A reflection on the Mass Readings for August 21, 2022, the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time. Audio of Homily will be posted here. Today, I would like to reflect on the same question that the disciples asked Jesus, “Will only a few people be saved?” (Luke 13:23) It is a good question. Who will...
But when it comes to that subjection, by which all Catholics are constrained by conscience, who lean into contemplative sciences, in order to bring new benefits to the Church through their writings, the men of the same Assembly must therefore recognize that it is not enough for wise Catholics to accept and worship...
Recently, Dr. Larry Chapp wrote an article entitled “Rejecting the ‘low-bar Thomism’ of revisionist moral theologians.” Typically, I find that Dr. Chapp’s articles are insightful and well-written. This article is a follow-up to his recent reviews of the republication of Henri de Lubac’s book, The Church, Paradox and Mystery, and in it he...
This Saturday, August 20th, I’m leading a retreat at St. Francis de Sales parish in Beckley, WV. And it’s going to be livestreamed! I’ve taught and written a lot about Catholic Social Teaching, but I’ve never preached it as a retreat before—and I’m thrilled! I’m presenting five talks: The Kerygma, The Dignity of the Human Person,...
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad. — Psalm 118:22-24 (NABRE) For nearly a decade I have followed with great interest the story of the...
I recently made one of my DIY dreams come true. In the unfinished section of our basement, I put up pegboard, added various sizes and shapes of hangers, and displayed all of my tools. Though the edges weren’t exactly level, I was proud of my efforts to organize the tools I’ve acquired myself,...
Someone has to say it publicly: The Catholic Church in the United States does not understand the Holy Father and is doing itself great harm. This sentence isn’t entirely original. It’s the inverse of the opening line of a June article by Jayd Henricks in First Things, who claims that Pope Francis has...
A few days ago, an article entitled “Where Peter Actually Is” by Fr. Ambrose Dobrozsi appeared on the website of the new-ish Catholic magazine The Lamp. In his article, Fr. Dobrozsi attempts to put forth a balanced view of the papacy and the relationship between the pope and the practice of ordinary Catholics,...
I recently read an article commenting on the state of moral theology in the Church today. The author was critical of theologians and pastors setting the bar too low for Christians who, he rightly points out, are called to nothing less than heroic sainthood. He used the story of the Rich Young Man...
A reflection on the Scripture readings for August 14, 2022, the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. “Francis, leave this place and set the world on fire!” These were the last words that St. Ignatius of Loyola spoke to St. Francis Xavier as he sent Francis to the missions in the Far East. Set the...
Fear not. First of all, Jesus encourages the disciples. He has just finished speaking to them about the loving and provident care of the Father, who cares for the lilies of the fields and the birds of the air, and therefore, all the more for his children. So there is no need to...
On August 4, Catholic World Report published an article by the moral theologian Dr. E. Christian Brugger, entitled, “Pope Francis, contraception, and the problem of ecclesial authority.” In it, Dr. Brugger suggests that recent papal statements imply that Pope Francis may be planning to reverse or modify Catholic doctrine prohibiting the use of...
Popular Posts