Perspective
Seven Teachings on Hell from St. Thomas Aquinas
The teachings of the Lord on Hell are difficult, especially in today’s climate. The most difficult questions that arise relate to its eternal nature and how to square its existence […]
Perspective Archive
Perspective
Dissolving the Dead
In recent years, a number of U.S. states have legalized a new way to process human corpses that some have called “dissolving the dead.” Its technical name is “alkaline hydrolysis,” […]
Perspective
Look for the Deeper Meaning in the Passion Narrative
Sunday of the Lord’s Passion (Palm Sunday) Matthew 26:14-27:66 This weekend observes Palm Sunday, recalling with such great reverence the Lord’s traditional entry into Jerusalem, beginning the drama of Holy […]
Perspective
Good Enough, Here and Now: Love the House You’re In
Paige Rien was in hustle-mode. Her first book had finally been released, and the Catholic mom of four was determined to market it well. “Love the House You’re In” was […]
Perspective
‘Sacrifice’: A Word Wholly Connected to the Holy Eucharist
One of the most quoted descriptions of the Eucharist is from the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, “Lumen Gentium,” which calls the Eucharist the “source and summit” […]
Perspective
How to Successfully Accompany Young Hispanic Catholics
After many years of doing research on Hispanic Catholics, one question emerges almost invariably in conversations and speaking engagements: What can our Church do to accompany young Hispanic Catholics better? […]
Perspective
Seeking Jesus with Faith like Martha Leads to Eternal Life
Fifth Sunday of Lent John 11:1-45 The Book of Ezekiel provides the first reading for this weekend. Even a quick reading of the history of ancient Israel shows that there […]
Perspective
A Map of Holy Week
The entire calendar of the Church’s year — the structure of feasts and seasons that make up the year, from Advent to Christ the King, the way those who are […]
Perspective
What to Make of the Great Synodal Debate
The Catholic Church today can, in an important sense, be described as a Church in upheaval. A significant part of that reality arises from the fact that the Church does […]
Perspective
We Must Always Turn to God, As He Alone is Light
Fourth Sunday of Lent John 9:1-41 Drawing from the first word, in Latin, in the Entrance Antiphon for this weekend’s liturgy, this Sunday long has been called “Laetare Sunday.” Laetare […]
Perspective
How I Learned Pope Francis was a True ‘Pope of Peripheries’
It is often said that we are our truest selves when we are happy, comfortable, and surrounded by those we love and trust. During each of the nearly 30 trips […]
Perspective
Pope Francis: 10 Titles for 10 Years
Before he was known for anything else, Pope Francis was known as “the first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 years.” Throughout the last 10 years, he has led the Church […]