We are who we are, and our identities are formed out of our nature, our experience, and our choices. Sometimes those choices are wrong, and we know they are wrong, but we make them anyway: that is sin. We see…
Identity, Sin, and Following Jesus
Humble Jesus on a Donkey
Yesterday was Palm Sunday. On this day, we commemorate when Jesus enters in triumph into Jerusalem. He is greeted with loud cries of “Hosanna!” as people proclaim Him the the promised Messiah. And yet this same crowd will be calling…
Between Presumption and Despair
Human beings are funny creatures. We often find ourselves heading to one extreme or the opposite. For example, take the sins against salvation: presumption and despair. Presumption is the belief that no matter what I do, I am going to…
Preparation for Prayer
As mentioned last week, one of the three pillars of Lent is prayer. Like most of you, I am in continual need to grow in my prayer life. And far be it from me to give advice to those who…
Jesus, Living and Active Today
Jesus is a historical figure, yes, but far more than that: he is living and active today, right now, and moves in the lives of human beings around the world. No, I am not talking about people being inspired by…
The Pillars of Lent
Ash Wednesday is this week, marking the beginning of the holy season of Lent. One of the reasons we enter into this season each year is that we are in constant need of spiritual renewal. I’ve written before about how…
On the New Satanism
At last night’s Grammy Awards, there was an act that was Satanic in the most literal sense, with costumes, makeup, and fire all in a celebration of the Devil. This is part of a continuing trend giving prominence to Satan….
Discerning True from False
Untrue claims seem to be quite common today, especially on the Internet and social media. The art of telling true from false is as useful and important as ever. While some of the ways false claims get passed around are…
The Best Translation of the Bible
If you’ve ever gone to purchase a Bible, you know that you have many different translations to choose from. There are so many that it can be overwhelming. There’s the King James, the Revised Standard Edition, the New Revised Standard…
Reflections on the Life of Pope Benedict XVI
My first memory of Pope Benedict XVI was a joke someone told me in high school: Cardinal Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict) was put in charge of Purgatory. Martin Luther comes to him, and Ratzinger gives him 100 years in Purgatory….