Spirituality
Nothing is above our ‘pray grade’
The world may box us in with strict job classifications and limiting labels, but God doesn't, writes Gina Christian. As his children, we can boldly approach a Lord whom Scripture tells us can do "far more than all we ask or imagine."
Through Mary, our ‘banged up’ efforts become gifts to God
Crumpled flowers in the hands of his eager children remind Patrick Walsh how the Blessed Mother transforms our imperfect offerings into a joyful sacrifice, made in love.
Readings of the Holy Mass: Twenty-third 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.
Jesus draws us, through our crosses, to himself
Our relationships are important but they cannot be substitutes for a relationship with Jesus, who leads us to the fullness of life and the path to the Father, comments Msgr. Joseph Prior on this Sunday's Gospel.
After suicide, an intense gaze into the heart
A friend's tragic death at his own hands -- after a return to the church -- prompts a searing examen, writes Gina Christian. Yet even in the darkness of sorrow, hope and healing are found through faith in a God whose mercy is unfathomable.
Learning to wait on God
It can be hard to wait for anything, but Gary Zimak has good news for the impatient: since patience is a gift of the Holy Spirit who is within us, we already have what we need. Ask for God's grace, and remember his sense of humor.
St. Basil the Great and my new iPhone
The fourth-century bishop had strong words for those who live to shop, writes Gina Christian, since all wealth is a gift from God and requires us to be responsible, compassionate stewards.
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.
‘Revolution of tenderness’ springs from fertile ground of humility
The phrased coined by Pope Francis is rooted in Jesus’ parable on humility, love and service to those most in need, as Msgr. Joseph Prior explains the Gospel and readings for this Sunday’s Mass.
‘It’s not my fault’: Misreading the concept of original sin
Father Ken Doyle explains a difficult doctrine thus: If my grandfather squandered a fortune that would otherwise have been passed down to me, I would have lost out even though I had not been personally responsible.