Perspective
Expanding the Circle of Protection
One of the maddening aspects of America’s political landscape for Catholics is the inconsistencies of both political parties. Some folks may oppose the death penalty but are just fine with […]
Perspective Archive
Perspective
How to Navigate the Use of Humor in the Church
Earlier this summer, I was invited to present at the Catholic Media Conference, speaking to journalists and editors about “using humor and joy in writing and publications.” As I told […]
Perspective
The Rise in Enrollment at Catholic Schools Should Not Be Ignored
Finding silver linings within the destabilizing and tumultuous years of the COVID-19 pandemic is not always easy. But the major shifts that took place in public life as a result […]
Perspective
Be Rich in What Matters
Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 16:19-31 The Book of Amos is the source of this weekend’s first reading. The book itself states that it was written during the reign […]
Perspective
Queen Elizabeth II: Faithful Disciple
I was in Rome last week to give a presentation to the Pontifical Academy of the Sciences. I was supposed to go the following week with my Word on Fire team […]
Perspective
Love and Support Catechists
Catechetical programs have resumed activities or will soon start in most Catholic parishes in the United States. Children, youths, young adults, and adults prepare to return to sessions where they […]
Perspective
Love and Lament Alike – A Brief Reflection for All Who Care About the Church
As a priest and pastor, I work very closely with others: clergy, religious, laity who work for the Church, and laity who volunteer. We all work for the Church because […]
Perspective
You Never Really Pray Alone
There is no such thing as “private” prayer. There is – and certainly should be – deeply personal prayer, but really no such thing as “private” prayer. All Christian prayer, […]
Perspective
‘Let Go’: Shia LaBeouf on Conversion and the Meaning of the Gospel
“Pio … saved my life, this is not just a movie or something, and I don’t mean that lightly,” said “Transformers” star Shia LaBeouf in a soulful interview with Bishop Robert […]
A more human society
A Depopulated Future
I remember when people thought overpopulation would destroy us and the planet. Paul Ehrlich’s 1968 book “The Population Bomb” popularized this idea, leading to urgent calls for “zero population growth.” Dr. […]
Perspective
Following the Path of Inspiration
During his down time at work, a Minnesota surgeon often browses the New Yorker in the hospital library. One day he spotted its famed cartoon caption contest – a caption-less […]
Perspective
A Tree Falls and is Noticed
I’ve never lost a tree before. Our property had three magnificent oaks, each more than a hundred, maybe 150 years old. Like J.R.R. Tolkien’s Ents, each had its own gravitas. […]