Photo Credit: Pixabay.com Our Advent readings teem with references to the prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures. We are mostly attentive to the writings of Isaiah especially Chapters 40 and 61. Isaiah is considered the “greatest of the prophets” (New American Bible [NAB] p. 824) who received his call in the temple of Jerusalem described in Isaiah,... Continue Reading →

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com Stephanie Saldaña is a writer who lives with her husband, a Syriac Catholic priest, and their family in Bethlehem. In a recent article published by Commonweal (“We Must Celebrate Well” Nov. 25, 2025) Saldaña captures the present reality of the Holy Land poignantly as she recounts what she is reflecting on as she wanders... Continue Reading →

“In its heyday, the penny had immense cultural impact. It was the going rate for thoughts. It was a symbol of frugality, saved and/or earned. It could sometimes be pretty, and other times arrive from heaven. And how many ideas would never have come to light without a penny dropping?” (Victor Mather, The New York Times eulogy on... Continue Reading →

Photo Credit: DepositPhotos I believe Thanksgiving Day is an interdenominational Holy Day! Some people admit it's the only day they really pray with others. I'm always impressed with the sincere composure I have witnessed at Thanksgiving tables over many years. Children scan the faces of adults whose heads are bowed mumbling along with a leader— probably the host... Continue Reading →

Photo Credit: Wikipedia In the center of reporters, jammed elbow to elbow, and thrusting microphones in front of him last week, Pope Leo looked calm but determined. He spoke in English, a seemingly calculated move because his response appeared aimed at American audiences who might be listening and wondering about the American efforts to punish... Continue Reading →

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com I am simply amazed at the number of veterans serving in Congress, men and women. For example, Tammy Duckworth, Senator from Illinois who co-piloted a Black Hawk helicopter which was shot down and left her without both legs and only partial use of her right arm. She served 23 years and earned a Purple... Continue Reading →

Photo Credit: Catholic Answers Encyclopedia During November, the Roman Catholic faith encourages prayers for those who have gone before us and acknowledgement of those who have achieved the heights of sanctity, notably the saints. For ordinary folk who have died we pray that they be freed from the state of purgatory where any lingering repentance is... Continue Reading →

The Book of Chronicles in the Hebrew Scriptures narrates the building of the Temple, a calling that King David was determined to achieve. However, David had been historically embroiled in many wars and in his later years when a modicum of peace appears, he starts gathering materials to build the House of the Lord. He... Continue Reading →

The late Pope Francis wrote an encyclical ten years ago that garnered negative reactions from some industries and conservative pundits. It was generated by the Pope’s love of the Earth and the theology that requires direct confrontation against the powers of global profit which continue to ravage land and resources needed for communities of people to... Continue Reading →

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com Every summer I pick a classic to read for the first time or re-read if it has wandered into the mists of memory a bit too far. In the past I have toiled hoisting the mast and managing the roiling madness of an angry sea while re-reading Moby Dick, my absolute favorite novel... Continue Reading →