Is it right that people work hard to provide for their families in jobs that are essential to our modern way of life but nevertheless remain on the edge of poverty? Is it morally acceptable to leave families so vulnerable, exposed to calamity if faced with a minor mishap? It is neither right nor acceptable.… Read More Economic Justice is Essential to Strengthening American Families
In his Christmas address to the Vatican Curia, Pope Francis described various ailments, sicknesses, and diseases “that we encounter most frequently in our life in the Curia.” Francis said, “They are illnesses and temptations that weaken our service to the Lord.” While intended for the Curia, Pope Francis is highlighting some problematic behavior that can… Read More Pope Francis Describes 15 Ailments, Sicknesses, and Diseases in the Vatican Curia
Do you see what I see when communities are torn apart by unspoken racist realities? Do you see what I see when riot gear, militarized vehicles, explosions, and unrest light up a silent night? Do you hear what I hear when an entire community erupts in frustration over the failure of a grand jury to… Read More Do You See What I See? A Society Still Divided by Race
Maybe in an effort to not be constantly reminded of weddings, George Winston created a piano variation of Bach’s Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring, simply named Joy. While I love’s Bach’s piece, Winston’s has become one of my Advent favorites. The way he weaves the familiar tune in and out of joyful variations moves my… Read More Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
via BuzzFeed News: Pope Francis was instrumental in facilitating the normalization of relations between the United States and Cuba, a senior White House official said Wednesday. President Obama is expected to announce a deal with the Caribbean nation Wednesday afternoon that will pave the way for the first U.S. embassy on Cuban soil since the… Read More Pope Francis Sparks Major Shift in US-Cuba Relations
via BBC News: Militants from the Pakistani Taliban have attacked an army-run school in Peshawar, killing 141 people, 132 of them children, the military say. Officials say the attack in the north-western city is over, with all the attackers killed. Seven militants took part in all, according to the army. Scores of survivors are being… Read More Dozens Killed in Taliban attack on Peshawar School
Pope Francis won’t be earning any more fans among rigid legalists who equate faithfulness with caustically attacking those who fail to meet their standards of proper behavior. Francis linked rigidity to having a weak heart and contrasted it with one fixed on the rock, Jesus. He concluded his homily with a prayer, which included: “I… Read More Pope Francis: Reject Rigidity, Hypocrisy, and Condemning Others
