The Second Vatican Council taught us that the Eucharist is the “Source and Summit” of the Christian life. Yet we must keep in mind that the same council makes clear that the Eucharist is not the sum total of the…
The Meaning of Mercy
The Transfiguration and the Cross
Readings for February 24, 2013: Second Sunday in Lent Appearances can be deceiving. After all, Jesus was just another Galilean. His hands were the rough hands of a workman. People in Nazareth knew his mother. Some even remembered the man…
Why is Lent Forty Days?
Readings for February 17, 2013: First Sunday of Lent In the English language, the special season before Easter is called “Lent.” The word comes from the “lengthening” of daylight hours as we progress from the darkness of winter to the…
40 Ways to Get the Most out of Lent
This is not an exhaustive list of Lenten ideas. But it’s a start! Many of the resources mention here are available on our website at www.crossroadsinitiative.com or can be found by visiting our links page. Take 30 minutes to pray,…
Adventure or Cautious Mediocrity?
Readings for February 10, 2013: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Peter. Paul. Isaiah. Frodo Baggins. They have more in common than meets the eye. Of course there are differences, too. Peter is a small business man, trying to wring a…
Why We Stone Prophets
Readings for February 3, 2013: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time “In polite conversation, never bring up politics or religion.” That’s the advice I was given as a child. And it’s good advice, too, if your aim is to be well-liked….
Ignorance of Scripture Is Ignorance of Christ
Readings for January 27, 2013: Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C There is a myth that we must lay to rest, once and for all–Protestants are all about the Bible, while Catholics are all about the Sacraments. While I…
The Cana Connection
Readings for January 20, 2013: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time In the past two weeks, the Church has celebrated the Epiphany and the Lord’s baptism. This coming Sunday we remember the Wedding Feast at Cana. What’s the connection between the…
Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
Readings for January 13, 2013: Feast of the Baptism of the Lord At first glance, the scene makes little sense. John’s strident call to repentance provokes an overwhelming response. People of all shapes and sizes flock to him in the…
The Coming of the Magi
Readings for January 6, 2013: Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord Up until now, all has been quite humble. A donkey-ride to a dusty town south of Jerusalem. Hotel rooms all booked up. Giving birth in a stable and…