Garaventa Center Podcast: Recent Episodes
Garaventa Center
is a collection of essays from professors across the many disciplines in Catholic colleges and universities who offer portable practices to embolden students to employ a prophetic lens to see the world clearly as it is, and then creatively imagine a better way forward. At a time when higher education is under extraordinary political pressure to be silent rather than prophetic, the volume makes a case for why and how the religious commitments of the institutions and faculty often compel prophetic education.
Pope Francis's call for environmental justice and care for the earth in his encyclical Laudato Si makes the connection between our environmental collapse and its impact on the poor and vulnerable: “We are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental.” (LS, 139)
Holy Cross priests Fr. Bob Antonelli, Dick Berg and Richard Rutherford sit down with lay collaborator Karen Eifler to share their memories of attending Vatican II sessions as seminarians, the impact of that Council on their decades of ministry, and the links to the current Synod underway.
A conversation co-sponsored by the Garaventa Center, Office of Student Affairs, OIEDI, and Campus Ministry. Fr, Martin answered several questions from the UP community arising from his book Building a Bridge.
Audio reading of Olivia Amato's "Look At Me", a top winner of the 2022 Garaventa Center high school essay contest. Read by actor Darlene Sorensen.
Audio reading of Reid Whitmore's essay, "Red, Yellow, and Orange Memories", a top winner of the 2022 Garaventa Center high school essay contest. Read by actor Ross Laguzza.
Cognitive psychologist Marianne Lloyd of Seton Hall University and Fr. Kevin Grove CSC of Notre Dame unpack what their two academic disciplines can teach us about memory, laughter, prayer and being human.
Dr. Deborah Pembleton, of Saint John's University/College of Saint Benedict, examines how the life of Sister Thea Bowman infused Catholicism with gospel music and influenced global leadership and cultural competence.
Dr. Karen Eifler of UP’s Garaventa Center pokes around the smash hit Ted Lasso and illuminates themes of grace and transcendence the show’s writers may not have anticipated. Or did they?
Dr. Eric Anctil of the University of Portland provides an unblinking examination of everyday technologies that create true gluttony in us when engaged and offers strategies for helping people be the processors of they own experiences. Part of the Beckman Humor Project
Fr. Michael Driscoll walks through the elements of the Eucharist and unpacks how the Mass can school us toward better loving of one another
Beth Burns, Executive Director of p:ear, shares about her work with Portland's homeless youth and joins Professor Alice Gates in conversation about living out Dorothy Day's legacy today.
Dr. Matt Eggemeier of College of the Holy Cross speaks as a guest of UP's Garaventa Center
Dr. Christie Klimas, DePaul University environmental scientist, focuses on the Amazon rainforest to illustrate how our individual and collective actions impact our global economy and ecology, and how this can be informed by Pope Francis' encyclical on the environment, Laudato Sí. Presented March 30, 2021. Hosted by the UP Garaventa Center.
Dr. Matthew Eggemeier, associate professor of Religious Studies at the College of the Holy Cross, offers an analysis of neoliberalism, how it intersects with a number of social crises (racism, environmental destruction, democracy), and why it stands in tension with Catholic social teaching. Sponsored by the UP Garaventa Center, 3/23/21.
Dr. Karen Eifler, co-director of the Garaventa Center, highlights elements of Schitt’s Creek – the series that swept the comedy category in the 2020 Primetime Emmy Awards – and proposes what we can learn from this Canadian sitcom to deepen our understanding of Catholic faith. March 2, 2021. Co-sponsored by the Garaventa Center and the Beckman Humor Project.
Married Portland area poets Jerry Harp and Mary Szybist take turns reading from their work and illuminating the power and powerlessness of poetry to confront life's most searing moments, 2/11/21.
Theologian Dr. Jessica Coblentz explores the tensions between notions of sanctity and depression, and offers strategies for navigating those. Hosted by the Garaventa Center, 10/20/20.
Dr. Gintaras Duda of Creighton University in Omaha Nebraska gives the annual Zahm lecture (via Zoom webinar) speaking on "From the Big Bang to The Saint John's Bible: The Role of Astonishment in A Scientist's Journey to Integrate Faith and Reason"
MIT Professor of History Jeffrey Ravel focuses on "The Case of the French Revolution of 1789 and French Catholicism" as he explores the role of religion in watershed historical events and its relevance in global politics today, 2/18/20. Sponsored by the Garaventa Center.
UP Senior Theology student Andrew Plasker explores Marie Kondo's methodology for "tidying up" and how her attitudes toward cleaning can enrich spiritual practices and help us look at our faiths in new ways, 2-11-20. Co-sponsored by the Beckman Humor Project and the Garaventa Center.
Set before you are fire and water – life and death – stretch forth your hand to whichever you choose.
"O gates lift up your heads; grow higher ancient doors. Let him enter, the king of Glory."
Why does sinless Jesus insist on being baptized by John? Perhaps as evidence that He is fully human, as well as fully divine.
Linda Plitt Donaldson, MSW, PhD, examines the life of Dorothy Day, Catholic Social Teaching, and evidence-based practices to address and end homelessness, 11/5/19. Donaldson is Director of the Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services at James Madison University in Virginia, and has worked and studied homelessness in the D.C. area for over 25 years. Co-sponsored by the Garaventa Center and the Dorothy Day Social Work Program.
Dr. Ryan Kenton of UP Biology dives into the world of actual parasitic wasps, worms, and fungus that have been found to turn thousands of other species into assorted forms of "zombies!" 10/30/19. Co-sponsored by the Garaventa Center and the Beckman Humor Project.
Photographer and painter Anne Goetze tells the story behind her artwork depicting the lives of the Visitation Nuns in Annecy, France, 10/22/19. Sponsored by the Garaventa Center.
Dr. Robin Jensen, Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame and concurrent Professor of the History of Art, presents a survey of the ways the Holy Cross and Christ's Passion have been depicted in the history of Christian art. Jensen also discusses reasons for the late emergence of both the cross and crucifixion in Christian iconography and consider the ways their depictions developed, varied, and were transformed in different places and through the centuries. Sponsored by the Garaventa Center.
In the Eucharist, everything that is precious, everything possessed of mortal
beauty, takes its place at the one table – at the foot of the one Cross.
Celebrated writers read from their works, followed by a moderated panel examining how their faith influences and intersects the inspiration, process, and products of their imaginations. The panel includes:Poet GC Waldrep, Professor of English at Bucknell University, whose new book Feast Gently, was just released by Tupelo Press. GC is the acting director of the Stadler Center for Poetry at Bucknell, and editor of West Branch magazine. Poet and fiction writer Rachel Jamison Webster, Director of the Creative Writing Program at Northwestern University, whose new book Mary is a River, is out now and (among many other things) considers and creates using the voice of Mary Magdalene. Novelist and essayist Allison Grace Myers, who currently teaches at Texas State University, is working on her first novel. Her essay "Perfume Poured Out," was published by Image Journal, and was honorable mention for the 2017 Best American Essays anthology. Poet, professor and scholar Sr. Eva Hooker, CSC, Professor of English and Writer in Residence at Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana. Her most recent book of poetry, Godwit, has been described as pastoral, startling and luminous.
Moderator Matthew Minicucci, Adjunct Instructor for the UP English Department.Co-sponsored by the Garaventa Center, UP Dept of English, Schoenfeldt Distinguished Writers Series and Portland Magazine.
Christopher Pramuk, PhD, Chair of Ignatian Thought and Imagination at Regis University, presents the remarkable story of one-time slave trader John Newton, the composer of the song “Amazing Grace,” as a portal into the struggle for diversity and inclusion in the US and beyond, 3-20-19. Pramuk, the author of Hope Sings, So Beautiful: Graced Encounters Across the Color Line, explores the many beautiful and often painful ways that grace can break open our social horizons, from the classroom to the political realm to our efforts to create a truly diverse and welcoming environment on our university campuses. Sponsored by the Garaventa Center.
If we read our Gospel closely, we learn that it was the Spirit, not the devil, who led Christ into the desert. It is the same Spirit who leads us into Lent.
2-23-19 Performance of Angel of the Amazon, a new American opera by Evan Mack, in UP's Buckley Auditorium. The opera presents the riveting story of Sr. Dorothy Stang and her 2005 martyrdom as she worked to help the poor in the Brazilian rainforest, and features UP faculty member Nicole Hanig in a supporting role. Co-sponsored by Performing & Fine Arts and the Garaventa Center.
Jesus is telling us that everything we think we know about finding meaning, satisfaction, and happiness in the world is wrong.
UP School of Education doctoral fellow Danielle Trollinger presents a humorous look at what hipsters -- with their love of the authentic, the vintage and the obscure -- have to offer the field of theology, 2-6-19. Co-sponsored by the Beckman Humor Project and the Garaventa Center.
Dr. William Chafe, Emeritus Professor of History at Duke University, shines a light on how racism remains a powerful force in American society today, even though a great many Americans refuse to admit it. Co-sponsored by UP Political Science and the Garaventa Center, 2-4-19.
Elizabeth Blake, PhD, assistant professor of Russian at Saint Louis University, discusses the "Catholic underground" Dostoevsky portrayed in his works as he was alternately repelled and fascinated by Catholicism in all its medieval, Reformation and modern manifestations, 11-12-18. Sponsored by the Garaventa Center.
Turns out that the "as yourself" portion of the Great Commandment is not a throwaway bit.
Justin Yeakel, PhD, professor of theoretical ecology at UC Merced, plumbs the surprising wisdom of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein with regard to competitive forces and survival in ecological communities, 10-24-18. Co-sponsored by the Beckman Humor Project and Garaventa Center.
Bernard Prusak, PhD, director of the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility at King's College, presents, "Conscience After Religion: On the Political and Moral Implications of Growing Religious Non-Affiliation," 10-9-18. In his talk, Prusak explores the concept and potential ramifications of "conscience after religion." Sponsored by the Garaventa Center.
Fr. Dan Groody, CSC, of the Kellogg Institute for International Studies at Notre Dame asks, amidst the divisive and polarizing rhetoric around migrants and refugees today, what does it mean to be witness to the body of Christ? Co-sponsored by the Garaventa Center and Catholic Charities of Oregon. 10-3-18
Fr. Paul Scalia, Episcopal Vicar for Clergy in the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia presents the 2018 Red Mass lecture, "In Fairness to the Pharisees: The Law, Laws, and Lawlessness," 9/19/18.
Thomas Landy, PhD, director of the McFarland Center for Religion, Ethics and Culture at the College of the Holy Cross, presents the 2018 Zahm Lecture: A Guide to College in 8 Contradictions, 9/12/18. In his talk, Dr. Landy shares why there may have never been a better time than NOW to be a learner. Sponsored by the Garaventa Center. Transcript available under Attachments tab.
Winner of a top award in the 2018 Garaventa Center High School Essay Contest. Written by Katherine Bloch of St. Mary's Academy in Portland Oregon. Read by Bridget Donnelly.
Winner of an honorable mention award in the 2018 Garaventa Center High School Essay Contest. Written by Madeleine Adriance of St. Mary's Academy in Portland Oregon. Read by Bridget Donnelly.
An award winning essay in the 2018 Garaventa Center High School Essay Contest, written by Abby Place of St. Mary's Academy in Portland Oregon. Read by Riley Olson.
Top prize winner in 2018 Garaventa Center High School Essay Contest. Written by Celeste E. Davis, Tri-Cities Prep, Pasco Washington. Read by Riley Olson
Gabriel Said Reynolds presents the annual Hesburgh Lecture, "Islam, the Catholic Church and the Future of the World," 3/21/18. In his talk, Professor Reynolds examines how Islam challenges Christian beliefs, reflects on how the Catholic Church should respond to these challenges, and offers a vision of how Muslims and Christians might work together to counter religious extremism. Professor Reynolds researches the Qur'ān and Muslim/Christian relations as Professor of Islamic Studies and Theology in the Department of Theology at Notre Dame. Co-sponsored by the Garaventa Center and the Notre Dame Club of Portland.
World premieres of sacred art songs inspired by the feisty, faithful women of the Bible, featuring artists Nicole Leupp Hanig, soprano, Cantor Ida Rae Cahana, soprano, Maureen Briare, soprano, Catherine Jacobs, soprano, and Susan McDaniel, piano, performing works by composers Cynthia Gerdes and Michael Connolly as well as traditional pieces. Hosted by the University of Portland’s Garaventa Center for Catholic Intellectual Life & American Culture and Department of Music.
Image credit: Ruth the Gleaner, Donald Jackson with contributions from Suzanne Moore, Copyright 2002, The Saint John’s Bible, Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
UP School of Nursing Adjunct Instructor Katie Strawn, DNP, RN, PNP-PC and Columbia University orthopedic surgeon Joseph Dutkowsky, MD, shine a light on the chaos of the healthcare debate through the lenses of faith and science, 3/6/18. Share an evening of stories from the field of what’s possible when doctors and nurses combine the knowledge in their heads with the love in their hearts to bring hope to medically fragile children. Co-sponsored by the UP Garaventa Center and School of Nursing.
Lay Catholic scientist Joel T. Nigg, director of the OSHU Psychology Division, suggests a science-affirming faith in God is not only possible but necessary for an integrated and holistic approach to today's urgent problems, 2/28/18. Hosted by the UP Garaventa Center.
Fr. Paul Kollman, CSC, Executive Director of Notre Dame's Center for Social Concerns, examines what Africa's growing role means for the Catholic Church from a global perspective, 2-13-18. Hosted by the Garaventa Center.
Acclaimed theater critic Graydon Royce explores how we can restore arts criticism from passing snaky judgement to its own true insightful form of art, 1-31-18. Hosted by the Garaventa Center.
We serve Christ, the Alpha and the Omega, the one who is and who was and is to come, the way, the truth, and the life.
Remarks by Fr. Thomas Hosinski, CSC, UP Emeritus Professor of Theology, as we celebrate the launch of his new book, The Image of the Unseen God: Catholicity, Science & Our Evolving Understanding of God, 11/1/17. Hosted by the Garaventa Center.
Christ has to be embraced at the core of who we are. Only then can we work toward an understanding of anything else.
Change is constant; so is the anxiety that attends it. Can we be more like "the weaned child on mother's lap" depicted in the scriptures?
Andrew Chesnut, Professor of Religious Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, shines a light on the controversial Mexican folk saint of death and her skyrocketing popularity, 10/26/17. Hosted by the Garaventa Center.
Investigative journalist Eileen Markey chronicles the spiritual and political journey that led Maryknoll Sister Maura Clarke to a Cold War martyrdom in El Salvador in 1980, 10/10/17. Hosted by the Garaventa Center.
Blair Woodard of the UP Dept of History examines the fifty-year war of images between the US and Cuba and the role of the Catholic Church within this visual diplomacy, 10/5/17. Hosted by the Garaventa Center.
Our readings today suggest that, the reason we leave judgment of others to God, is that we are no good at it.
Abbot Jeremy Driscoll, OSB, of Mt Angel Abbey presents this year's Red Mass lecture: "A Monastic Vision for Happiness in These Unhappy Times," 9/18/17. Hosted by the Garaventa Center.
There is, in Christianity, something called the “Difficult Prayer.” It goes like this: "Lord, please treat me exactly the same way as I treat others."
"Against the Grain: Could Zeal for Solidarity be UP's Gift for Our Fractious Time?" presented by Christine Firer Hinze, PhD. Drawing from the Holy Cross legacy in dialogue with modern Catholic social thought, Fordham University Professor of Christian Ethics Christine Firer Hinze proposes that zeal for solidarity may offer a frame for education in faith sorely needed in today's world, 9/6/17. Hosted by the Garaventa Center.
The Creed, which we can take for granted, gives us a glimpse of the same Jesus transfigured in front of Peter, James and John.
Our Gospel today is like a magnificent piece of jewelry; let’s say a brooch. On the face of the brooch are clustered an array of precious stones -- each of them a saying of our Lord, a many faceted gem, worthy of a lifetime’s reflection.
Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, and nothing hidden that will not be known.
We yearn to experience the presence of our Savior in our life and in our world. We want to hold our hope in our hands.
Someday, everyone will have eyes to see the risen Christ. That is called “the Second Coming.” But to the eyes of faith he has been here all along.
"Thou Shalt Not Keep Away," by Colby Richards of Tri-Cities Preparatory High School in Pasco, Washington, won the top award in the 2017 Garaventa Center High School Essay Contest. The prompt for the contest: My Game With God.
One of the top two essays in the 2017 Garaventa Center High School Essay contest on the theme My Game With God, this piece entitled "What Survives"takes the listener on a journey back to author Maria Gray's cherished memories of a game played with a dear friend. Maria was a junior at St. Mary's Academy in Portland when this essay was written.
University of Portland Performing & Fine Arts faculty & student performances responding to themes of conflict, displacement, immigration and equality. A collaboration with the Dundon-Berchtold Institute and the Garaventa Center.
From the Cross, our Lord, in his pain, was able to make excuses for those, including ourselves, who are implicated in his suffering, surely, we must do the same for those who have offended us.
University of Notre Dame Professor of German and Philosophy Mark Roche interlaces humor with an analysis of the greatness and limits of Freud's theory of jokes, 3/23/17. A collaboration by the Garaventa Center, the Notre Dame Club of Portland, and the Beckman Humor Project.
Laetare Sunday, halfway through Lent, is a perfect time to answer the questions "Who is Jesus Christ to me, and what do I plan to do about that?"
Fordham University Distinguished Professor of Theology Elizabeth Johnson presents the challenge of how loving the Earth and its species as a neighbor must become an intrinsic part of faith in God, 3/7/17. Hosted by the Garaventa Center.
Hob Osterlund -- writer, photographer, and advanced-practice nurse -- shares her experience using humor to help balance the seemingly impossible demands of the nursing profession, 2/7/17. A collaboration by the Garaventa Center, Beckman Humor Project, and the School of Nursing, with special thanks to Brian Doyle and Alumni Relations.
Charles Brownstein, Executive Director of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, moderates an all-star panel of experts to discuss the question of humor in comics from a variety of professional perspectives, 2/9/17. Panelists include Diana Schutz (editor of Sin City, Grendel, and Usagi Yojimbo), Mark Russell (God is Disappointed in You, Apocrypha Now, Prez), Shannon Wheeler (Too Much Coffee Man), and MK Reed (The Castoffs, Americus). The event was co-sponsored by the Garaventa Center and the Beckman Humor Project, Transcript available under Attachments.
Michael Wode and Brendan Ryan, CSC, of the University of Portland tap connections between religion & America's longest running TV family, with surprising insights for people of faith, starting with Homer, Marge, Lisa and of course, Bartholomew J. Simpson, 2/1/17. Hosted by the Garaventa Center. Part of the Beckman Humor Project. Transcript available under Attachments.
Stephen Shoemaker, Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Oregon, delves into ancient texts to provide evidence that devotion to the Virgin Mary began much earlier than previously thought, 1-31-17. Hosted by the Garaventa Center.
On this Gaudete Sunday, we reflect on the ways that God comes first to those most hurting.
UP political science professor emeritus Fr. Claude Pomerleau, CSC, examines the political significance and influence of religion in Latin America, 11/16/16. Hosted by the Garaventa Center.
Rather than live lives of disorder, we are called to conform ourselves to the loving kingdom that is dawning in Christ.
Kelly J. Murphy, PhD of Central Michigan University explores what we can learn from both ancient and contemporary stories of "The End" when we think about the living dead alongside the biblical texts, 10/25/16. Part of the Beckman Humor Project, and sponsored by the Garaventa Center.
International award-winning artist KA Colorado discusses the moral imperative of recognizing climate change and the responsibility of portraying environmental concerns through public art, 10/4/16. Hosted by the Garaventa Center.
Fr. Patrick Conroy, SJ, 60th Chaplain to the US House of Representatives, offers his insights on the challenges our lawmakers face, 9/28/16. Hosted by the Garaventa Center.
Taking her cue from Laudato Si', Sr. Ilia Delio, OSF -- theologian, scientist, and passionate defender of God's grace in action -- explores a new understanding of catholicity today by drawing on insights from quantum physics, neuroscience, and evolutionary biology and the nascence of a third millennium theology. Hosted by the Garaventa Center.
A prayer for healing, especially from cancer. Uses the illumination of Creation from The Saint John's Bible. Since God created us from nothing, god can re-create us following a devastating illness.
Contemplative prayer, Visio Divina style, focusing on the Suffering Servant from Isaiah 52-53.
A contemplative prayer in the form of Visio Divina, on the image of Romans 8:1-39, the Fulfillment of Creation. Nothing can separate us from God who loves us. Uses an illumination from The Saint John's Bible.
Contemplative prayer experience drawing on image of Calming the Storm, from Matthew's Gospel
Distinguished UP theologian Fr. Thomas Hosinski, CSC, offers the final lecture of his academic career, 4/20/16. Hosted by the Garaventa Center. Transcript available under Attachments.
Part of the Conversations with Fr. Charlie Lecture Series, presented by Fr. Charlie Gordon and Dr. Karen Eifler of the Garaventa Center, 4-12-16. Seems like "family" should be a reliable place for finding comfort in tumultuous times. But you'd never suspect that by looking at many of the families in popular movies today. Is there ANYTHING positive to glean from the moms, dads, and grandparents we watch on the big screen? Fr. Charlie Gordon and Karen Eifler tackle that question in this talk.
A top winner of the 2016 Garaventa Center High School Essay Contest on the theme "The Playlist of My Life," by Sage Taylor.
A top winner in the 2016 Garaventa Center High School Essay Contest on the theme "The Playlist of My Life," by Kaitee Steiert. Transcript available under Attachments.
2016 Hesburgh Lecture: Dr. Mitchell Wayne, professor of physics at the University of Notre Dame, discusses how Einstein radically changed our view of the universe, and his continued relevance today, 3/21/16. Hosted by the UP Garaventa Center.
Dale Recinella, chaplain for Florida's death row, explores challenges to the death penalty rooted in Sacred Scripture, 3/14/16. Hosted by the UP Garaventa Center. Transcript is available under the Attachments tab.
Peter's experience of the transfigured Jesus can be one we share, if we shed layers of ego.
Dr. Marianne Lloyd uses the tools of cognitive psychology to describe how we might consider building our faith practices. 2-9-16. Part of the Beckman Humor Project. Hosted by the UP Garaventa Center.
In approaching God, we should be simultaneously aware of incredible closeness and infinite distance.
Homily given by Fr. Charlie Gordon, CSC, in honor of the Feast of Blessed Basile Moreau, January 20, 2016, with special recognition of Dr. Karen Eifler, recipient of the 2015 Spirit of Holy Cross Award. Fr. Charlie and Dr. Eifler co-direct the Garaventa Center for Catholic Intellectual Life and American Culture on the UP campus.
What does it mean to be a good man, to be masculine? Reflections from Fr. Charlie Gordon, CSC, Co-Director of the Garaventa Center for Catholic Intellectual Life and American Culture.
We can’t really understand the world until we’ve seen the Spirit of Christ burning in it.
“I have made you a fortified city, a pillar of iron, a wall of brass against the whole land.”
As Advent concludes, let’s expel the spiritual clutter accumulated during the old year, and so prepare our hearts to receive the Holy Child who comes to us at Christmas.
We are invited to "take off our robes of mourning and put on the splendor of glory from God forever."
Christ calls us to put aside our misguided pre-occupations, and embrace a relationship with God that is just and proper and true.
Michael Cameron, UP Theologian, reads from his book Unfolding Sacred Scripture: How Catholics Read the Bible. In his book, Dr. Cameron presents a distinctively Catholic way of understanding Scripture as an “audible sacrament” – a way that Christ offers himself to us in the form of spoken words. Sponsored by the Garaventa Center. Transcript and sound file available for download under Attachments.
Oregon State Treasurer Ted Wheeler discusses Retirement Security for All: A Public Policy Solution to Improve Personal Finance. Sponsored by the Garaventa Center. Transcript & sound file available for download under Attachments.
"Serving The Least, the Last, the Lost and the Lonely" presented by Fr. David T. Link, former Dean of Notre Dame Law School now serving as a chaplain in an Indiana maximum security prison, at the 2015 Red Mass Dinner hosted by the Garaventa Center. Transcription & sound file available for download under Attachments.
Pulitzer Prize winner Timothy Egan speaks on "Francis and Francis: How A Saint and a Pope Transformed the World, One Heart at a Time" 9/17/15, hosted by the Garaventa Center. Transcription and sound file available for download under Attachments.
The apocalyptic accounts we read as the Church year concludes point us toward our glorious reunion with Christ.
Sometimes our life of faith requires us to walk to the edge, and step off into darkness.
We are called in wisdom and faith to see ourselves as God who is Love sees us, with no illusions.
A married couple can't always be facing one another. They need, rather, to face together toward our Lord.
It seems that often we are only as moral as the circumstances of our lives allow us to be without our taking too much trouble.
Let’s overcome our fear of failure and embarrassment, and trust that Christ will bring good out of what we dare to attempt on his behalf.
Yearning for the maximum discount wars in the human heart with fear of being sold a bill of goods. Jesus is the genuine article.
Elijah's hearth cake and water after 40 days and nights in the desert recalls the Eucharist.
Faith helps us overcome isolation so that we regard others as “one of us” rather than as threats to our security and comfort.
The pressure's off; we only help build the Kingdom of God, but God is ultimately responsible for getting us where we're going.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our deepest insights into what is beautiful in other people are evidence that the same beauty dwells somewhere in us?
A branch might be lush and verdant. It might have the prettiest leaves in the whole vineyard, but if it doesn’t bear fruit, it going to end up on the brush pile.
A worldly inclination toward pragmatic cynicism can all too often pass for wisdom, but that way ultimately lays desolation and tears.
In our Gospel, we find the source of the Divine Mercy that continues to flow in our lives.
People yearn for "something more," no matter how wealthy they are. Jesus is the perfect way to fulfill that deep wanting.
The Chosen People never forgot God’s promise to send them a powerful prophet who, like Moses, had seen the very face of God.
Is there anything that would make us break off the usual patterns of our lives, and set off in a completely new direction?
If we make of our lives a portrait, however inadequate, of God’s love for us and the love we long to offer in return, God will accept our gift with love.
In Jesus, God makes us tax exempt, burns our mortgage, and dumps our “IN” tray into the recycling bin.
Jesus Christ, incarnate Son of God, is not merely a perceptive man worthy of emulating, but Love, Wisdom, the Word itself.
Christ has won a great victory over death. It only remains for us to share the fruits of that victory.
As Christians, we want to pay special attention to what Jesus chose to do with the last precious hours of his earthly life and ministry.