On All Saints Day, the Church celebrates countless holy men and women. Ty Wahlbrink, SJ reflects how this feast—especially with the Gospel reading of the Beatitudes—reminds us Catholics that we are all called to be saints. Based on the readings for the Solemnity of All Saints.
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.
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.
“Who am I to Judge?” Considered 10 Years Later
Five words of Pope Francis sent shockwaves through the global press. A decade later, the Church’s teaching on homosexuality remains the same. But for many LGBTQ+ Catholics, these five words have changed everything.
Can Catholic Church Teaching Change?
In some ways, church teaching already has, but in others, it has not. Here’s a brief guide to help you better understand changes in the teachings of the Catholic Church.
The Heart Quotient of Mary, and You
Beyond mere biology, the importance of Mary’s heart is the key to understanding her virginity. Here’s a Marian inspired Examen to take to prayer.
Learning Compassion from Children
Why do we expect a young girl to cry over a pet goat she must give up for slaughter but not over the animals we eat on a daily basis? Compassion for all God’s creation should motivate us to consider more deeply the ways we relate to all animals, not only some of them.
Sometimes, it’s best to leave it to the mule.
Last summer, Chris walked in the steps of St. Ignatius. While he anticipated the beautiful, holy sites, he wasn’t expecting to imitate him in one of his most notorious decisions.
Return to the Classics: Euripides’ Medea
This ancient Greek tragedy cautions us of the power of broken promises. Our faith is a series of promises. How do we keep the faith when our promises appear to go unfulfilled?