The Ash Wednesday Gospel (Matthew 6:1-18) puzzles me. Jesus says not to let anyone know our good deeds. Our prayers, fasting and almsgiving should all be secret. But we’re hearing this reading in a place where we pray with others, pass around an open collection plate and display big smudges on our foreheads. Plus, just a chapter before, Jesus said, “Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” It’s confusing.
Msgr. Owen F. Campion: In flight from slavery and sin
The Book of Deuteronomy provides the first reading for this first Sunday of Lent. Deuteronomy looks to the days when the Hebrews were fleeing from Egyptian slavery and making their uncertain way across the treacherous Sinai Peninsula. Yet Deuteronomy is not a story of doom and gloom.
Father Kenneth Doyle: Shouldn’t our priority be Christians over Muslims?
It is my understanding that the Catholic Church, along with other religious organizations, is helping to relocate Syrian and other Middle Eastern refugees, of whom more than 90 percent are Muslim. Shouldn’t saving persecuted Christians from this region be the priority?
Mary Adamski: Happy Valentine’s Day!
VIEW FROM THE PEW Standing in the greeting card section at Longs and reading Valentine cards set my thoughts scattering in diverse directions. What would St. Valentine, the third century martyr whose name is perpetuated with this holiday, have thought about some of these sentiments, especially in the naughty variety, or even the ones with […]
Father John Catoir: Remembering an exceptional friend and spiritual guide
On Feb. 24, 1977, my friend, Jesuit Father James McCoy, died a peaceful death at the age of 77. Every February, he comes to mind, and I miss him. He was my spiritual director for nearly 25 years. He taught theology at Fordham University during my college years, and we became friends.
Manaolana | Christina Capecchi: Oh what a tangled web: rising above Instagram envy
TWENTY SOMETHING Melina Birchem has uploaded 777 images to her Instagram account over the past two years: sushi, Starbucks, her new tattoo, rosary beads, cowboy boots. Sometimes the juxtaposition is jarring. A glowing monstrance, a chilled margarita. A snapshot from waitressing, a prayer journal documenting her consecration to the Blessed Mother. As a freshman at […]
Msgr. Owen F. Campion: Jeremiah to Jesus
The Book of Jeremiah provides the first reading for this weekend. This book is regarded as one of the major Hebrew prophetic works because of its extent and the brilliance of its language. Jeremiah descended from priests. He was from a small village, Anathoth, only a few miles away from Jerusalem.
Talk Story: Connecting as one ohana during Lent
OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY “We need to strengthen the conviction that we are one single human family.” (Pope Francis, “Laudato Si’: Caring for Our Common Home”) In this Holy Year of Mercy, Pope Francis is calling us all to strengthen the conviction that we are truly one ohana. This Lent, the U.S. bishops are urging […]
Father Kenneth Doyle: Is repentance required for forgiveness?
QUESTION CORNER Q: Regarding your recent column on forgiving ISIS: Must forgiveness be predicated on remorse and repentance by the offending party? I am thinking of Christ being crucified and saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing” — or St. Stephen forgiving those who had stoned him. (Greenwich, Connecticut) Q: […]
Kathleen T. Choi: Lent for life
I can’t believe it’s almost Ash Wednesday. Didn’t we just celebrate Christmas? I guess I need to stop humming carols and start planning a meaningful Lent.
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