Few saints have left us more extensive or intimate records of their personal spiritual lives than St. Teresa of Ávila. Her substantial contributions to 16th century religious reform are overshadowed only by her deeply rich, insightful works on the interior life of the...
“You Catholics don’t worship God, you worship Mary.” “Why are there more pictures of Mary than there are of Jesus in that church?” “Must be cool being part of a religion with a goddess.” It might surprise some, but these are all comments that I have heard first-hand....
If Laudato Si’ was a gentle and pastoral invitation to care for creation, Laudate Deum is a visceral, prophetic call to conversion. Eight years after Laudato Si’s initial publication, Pope Francis once again takes on the looming challenges of the climate crisis that...
We are meant to carry the Word of God, and the love of God, everywhere we go. That won’t always be easy. Fr. Eric Immel, SJ, reflects on the Parable of the Tenants of the Vineyard. Based on the readings for Sunday, October 8, 2023. They’re killing people in the...
It’s natural to want to feel important, but St. Paul encourages us to regard others as more important. William Manaker, SJ, reflects on St. Paul’s words and Christ’s actions in showing love to others. Based on the readings for Sunday, October 1, 2023. Jesus’s attitude...
Do we look at what others have and want more or can we be happy for the blessings that others receive? Austin Kleman, SJ, reflects on the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. Based on the readings for Sunday, September 24, 2023. That’s not fair; I deserve more than...
If I were to mention the word “icon” to a younger person, especially one who has never entered a church, they might think of their smartphone before they think of prayer. These small graphical representations are ubiquitous, helping a person quickly access their...
Prayer as the unveiling of the heart “Hi, I’m Chaplain James. Is there a way I can support you this morning?” The man had asked his nurse to page a chaplain, so I suspected that his looming surgery was weighing heavily on his heart, but I wanted to hear the request...
Revenge seems satisfying. Kindness, forgiveness, and mercy are better. Tom Elitz, SJ, reflects on our call to forgive and to love like God. Based on the readings for Sunday, September 17, 2023. Maybe we shouldn’t admit this, but isn’t there something so satisfying...
“I’m gonna be king of the pirates!” Time and again, Monkey D. Luffy, the protagonist of Eichiro Oda’s One Piece, states his dream and goal, no matter how outlandish it seems. Luffy holds onto the hope that he can find the fabled treasure known as the One Piece and...
