“Remember, Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies,” remarks Andy Dufresne in the movie Shawshank Redemption when things are at a low ebb. I remind people of this hope when they express despair at the apathy shown towards the...
A change in our plans can be frustrating, but sometimes a great invitation comes along that we can’t miss. Deacon Tom Elitz reminds us to be open to God disrupting our plans so that we don’t miss a great banquet. Based on the readings for Sunday, October 15, 2023....
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...
