Commentaries
Looking to the feast of human presence in 2021
The lack of human presence -- a prolonged fasting -- during the year of COVID may give way this year to a renewed appreciation for real connection now and in eternity, writes Brett Robinson.
3 ways to take advantage of year-end charitable giving
If you want to support a nonprofit you care about one more time in 2020, there are significant advantages and spiritual benefits, explains Sarah Hanley of the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia.
Seven ways to make ‘cancelled Christmas’ the best one ever
Virus concerns and public health mandates mean this Christmas will look different than Christmases past. But that doesn't mean it can't be meaningful and memorable in a good way, writes Kendra Tierney.
Contemplating the closeness of Jesus in year of separation
Separation has been an everyday phenomenon this year, and that includes our Christmas season. But the Incarnation challenges us to rediscover God and embrace hope.
A Christmas prayer of the imagination: To hold the baby Jesus
One Christmas day Jesuit Father Rick Malloy used the Ignatian method of contemplation and pictured himself in the Nativity scene. Mary invites him to accept her Son: "Do you want to hold him?"
We need a lot of Christmas this year, so bring on the holly jolly
People have railed against the "forced gaity" of the commercialized Christmas, but Greg Erlandson suggests this year we dive fully into the joyful traditions of the season.
Seven ways St. Joseph shows the heart of a father
In this year of St. Joseph, writer Jennifer Settle explores how Pope Francis holds up the foster father of Jesus as the model of God's own heart for all his children.
What is truth? The question challenging Western civilization
Many examples of loss of truth, reason and progress seem to say the Western world is losing it. But don't despair, instead get busy with education and action, says Father Eugene Hemrick.
For a year, walk in a needy mom’s shoes
Challenging the view that the church doesn't walk with pregnant mothers during and after birth, Kim Griffin tells of a new program designed to focus local Catholic groups and parishioners on just that.
Three popes, one catechism declare: Death penalty ‘inadmissible’
In light of recent and soon-expected U.S. federal executions, Father Joseph Quindlen points out strong papal statements since 1998 and the revision of the catechism condemning capital punishment.