Readings for August 31, 2014: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Truth in advertising–after all the glowing reports of the benefits of a product, potential side effects need to be mentioned. Informed consent–before surgery, patients have to be told of all…
Peter as Satan
A Christian Call To Arms!
Fellow Christians, we are under attack! As followers of Christ, we are being persecuted globally, more specifically in the Middle East, Africa, Pakistan, and Southeast Asia. Our faithful are being shot, burned, crucified, beheaded, raped, starved, beaten, and tortured for…
What is Discipleship?
At a discussion forum for Sherry Weddell’s book Forming Intentional Disciples, someone asked, “What does discipleship look like?” It’s easy to talk about the need for discipleship without having a clear grasp of what it is. If you did not grow up in…
Plain Old Water
One of the things that endeared Jesus to people was that his teaching was always practical. It came from the stuff of their everyday lives. He cited examples that would have been a part of peoples’ daily experience. He did…
Initial Proclamation of the Gospel: A Non-Negotiable
How do you share the Gospel with someone? I’m not talking about context–like how or where you meet them, or what your relationship with them is like–but the words. The content. What do you say? If someone was to ask,…
Peter and the Keys
Readings for August 24, 2014: 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time “More Catholic than the Pope.” There is nothing more quintessentially Catholic than the Papacy. When we think “Catholic,” we think Rome, the Vatican, the dome of St. Peter’s. But the…
Love Thy Neighbor
While mowing the lawn a few weeks ago, I came across a little present the neighbor’s pooch left in the middle of my yard. Infuriated, I grabbed the dedicated set of tools from the garage and cleaned up the mess….
Is Suicide a Mortal Sin?
With the death of Robin Williams, many people are talking a great deal about the tragedy of suicide. Sadly, many of us have known people who have taken their own lives. The shroud of darkness that covers a family that…
Walk on Water
Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea,…
A Look at Our Beautiful Faith in Pittsburgh
Recently I was able to make a trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to spend the day touring some beautiful churches. Not only were they rich in beauty but they were rich in history as well. My companion for the trip was a…