Commentaries

A time for the domestic church to flourish

This is a perfect time for catechists of all ages to arise in the context of the home; a time for practices that make God present in the daily life of the family; a time to recognize Christ in every member of our household.

In fight for our environment, make room for mourning

For Immaculata senior Gina Rulli, the most frightening thing about Earth Day (April 22) is not just climate change and species extinction. It is people believing these issues don’t plague our planet.

The age of renewal has begun

Quarantine 2020 is as unsettling for Father Eric Banecker as anyone, but he believes it may result is a more equitable society, a simpler kind of lifestyle and a church renewed in her proclamation of the Good News.

Prom and high school commencement are out, but mercy remains

Emma McIntyre was anticipating the excitement of her senior year at Merion Mercy Academy until the coronavirus restrictions came down. Now everyone needs to share the "suffering heart" of mercy.

A new corporal work of mercy: Staying at home

The coronavirus and its social restrictions are a Catholic moment: We sacrifice our own goods -- especially the Eucharist -- for the good and the lives of others, writes Greg Erlandson.

Spiritual benefits of technology click in time of crisis

Pause the argument over the corrosive effects of television, advises Brett Robinson, and appreciate the digital culture that is providing a lifeline in a church physically separated but spiritually intact.

How to be sure your donation is used as you intend

You want to give to charity, but you have concerns. Sarah Hanley of the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia tells how making a contribution can be a spiritual experience, not one of worry.

Like bread, we’re in a time of silent rising

The coronavirus put much of Katie Prejean McGrady's life out of her control, so she decided to make bread. She sees how God is asking us to pay attention to his leavening as we learn what we knead to know.

The anointing of this uncertain Good Friday

For Pope Francis, thinking of others during the lockdown of the coronavirus is a thought that anoints. That image calls to mind the flowing holy oil of healing, starting at the cross, writes Father Thomas Dailey.

Home ritual of washing kids’ feet teaches of receiving God’s love

In leading a Holy Thursday ritual at home, Patrick Walsh gained insight into the washing of feet as more than servant leadership but a profound way to accept the Lord and serve him by sharing his divine love.