We don’t have to be perfect. Christ embraced disciples who deserted and even denied him. His love for us is equally forgiving. We don’t have to cheat or steal. Christ fed 5,000 with five loaves. He turned water into wine. He will meet our deepest needs. We don’t have to lie. Christ promised that the […]

This will be my 70th Holy Week. Each one has been different, because each year I’m different. Each year I discover new meaning in the familiar readings and rituals. This Lent my mind is on death. I attend more and more funerals these days. I can’t ignore the fact that my own departure date grows […]

This Lent I gave up gum. A ridiculously small sacrifice, right? Well, let me tell you, I’m already climbing the walls. Who knew such a tiny habit could dig its claws in so deep? I’m not making this sacrifice because it’s an expensive habit or one that’s injurious to my health. It’s just a habit. […]

I once consulted a cardiologist, who spent most of the visit scolding me about my weight. Years later, I returned. The nurse told the doctor, “Mrs. Choi has lost 50 pounds!” He studied the chart, frowned at me and said, “See you keep it off.” I thought to myself, “Oh wow, not even one attagirl?!” […]

I wasn’t raised with Mary. As a Protestant, I was taught that excessive devotion to Mary distorts the Gospel. It implies that Mary is as important as Jesus, which is blasphemy. Moving toward Catholicism, I came to certain convictions. The human Jesus was one man in one place and time. He taught us basic Christian […]

Do you pray for a parking space? Some Christians do. Others never ask for anything; they just thank and repent. Some will intercede for other people but not themselves. Some pray for big things, like a job, but don’t bother God with more trivial matters. At one time or another, I’ve taken all those positions. […]

Jimmy Fallon has a new daughter. For the second time, the host of the “Tonight Show” and his wife turned to artificial conception and a surrogate mother for a baby. I grieve for any couple having fertility problems, but this method of realizing their dream troubles me. Any woman who’s ever been pregnant will tell […]

Even committed Christians have slumps. Prayer bores us. Scripture sounds like old news, and the saints remote and irrelevant. At these times, a work of imagination, such as a movie, may re-energize our spiritual practice. One New Year’s resolution might be to view a special film each month. Here are a few you might have […]

I got my Christmas present early this year. My grandson and his girlfriend came for a visit. It was a blessing, first, because they’re good company. Second, their presence forced me to put up Christmas decorations. I’ve gotten lazy in my old age, and, last year, the only sign of the season at our house […]

We’ve had several burglaries recently in our neighborhood. The neighborhood watch committee has urged residents to keep our doors locked even when we’re home and windows latched whenever we’re away. The committee’s messages have persuaded me that we all have an obligation to make this neighborhood a less tempting target. Perhaps potential thieves will try […]