Spirituality
As God in flesh, Jesus is also mercy incarnate
Sister Sara Butler writes that in the Year of Mercy, we can have confidence in God’s mercy. Jesus taught and showed how the Father’s mercy exceeds all expectations. Follow our series of monthly reflections on the jubilee year.
Church’s mission is to lead restless hearts to God, pope says
Preaching on the feast of the Epiphany Jan. 6, Pope Francis said the thirst for God is present in everyone, and Christians must help all people to seek the signs God offers in the world.
Reader questions oversight of deacon’s ‘stunning’ homily
Father Ken Doyle explains a pastor's responsibility for preaching in a parish. He also answers a question concerning holy days of obligation.
Church’s forgiveness must be as limitless as God’s mercy, Pope Francis says
Mercy frees people from bitterness and despair and "neither the law with its quibbles, nor the wisdom of this world with its distinctions, can hold it back," the pope said Jan. 1 at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome.
In the story of the Epiphany, who is seeking whom?
Michelle Francl-Donnay always loved the story of the Magi traveling afar to visit the Child Jesus. Now, she realizes the living God is with us in this land and time, also journeying and seeking us as we seek him.
After sweeping up the tree’s last needles, a new time to grow in Christ
Effie Caldarola looks toward January -- after the Christmas tree has been ingloriously hauled to the curb -- to take up the challenge of the Year of Mercy and ask Jesus to transform us in him.
Hyphenated names are A-OK, but not unbridled corporate greed
Father Ken Doyle answers a reader's question about whether a spouse may hyphenate her name (she may) and another reader's on Pope Francis' strong comments about corporate responsibility.
A hard goodbye before Christmas, and an emptying, ready for Christ
Each of us, if we use Advent to empty our hearts, can be a midwife for Christ in our souls, writes Michelle Francl-Donnay. May we become a simple cradle for the holy one of Israel, offering him to the world through our hands.
Can a Catholic oppose the Church’s position on climate change?
Father Doyle responds to questions about climate change and sanctuary lamps in Catholic churches.
Rejoicing in the Lord while embracing the darkness
Michelle Francl-Donnay writes about Gaudete Sunday and the juxtaposition of the joy of the Advent Season as well as the darkness that can permeate our lives.