This post might seem more appropriate for the Lent. However, Advent is also a penitential season in the Church. We tend to forget that because of all the gifts, shopping, parties, and food during this time. But just like Lent,…
The Purpose of Penance
The Gospels are True
The first four books of the New Testament (the Gospels) tell of the events of Jesus’ birth, ministry, death by execution, and resurrection. These are historical events, witnessed by many people. As time passed, it became necessary to write down…
Is the Trinity in the Bible?
The Trinity is the central dogma of our faith. It is the revelation of the ultimate reality of God Who is Three Persons, but One in being. In a sense, all other doctrines and dogmas flow from this paramount belief….
Sleeping Beauties
Yesterday we celebrated the feast of All Souls. On this day we remember those who have gone before us in death and pray for their quick release from Purgatory. But it also a day for a memento mori where we…
What to Want
How do we decide what to want? This is an important question for everyone, but it is particularly important for those who, like many of us, have a great deal of choice. Having a lot of choice does feel a…
I Heard My Father’s Voice
Recently, I was teaching the story of Abraham to my students. The climactic story is the one where God calls him to sacrifice his son Isaac. It is the most famous story about Abraham. Even people who have never picked…
For a Wedding is a Funeral
“Come to the church on Saturday,” I said to my students, “Come and see Mr. Grayson die.” That is what I said when I invited my students to my wedding. This past week I was privileged to attend both a…
The Burning Warehouse: A Parable
A brother and a sister lived together in a loft in a large converted warehouse. The warehouse was on fire, and the fire was blocking the exits. As the flames engulfed their loft, they moved further in, to a loft…
Forgiveness and The Law
Very recently, the wife of a famous murder victim very publicly forgave the man who killed her husband. The reaction to this has be wide and varied. Some expressed admiration. Others were incredulous. And still others were humbled. But the…
The Lesson From Simon’s Mother-In-Law
This past weekend I was down with an illness. Nothing life-threatening, but it had me up two nights in a row. To tell you the truth, I feel like I’ve been through the wringer. But as the sickness cleared up,…