Most people don’t need more tension in their life. However, frightening times are calling for intensified tension like never before. In his book “Power and Responsibility,” Father Romano Guardini tells us why: “We seem to be rushing toward an event which from the human point of view can only be described as global catastrophe … […]
Father Eugene Hemrick: Science isn’t always glamorous
Some consider it miraculous, some fear it and still others wish it never existed. The “it” is science that can create awesome wonders and produce fearful results. Thanks to science, our lifespan is longer, crippling pain has been reduced and we are better protected against deadly diseases. On the other hand, science has created the […]
Father Eugene Hemrick: Is there no respect these days?
Is a new age of disrespect upon us? Are we experiencing growing impertinence, insolence and contempt? This leads us to ask what exactly respect is. Our best answer can be found in the transfiguration of Christ. To escape the crowds, Christ, Peter, James and John ascend a mountain in search of peace and quiet. Once […]
Father Eugene Hemrick: Two sides of devotion
THE HUMAN SIDE “Zion said, ‘The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.’ Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you” (Is 49:14-15). Isaiah’s prophetic message that God is eternally devoted to us is needed now […]
Father Eugene Hemrick: Sirach’s wisdom needed today
For newly married couples, reading the Old Testament Book of Sirach is perfect for deepening your first love for each other. If children come along, teach them its principles, which contain the perfect seeds for growing their wisdom. And for everyone, not just married couples, it is a must-read. The Book of Sirach is sometimes […]
Father Eugene Hemrick: Prosperity: The hope of America
THE HUMAN SIDE Everyone loves to hear that we are going to be made prosperous. The reason is found in the derivation of the word “prosperous” coming from the Latin “spes,” meaning hope. Much of America’s future hope is based on people having a reliable job, equitable financial means for living comfortably, access to education […]
Father Eugene Hemrick: Making America great again
THE HUMAN SIDE “Make America great again” sounds inspirational until we look closer at the meaning of “again.” Undoubtedly, America’s past greatness is in its achievements: conquering the West, its transportation systems, economic and military power, and countless other examples of awesome progress. And yet, the great past reveals an entire American Indian culture decimated, […]
Father Eugene Hemrick: A tranquilizing crisis
THE HUMAN SIDE The children’s Christmas Mass was packed. In past years, it exuded busyness: children putting on a pageant, proud parents and grandparents watching and music abounding. Not so this year! What changed was a power outage that left the church in darkness, the organ without power and everyone without heat. Candles, usually used […]
Father Eugene Hemrick: Lessons learned from elections
THE HUMAN SIDE “I feel worse than I felt when Kennedy was assassinated.” The depressed look in my friend’s eyes the morning after the presidential election was terrifying. Equally terrifying was the venom that poured out as another friend said, “Hillary Clinton is the devil personified: untrustworthy and a killer.” “I’ll bet you’re happy we […]
Father Eugene Hemrick: Dealing wisely with turbulent times
THE HUMAN SIDE “If only I had wings like a dove that I might fly away and find rest. Far away I would flee; I would stay in the desert. I would soon find a shelter from the raging wind and storm” (Ps 55:7-9). Sadly, many people are fed up with our uncouth political atmosphere […]