Bishop Barron recently wrote about an abyss he sees between contemporary activists and religion. “One of the most remarkable differences between the social protests of the 1960’s and those of today is that the former were done in concert with, and often under the...
In today’s gospel, Jesus asks what it means to do the Father’s will. Ian Peoples, SJ, reflects on the simple, but powerful tasks that God asks of us. Based on the readings for Sunday, September 27, 2020. Love is expressed more in actions than by words. Hi,...
It’s election season in the United States and that can be stressful for Americans for many reasons. Maybe it’s because everyone is so worried about getting into major fights with their family, friends, or random strangers on the internet, or maybe it’s because a vote...
St. John of the Cross defines contemplation as “nothing but a hidden, peaceful, loving inflow of God.”1 John’s insight that prayer is so often a hidden or secret process is something we are reticent to accept or believe. That our prayer is kept secret, even from us,...
“We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes,” said Pastor Rebecca Turner, echoing Ella’s Song by Sweet Honey in the Rock. It was another beautiful Sunday morning at Christ Church in Maplewood, Missouri. But for Alex García, this wasn’t just any Sunday. For...
In the parable of the workers in the vineyard, the landowner asks, “Are you envious because I am generous?” Jason Quino McCreery, SJ, reflects on the times when our envy prevents us from seeing the gifts that God has given to us. Based on the readings for...
About two months ago, I received an email from the Detroit Free Press/TCF Bank Marathon staff which told me that, due to continued uncertainty caused by the pandemic, the race was canceled. The message was disappointing but entirely understandable. They did say,...
Because COVID hit in March, Lianne La Havas’s self-titled album sounds like a spring that never came. The English singer released the album in July, only her second studio effort in the last five years. La Havas peaked at 21 on the Billboard charts, but only stayed a...
I’m a list guy. Most evenings before I go to bed, or mornings while I have my coffee, I write out the tasks of the day: “pray, go to class, exercise, read, write a thank you note, send a birthday card.” Sometimes the items get more esoteric: “call T-Mobile about their...
I enjoy cycling for exercise and relaxation. A couple of weeks ago, I skipped my bike ride because I couldn’t find my helmet; I won’t risk riding without one. I wear a helmet to protect myself when I am biking. In contrast, I wear a mask to protect others when I...
