Perspective
Shepherds and Sheep
We’ve reached the point in the Easter season when the liturgy presents Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd, tending his flock with care. When I think about this, I usually […]
Columns Archive
Perspective
The Very Purpose of a Monstrance is to Show the Eucharist to the World
The very purpose of a monstrance is to show the Eucharist, “the living bread that came down from heaven” (Jn 6:51). The word monstrance comes from the Latin monstrare, which […]
Perspective
Many Things Are Not Permitted; Everything Can Be Forgiven
The washing of the feet on Holy Thursday, the veneration of the cross on Good Friday, the journey through the pivotal readings from the Old Testament during Saturday’s Easter Vigil, […]
Perspective
The Lord is Truly Our Shepherd
Fourth Sunday of Easter John 10:1-10 Readings from the Acts of the Apostles frequently occur during the Easter season. They clearly show not just life in general in the first […]
Perspective
How Grandma Made Her Life a Work of Art
Two parts reverence, one part mischief. That’s how I’d sum up my grandma, whose name — Elinor Marcella — captures her mix of poise and playfulness. She raised five kids […]
Perspective
Why Censoring Classic Books is Not the Way Forward
“I don’t believe in that,” widely censored author Judy Blume scoffed in a recent interview with Variety magazine, responding to news that Puffin Books would revise Roald Dahl’s works. Dahl […]
Perspective
Why Did Christ Not Stay After the Resurrection?
After Christ rose from the dead, He appeared to His disciples at certain places and times, but did not seem to stay with them continuously. On the first Easter Sunday, […]
Perspective
Holding the Line on Brain Death
How do we determine that someone has died? The Uniform Determination of Death Act (UDDA), which has been an important part of the medical and legal landscape in the U.S. […]
Perspective
‘Communion’: For the Life of the World, ‘Come-Unity’
Thinking about Christ’s Last Supper evokes many images. The institution of the Eucharist stands at the fore. But, of course, John’s Gospel casts a different light on the event. He […]
Perspective
Seven Awesome Songs to Sing this Easter Season
“Jesus is risen and we shall arise: give God the glory! Alleluia!” It was on the final note of that refrain Easter morning that my almost 4-year-old daughter, Anne, let […]
Perspective
Have Faith — Trust in the Lord
Second Sunday of Easter John 20:19-31 With deep faith and faith-filled excitement the Church continues the celebration, begun a week and a day ago at Easter, of the Lord’s resurrection […]
Perspective
Reviewing the Holiest — and Most Joyful — Week
I don’t know how the six weeks of Lent went for you, but I was really glad when we reached Holy Week. I love the liturgies and traditions that we […]