People often point out how sinful the Church is. Whether it was the sexual abuse scandal in all of the headlines or the hypocrites trying to kill each other getting out of the parking lot after mass, our Church seems…
Sinners in the Church
No Turning Back on Lent
Ah, the first week of Lent—just about the time when I usually start to question the choice and discernment of my individual Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Is this a sacrifice I’m really committed to? How am I…
I’m Not Enough
If you have faith the size of a mustard seed you will say to this mountain ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. (Matthew 17:20) Here’s another one: Therefore my beloved brothers,…
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…
Food for Thought
I am not very successful at fasting these days. Yes, I can abstain from meat, but true fasting? It’s a hard go. However, I wonder if the first Christians also felt this way. The early Christians had many periods of…
I’m BUSY!
In an Advent article for our diocesan newspaper last December, Bishop Edward Weisenburger identified “busyness” as one of the five wounds of secularization, and a “scourge of our modern time.” I can relate. It is a problem I constantly struggle…
Why I Own a Cheap Bible
When I first started reading the Bible regularly, I used a plain hardbound copy of the NAB. But because it was hardbound, I wouldn’t mark it up. I kept telling myself to get over it: it was my book, I…
Remodeling the Domestic Church
I recently spent a few days at the home of a very dear friend. In the course of our many conversations, my friend referenced some people, places, and things of which I had to confess I knew nothing. Finally she…
Apologetic Evangelization
Recently, I’ve been overviewing the USCCB’s “Disciples Called to Witness.” In one post at my blog I diagrammed where evangelization and catechesis come into play. Those who have never heard the Gospel or have fallen away from it need evangelization….
It’s in the Authority
There is a church in our diocese that once attracted Catholics who did not like rules. The pastor came across as big-hearted and inclusive. He welcomed everyone to the Eucharist at weddings and funerals, regardless of whether they were Catholic…