When we can’t be near those that we love, we try to keep in touch and look forward to when we see them again. William Manaker, SJ, reminds us that our relationship with Jesus is no different.
Beavers, Muskrats, and the Real Invitation of Lent
As Lent approaches, Brennan Dour, SJ, reflects on the curious historical case of Catholics in New France classifying beavers as fish during Lent, and the reminder it offers that Lent’s purpose is not a rigid intensifying of rules, but God’s invitation to grow closer to him whatever our circumstances.
St. Paul Miki and Companions: A Witness to God’s Transformative Love
Ben Jansen, SJ, reflects on the legacy of the 26 Martyrs of Japan, whose joyful witness to Christ in the face of persecution and death continues to inspire Christians worldwide.
Meeting Voters Where They Are: The Success of Jonathan Haidt
In a deeply polarized political climate, Jonathan Haidt has helped unite ideologically diverse states around phone-free school policies. Alex Hale, SJ argues that this success reflects an Ignatian way of proceeding—meeting people where they are through genuine dialogue.
Review: “Little Women” and the Value of Stories from Everyday Life
In Greta Gerwig film adaptation of the classic novel “Little Women,” it is the day-to-day encounters with people, things and places that are important, and they are worthy of telling stories about.
To Change You Have to Feel Both the Push of Discomfort and the Pull of Hope
A stately-looking older gentleman walked into the classroom and introduced himself as the professor. After a terse jaunt through the syllabus, he looked up from the podium suddenly and posed the question: Who here believes that a person can change?
Was Qassem Soleimani’s Assassination Ethical? Catholic Social Teaching Can Help
The assassination of one of Iran’s top generals may have prevented attacks on US citizens, but that doesn’t mean it was morally justifiable.
A Prayer on Martin Luther King Jr. Day: For the Grace to Boldly Work Towards Racial Justice
As we celebrate the life of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., may this prayer, for all those who pray it, be a means to avail ourselves of God’s gracious gift and so “receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).
Those Cheating Astros: Stealing Way More Than Signs
The 2017 World Series winning Houston Astros are in the spotlight for cheating. They stole signs, and they robbed fans and baseball aficionados of the purity of the game.
This Is Why I Dare to Pray
In the last year, a small phrase from the Mass I’d not previously paid much attention to, I learned to love. It is the preface to the Our Father when the priest says, “At the savior’s command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say…”