Before we celebrate Christmas, we reflect on the Annunciation in this week’s gospel. Austin Kleman, SJ, takes us through an exercise of imagining Mary at the Nativity as she recalls all that has taken place.
A Grace Worthy of Our Attention
“Difficult consolation” is the grace that helps us realize humanity is messy, and that, even though we might not want to experience the pains of the world, we’re grateful that God doesn’t make us experience them alone. Jesus models that for us.
Ask God First: Rethinking Our Lenten Sacrifice
Before Lent, we often feel a rush of anxiety or excitement as we try to answer the question: “what are you giving up?” As we prepare to enter this new liturgical season, Eric invites us to ask a deeper question, considering what God might desire for us in this time.
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.
FOCUS Student Summit Shows a Hope-filled Future for the Church
The recent FOCUS Student Leadership Summit was an experience of the rich diversity in the Catholic Church and affirmed the call to evangelize.
Review: Terrence Malick’s “A Hidden Life”
In “A Hidden Life,” Terrence Malick reveals to us an icon of Christ in the conscientious objector Franz Jägerstätter as he opposes serving in the Nazi military.
Catholic Guide to 2020
Break out your calendars! Major Catholic events in 2020.
7 Reminders from the Popes that Catholics Must Oppose Anti-Semitism
Our Jewish brothers and sisters have experienced much violence in recent times, especially a recent string of anti-Semitic attacks in the New York area. These quotes from Pope Francis and his predecessors remind us of our duty to stand with them.
Review: The Two Popes
Netflix provides an entertaining, yet flawed, imagined encounter between Pope Francis and Pope Benedict. Its ultimate message? Perhaps reconciliation of the differences between people is really possible.
The Day After Christmas I Think about Death
It’s December 26th. The day after Christmas. And, weirdly, while we celebrated a birth yesterday, we remember a death today.