Search Results for: demons

One of the subtleties of language is the use of euphemisms.  A euphemism is a less offensive word or phrase used in place of another  term that might be considered too direct, harsh, unpleasant, or offensive. It substitutes an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that might offend or suggest something unpleasant. The word comes from the Greek  euphēmismos, which …

Continue reading “Euphemisms have a place in human discourse but not when they obscure moral truth”

In the first reading for Tuesday’s daily Mass, there is a remarkable description of an event in the lives of Paul and Silas. And even more remarkable than the event itself is their reaction to it. Let’s pick up the story as told in Acts: The crowd in Philippi joined in the attack on Paul …

Continue reading “Happiness is an Inside Job – As Seen in the Story of Paul and Silas”

One of the struggles that many Christians experience is that the needs around us are so great, yet we are limited, both in personal strength and resources. Lurking in the back of our minds is the notion that whatever the problem, Jesus would always help and therefore we should too. But is it always wrong …

Continue reading “Even Jesus Sometimes said “No””

The video below presents a scenario to which we can all relate. There is a biker who touches a car at each stoplight; as the clip progresses we see the driver become increasingly annoyed. I’ll leave the humorous end to your viewing pleasure. But as you view it, don’t tell me you don’t get annoyed …

Continue reading “Don’t touch my Stuff – As Seen on TV. A Meditation on our Tendency to be Territorial”

There was an informative and helpful article in the Washington Post this Easter Sunday that demonstrates certain keys to success in evangelization. The focus of the article is the happy fact that the Archdiocese of Washington welcomed a record number of converts this year at the Easter Vigil. But the article also documents important factors …

Continue reading “Some Keys to Evangelization as Seen in a Record Number of Converts this Year in The Archdiocese of Washington”