because he "is a thinker who has much to say to people of our age."
See yourself not in a portrait, but in a mosaic of Christ
We don’t know what Jesus really looked like, but writer Gina Christian explains that Jesus reveals his likeness as a mosaic, an image made out of thousands of smaller images. When we step back, we see a beautiful whole; and when we lean in, we see each other.
Jesus, the personification of wisdom
For Deacon Bill Masapollo, living with wisdom means being holy, agile and tranquil in dealing with all that life dishes out.
The ‘hard saying’ of the Eucharist explained for a child
The Eucharist really is the body and blood of Christ, and Father Ken Doyle writes that there are ways of explaining that to the young and not so young.
Gospel readings shouldn’t be edited at will
Father Ken Doyle explains to a reader that a priest or deacon may choose a shorter approved reading, but may not avoid verses seen as controversial or challenging.
Pope: God feels compassion for everyone, sent his son to heal humanity
There is a difference between compassion and pity, he said at the Mass in the chapel of his residence Oct. 30. "I can feel pity for a dog that is dying," he said, but compassion, especially God's compassion, is a whole different thing. It is putting oneself in the other's place "with the father's heart."
Marked with the sign of faith, we’re bound in life and death
A small cemetery in the rough countryside of Ireland reminds Michelle Francl Donnay of the obligation – from the Latin word "to bind" – to pray on All Souls Day for all the dead, be they family or the unremembered.
Why the bias for a priest at Communion time?
No answer of Father Ken Doyle to readers' questions has generated more response than this: It's the same Eucharist no matter whether a priest or lay person distributes it, and it's not worth worrying about.
Just how poor must one be to follow Jesus?
Father Ken Doyle writes that it's hard living Gospel poverty in America, but the challenge is how one uses money.
As Rome synod continues, pope speaks of obedience
Preaching on the feast of St. Teresa of Avila Oct. 15, Pope Francis spoke of Jesus' "very harsh" language concerning the "doctors of the law." They try to limit God's limitless love, the pope said, adding obedience is a response to God's love.