The lesson of the good thief
One of the great miracles of the Gospels is that the deepest wisdom is contained within the most straightforward kind of storytelling.
One of the great miracles of the Gospels is that the deepest wisdom is contained within the most straightforward kind of storytelling.
This Lent will be a little different from previous ones for me. Personal responsibilities will make it difficult to make “big plans,” such as setting aside significant times of fasting, major volunteer activities or going on retreat.
Sometimes it takes an outsider to help you to see the beauty and depth of something you have never fully appreciated. I suspect this is true for many of us, myself no exception, regarding the celebration of the Eucharist in our churches.
Before you start reading this column, I’d like to ask you to grab some paper and something to write with. We’re going to do a short exercise.
The early years of my adulthood and priesthood were spent teaching theology at Newman Theological College in Edmonton, Canada. I was young, full of energy, loved teaching and was discovering the joys of ministry. For the most part, these were good years.
During my senior year of high school, I had an experience that struck me (even at the time) as worthy of reflection.
In his message for World Communications Day, released Jan. 24 – the feast day of St. Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists, and just in time for Catholic Press Month – Pope Francis speaks primarily of the need to listen.
I hope your holidays were rich with love and joy.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! With fresh-cut trees, spiced drinks and gingerbread cookies, it’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas, too.