Blog of the Archdiocese of Washington
As a priest, I am called to preach and teach. In this, I must look to Jesus Christ as my model. Scripture speaks of His renown as a preacher and the eagerness with which many heard Him. And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as …
Continue reading “A Portrait of Jesus the Preacher and Teacher”
The readings for this Feast of Christ the King evoke three images of Christ as King. All of them are to some extent paradoxical because they emphasize things we don’t usually associate with kings. They also tell us that we have already met King Jesus even if we don’t realize it. Let’s look at these three …
Continue reading “Not Your Average King – A Homily for the Feast of Christ the King”
This is the fifth in a series of articles on the Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell. Jesus was urgent in warning us to be ready for judgment. He did this in many ways, but most notably in the parables. In this post let’s ponder His teachings and hear His urgency. Most casual …
Continue reading “Parables by Jesus on the Day of Judgment and on Our Need to be Ready”
The Office of Readings this week features passages from the pastoral guide of St. Gregory the Great. In the opening line, Gregory reminds us: “A spiritual guide should be silent when discretion requires and speak when words are of service.” This is not easy. Indeed, self-mastery in speech is among the rarer gifts and usually …
Continue reading “Bite Your Tongue! A Reflection on Common Sins of Speech”
We tend to demonize the word “power” in our culture. Of itself, though, power is simply the capacity to act, a kind of energy to accomplish what must be done. In this sense, power can lead to magnificent and creative solutions to difficulties, wonderful breakthroughs and great progress. God gives us all a certain degree …
Continue reading “Power Gone Wrong – As Seen in an Animated Short”
Given the terrible storm that has devastated parts of the Caribbean and is bearing down on Florida as I write, it is possible that questions come to mind. There is certainly a violent component to life on this planet. We might even play on the words of an ancient hymn Dies Irae, dies illa. Yet …
Continue reading “Earth, Air, Fire, and Water: Great and Yet Terrifying Blessings”
One of the more underreported sins is greed. It is easy to conclude that greed is something manifested by “that other person,” who has more than I do. Yes, that rich guy over there, the one who earns a dollar more per hour than I do; he’s greedy, but I’m not. But honestly, does any one …
Continue reading “Greed: A Meditation on an Underreported Sin”
There are many questions related to the problem of suffering and of evil: Why does God permit evil? Why does He not intervene? Why does He delay? Is God really good if He permits such things? Is He really omnipotent? I have covered some of them in the past (e.g., HERE and HERE). The answers …
Continue reading “A Helpful Reminder on the Problem of Suffering”