Perspective
An Unforgettable Story of Forgiveness
Four years ago, I watched a video on YouTube of a woman who was doing impressive work caring for underserved children in downtown Columbus, Ohio. She’d started a center for […]
Columns Archive
Perspective
The Hardening of Hearts Caused by the Deceit of Sin
There is a line from the Letter to the Hebrews. In it was an important admonition, especially appropriate for our times: Encourage yourselves daily while it is still today, so […]
Perspective
If You Remain Faithful, God’s Protection Will Prevail
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 5:1-12a The first biblical reading this weekend is from Zephaniah. These details are known about this prophet. He was the son of Cushi and […]
Perspective
On Snow and Silence: Learning to Listen in a Noisy World
I have loved photography for years. And I think I finally found my niche: snow photography. Every time it snows — which is frequent here in Minnesota — I grab […]
Perspective
It is Good to Let the Jeering Skulls Laugh
Like St. Teresa of Avila, I have a skull on my desk. Two, actually — one plain and one riotously decorated in green and purple. I think they’re funny; they […]
Perspective
Patrons and Friends
There’s a standard plot device in romantic comedies called a “meet cute,” wherein two people who will eventually become a couple first meet, usually under unusual, humorous, or otherwise cute […]
Perspective
It is Never too Late to Turn Your Devotion to God
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 4:12-23 The Book of Isaiah offers us a powerful lesson. Isaiah lived in a time when God’s people were skating on thin ice. They […]
Perspective
How to Read Pope Benedict XVI if You Never Have Before
The Dec. 31 death of Pope Benedict XVI has brought much discussion of his prolific pen, with his numerous theological writings, pastoral letters, and encyclicals. Mentions of his many books, […]
Perspective
‘Ordinary Time’
Welcome to the wearing of the green, green vestments that is. The weeks of the year outside of seasons such as Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter are termed “ordinary time.” […]
Perspective
Did I Make the Right Choices as Dad was Dying?
Sometimes people will contact the National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC) wondering if the decisions they made on behalf of a dying family member were the right ones. The NCBC provides […]
Perspective
In Finding Jesus, We Find God
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time John 1:29-34 The Book of Isaiah furnishes this weekend’s first reading from the Scriptures. Relief and joy uplifted the atmosphere. Hopes centered upon a bright […]
Perspective
Praying To God of the Sick When You’re Sick-of-Being-Sick
Here is a story that every family I know can tell: all of us have been sick … for a long, long time. In the past few months, our household […]