Four thoughts that swam around my head this weekend, and links worth reading for each:  1. Murder is never part of God’s plan. Sometimes, after horrifying days, it’s tempting for us as people of faith to search for some meaning in disaster. There is no meaning. The murders in Connecticut were not part of God’s… Read More It Doesn’t Make Sense

Now more than ever, it seems appropriate to pray that the dream of Isaiah be brought forth more fully in the hearts of all people during this Advent season. Lions and oxen will sleep in the hay, leopards will join with the lambs as they play, wolves will be pastured with cows in the glade,… Read More In the Wake of Unimaginable Violence

In some sense, there is something refreshing about Ken Cuccinelli.  This might seem strange since Cuccinelli is most often known (so far as he is known) for his ideological extremism and his partisan vitriol and hatred.  However, unlike some Republican leaders who suddenly found out within the last few years that Catholic social teaching exists… Read More Ken Cuccinelli’s Outrageous Attack on the Catholic Church

I arrived late. The crowd was pressed in tightly. Layers and layers of winter clothing seemed to double the size of each person. Despite the throng, all attention was focused on a parade of icons making its way down the central aisle of the church. Cell phones were held high from nearly every hand trying… Read More The Virgin for our Time and Generation

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which commemorates the appearance of Mary to a peasant named Juan Diego in 1531 near Mexico City. It’s an important day for Catholics on this continent, as Pope John Paul II declared Our Lady of Guadalupe the “Patroness of the Americas” in 1999. I particularly love… Read More Three of Mary’s Life & Justice Lessons on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Five years ago, on the Solemnity of Christ the King, we celebrated the baptism of our first child.  When we presented him in the church, we were asked, “What do you ask of God’s Church?”  Our answer was, “Baptism.”  Now, five year later, I’d like to ask something more of the Church and of the… Read More For a Church Radiating Love

Today is the 44th anniversary of Thomas Merton’s death.  Merton remains a popular figure among Millennial Catholics.  In the video below, Fr. James Martin discusses his life and his enduring appeal.