Read & Reflect
Articles, reflections, news, and homilies — thoughtful Catholic content for the faithful, published regularly.
Spirituality
Spirituality
The Power of Our Lady of Sorrows’ Presence
With regard to the narrative of Jesus’ passion, John the Evangelist points out to us—repeatedly—that the only reason any of the fateful events occurred to our dear Savior was in order to fulfill the Father’s Word. Had Jesus said “no” to any of it, not a single moment of His Passion would have transp...
Spirituality
The Cross & Learning to Love: Lessons from Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
One day a few years ago, I recall watching Fulton Sheen’s last recorded Good Friday address from 1979, which is still available on YouTube. In the presentation, Archbishop Sheen told his audience that this was his fifty-eighth consecutive year of giving this type of reflection about Christ’s Seven L...
Spirituality
What St. Joseph Taught Me About Fear: 3 Years with the 7 Sorrows and Joys
God brought me to Christ and to His Church by way of fear. Twenty-five years ago, I was a young man with a social anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and depression, and out of that darkness I first cried out to Him. By His grace the crippling fears were overcome. But fear and anxiety did not simply pa...
Spirituality
A Forgiving Heart Does Not Keep Score: 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
This Sunday, Peter asks Jesus how many times he has to forgive a brother who sins against him. Jesus tells him to forget the math. Why? Gospel (Read Mt. 18:21-35) In last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus instructed the apostles on how to handle problems that would arise in His Church when brother sinned aga...
Spirituality
Would the Resurrection Survive Cross-Examination?
The question posed starts with the standard of proof. A civil verdict requires only a preponderance of the evidence, a fraction over half. However, the test I applied in my book, Resurrection on Trial, is explanatory adequacy, used by historians and forensic investigators for events long past. Does...
Spirituality
The Birth of Mary: Reflecting on the Feast Day
Most years, on Mary’s birthday, I’m recuperating from a Labor Day weekend involving a backhoe and at least one cookout and probably canning of one sort or another. Labor Day seems like the perfect backdrop for a reflection of the Blessed Mother, though. It’s a chance to stop and honor the work and t...
Spirituality
Writing, Reading, and the Holy Spirit: Icons as Divine Relationship
In the collection of Eastern monastic writings called the Philokalia, the goal of the spiritual life is clear: “We must make ourselves a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit,” writes St. Diodachos of Photiki. This directive to enshrine the Holy Spirit in oneself is consistent throughout the collection...
Spirituality
Pushing Euthanasia to Extremes: Death by Organ Donation
The scourge of anti-life laws and provisions in our Western society is expanding at a rapid pace. Regarding euthanasia, the Catholic Church is absolutely clear: it is strictly forbidden. This is part of the perennial teachings of the Church; it will never change. The Church is also very clear about...
Spirituality
St. Bernadette’s Relics Are Coming to the U.S.
Fourteen-year-old Marie Bernarde “Bernadette” Soubirous had never been considered an important person. She had a hard time in class and struggled with asthma-like symptoms. However, on February 11, 1858, she was searching for firewood near the grotto of Lourdes when she encountered a mysterious girl...
Spirituality
Food, Water, and the Dignity of the Dying: What Catholics Should Know About Artificial Nutrition and Hydration
“What does it mean to feed someone?” Every human being understands, almost instinctively, that food and water are not merely biological necessities. Think of a mother feeding her child, a wife bringing soup to her sick husband, a nurse moistening the lips of an elderly patient, a son helping his fra...
Spirituality
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross on the Power of Hidden Souls
In the great mystery of God’s plan, it is hidden souls who He uses to unleash supernatural power in the world. In our worldliness, we think it is much more “useful” to be visible while working on grand plans and lofty goals with clear successes. This is not how the Lord sees things. He calls certain...
Spirituality
Accepting God’s Labor Day Gift
In 1894, Labor Day was declared a national holiday. Most worked a six-day work week and then enjoyed Sundays for worship, time with family, and relaxation. Sunday was their “Divine Day of Vacation,” set aside by God to slow us down and recharge us physically, mentally, and—most importantly—spiritual...