Home Safe: A Vision of Umpire Jesus (Part 1)

Home Safe: A Vision of Umpire Jesus (Part 1)

I laughed at the cross. In a moment of profound irreverence, in the midst of a 30-day silent retreat, I beheld the candle-lit crucifix hanging high on the wall of the chapel just behind the empty altar, and I laughed.  I laughed out loud.  Why, you wonder?  Well, to...
Of Soccer Heroes, Sporting Magic and Prayer

Of Soccer Heroes, Sporting Magic and Prayer

I’m not sure exactly when it was that I fell head over heels in love with the game of soccer, but I know exactly who was responsible.  From the early to the mid 2000’s, French soccer legend Thierry Henry glided across the pitch with an irrepressible combination of...
Yoga vs. Church

Yoga vs. Church

Mass in the side chapels of urban parishes tends to draw pretty much the same crowd. A thin somber college student wearing outdated clothing, and not ironically, walks into the nave and kneels perfectly before sliding into the pew. Later in the communion line he will...