COLUMNS

Learning from great innovations that existed all along

When it comes to advances made by the human race, we owe a lot to the plants and animals that surround us. While many discoveries began before the dawn of recorded time, they continue to inspire many of our greatest advances, both great and small.

Who put Christ on the cross?

The crucifixion of Our Lord is almost always depicted in art showing the torture from asphyxiation on the cross, the nails, the wound made by the spear, the crown of thorns or the beating on the way to Calvary.

Nothing is ever really ours

Everything is gift. That’s a principle that ultimately undergirds all spirituality, all morality and every commandment. 

A volunteer's experience

The Jesuit Volunteer Corps was young -- and so was I -- when I first arrived at a remote Alaskan village to teach school at a Jesuit boarding school for Native Alaskan students as a member of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps.

LIFE ISSUES FORUM -- We follow one who wept

In C.S. Lewis's The Four Loves, we recall that, in addition to physical anguish, Jesus also experienced heartbreak. How consoling it is that He doesn't simply know about our pain, as if He were merely observing it from a distance.

What you discover when excuses are eliminated

People expect excuses. Ask any question, and the answer you hear is undeniable proof.

The ambiguity of the empty cross

During the 40 days of Lent, Catholics prepared spiritually and liturgically to celebrate Easter. Yes, it was worthy. The Lord is risen! 

The Resurrection through Mary's eyes

Easter joy is here! Finally, the days of penitence are over and we're called to celebrate Our Lord's Resurrection. The Mass readings focus now on the post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus to the apostles and their exuberance over seeing him again.

See the success within the failure

Winter rain brought blessed moisture to Southern California, and nature is now thriving. People who carefully protected their gardens, trees and all, during our very harsh drought are benefiting from their foresight and faith.

A fond farewell

This column is a "fond farewell" to those who have enjoyed my writing over the years. Writing a column is like putting a note in a bottle and tossing it into the river so it can float down and across the bay and out into the ocean. 

Mystagogy calls all Christians to encounter risen Lord

At the conclusion of the Mass I attended on Easter while visiting in New Jersey, the pastor repeated what appeared to be his annual Easter joke. Many people applauded when he asked if they wanted to hear it, and many smiled knowingly, already in on the punchline. 

A big win for the little guy

Art Cullen has his gripes about Catholicism, but he cannot deny its influence on the work that last month won him a Pulitzer Prize.  

Never-ending parenting

A dear friend recently became a grandma for the first time and now the baby is "already" a month old. How did that happen so quickly?

In light of faith

Fifty years ago, it might have seemed like an unlikely event: The head of the Catholic Church gathering bishops from around the world to listen to young people share their stories, struggles and suggestions as to how the church can help them discover their vocations and live meaningful lives.

Farewell column: There is one thing I know with absolute certainty

Teens have the hardest job in the world. I say that with complete honesty and sincerity. It's hard to be a teen.


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