We've received a torrent of scandals in the Catholic Church this summer. The flood waters overflow the river banks in life-and-death seriousness. Our Ordinariate context In some ways, I feel insulated from the crisis in the Ordinariate, as clericalism isn't part of our culture, and most … [Read more...] about Being the Church Against the Tide
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Bridging Two Worlds
In order to fully understand Scripture, we need to bridge two worlds, connecting the original context with our own. That's not too hard to do with our Mass readings this week. Jeremiah lamented about the failure of God's people to embrace God's truth with vitality. And in a Gospel reading, Jesus … [Read more...] about Bridging Two Worlds
Santiago speaks to us
Happy Día de Santiago! Today is the Feast of St. James, an very important day in Spain. Let's consider how this day can be more important for us. From today's Gospel: Jesus asked James and John, "Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able." (Mt … [Read more...] about Santiago speaks to us
The obedience of faith
In all of Scripture, there's a tension between God's mercy and our responsibility. That easy enough to say in theological language, but it can be confusing to live this out. After all, Jesus saves us from our sins--he did it all on the cross. But our obedience stills matters. When do we focus on … [Read more...] about The obedience of faith
Moral Theology in a sentence
St. Augustine famously said, "Love God, and do what you will." That's moral theology in a sentence. We love God, John tells us, because he first loved us. The more we recognize and receive his love in the cross, the more we will pass on that love to others. And so we get to the heart of … [Read more...] about Moral Theology in a sentence
May Day in Christ
Recent sunshine befits the week of May Day, an ancient pagan custom to celebrate the beginning of summer. Seasonal change directs most pagan celebrations. Should the Church imitate them? Before Christmas, the darkest time of the year was marked by the Roman Saturnalia and the Scandinavian … [Read more...] about May Day in Christ