Joy, hope, spirit, and suspense are all themes of this Sunday’s readings. While any one pastor or reader may gather various meanings from a single set of scripture, I offer today my personal take on […]
Season’s Greetings?
Reflection on the readings for the Second Sunday of Advent Last week’s readings for the First Sunday of Advent began the Catholic liturgical year with a jarring warning to stay awake and be vigilant, for […]
Radical Thanksgiving
In Creative Ministry, Henri Nouwen writes “The most subtle desire for power, and the most difficult to overcome, is the desire for thanks. As long as people keep thanking us for what we have done […]
With Missionary Eyes We Will See: Mt 25
Without question, this week’s Gospel reading of Matthew 25: 31-46 is one of the most important Gospel readings for those Christians involved in work of charity and justice around the world. Countless websites, mission statements, […]
Better Hermeneutics through Star Wars
As it is now November, my mom recently asked me what I would like for my birthday. In mulling this over, it occurred to me that I don’t own a set of the original Star […]
Apostle of Common Ground: In Memory of Joseph Cardinal Bernardin
Today (November 14th) marks the fifteenth anniversary of the death of Joseph Cardinal Bernardin (1928-1996), who served as Archbishop of Chicago and president of the US bishops’ conference. In his ministry, Bernardin served the local, […]
A Story of Encountering “The Other” (with further reflections on a theologian’s role)
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to fly to Milwaukee and visit Marquette University’s doctoral program in theology. Needless to say, it was an excellent and very fruitful visit. While staying at a […]
Waiting in Hope
Reflection on the readings for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Therefore stay awake, For you know neither the day nor the hour. There are many things I find difficult in this parable. Jesus’ exhortation […]
The Spectacle of Kim Kardashian and Image of the Saint
Kim Kardashian is divorcing her husband, Kris Humphries, of 72 days. This is the way I began my “Theology of Love” course yesterday, which also happened to be All Saints Day. I asked my students […]
The Solemnity of All Saints
Then one of the elders spoke up and said to me, “Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from?” ~ John of Patmos I find myself all too comfortable with where […]
