Few events have defined Pope Francis’ young papacy as much as his monumental decision to break from tradition in the Holy Thursday ritual of washing the feet. The moving witness of him bending over and cleaning the feet of twelve marginalized poor (non-Italian) young men and women may be remembered as an important moment in… Read More The Pope and the Power of Humility
Sociologist Robert Bellah has described Memorial Day as a day that serves to “integrate the local community into the national cult” of American civil religion. Memorial Day was first officially observed on May 30, 1868 for Americans to pause in awe and gratitude for the supreme sacrifices made by those who died fighting in the… Read More Find a Parade Today
Yesterday my Saturday morning began (as it so often does) with the New York Times, and in what is starting to seem quite common, a cover story of a violent and public rape. This week it’s Brazil (“Public Rapes Outrage Brazil, Testing Ideas of Image and Class”), but there was very little new or unique… Read More Rape on the Front Page: What Will it Take to Wake Us Up?
[This post by Joe Simmons, SJ is also featured on The Jesuit Post, where the author is a blogger] A few weeks ago I got a glimpse of the pride – and protectiveness – I think a parent might feel for her child. And it felt awesome. It happened because we were rolling out the… Read More Pride & Protectiveness: A Parental Lesson
Are you prepared for the invasion of Zombie debt? Everyone knows there is a foreclosure crisis – but are we prepared for the unfolding crises of education and medical debt? In his recent NY Times blog, Student Debt and the Crushing of the American Dream, economist Joseph Stiglitz notes some astounding facts: “According to the Federal Reserve Bank… Read More The Walking Debt: Expanded Look at Zombie Debt, Jubilee & Students
I’m reading this book right now titled The Art of Growing Older. It’s compelling—so compelling, in fact, that I walk down the street reading poems about aging on my way to work. Admittedly, I use my hands to hide the title as I do so. As a 22-year-old, I figure most people who see me… Read More Reclaiming Faith
This Mother’s Day, Americans will spend an estimated $21 billion to show their appreciation and love to the women who gave us the gift of life. That breaks down to almost $170 for each consumer to say “Thank You!” in cards, flowers, brunch, and other gifts. Moms certainly deserve the recognition, thanks, and praise. But… Read More More than a Day
Millennial 