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September 28, 2014May 28, 2015

Do Not be Deceived! A Meditation on a Constant Theme of Scripture

A very common word in the New Testament is “deceived.” In English we tend to think of this word as referring to someone who has been tricked or fooled. And thus the emphasis is on intellectual terms. The Greek and Latin roots, however, have an almost physical dimension to them. The Latin roots for “deceived” or “deception” are de- (from) + capere (to …

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September 27, 2014May 28, 2015

Pitfalls of the Pious – A Sermon for the 26th Sunday of the Year

In understanding this Gospel, we cannot overlook the audience Jesus was addressing. The text begins, Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people. In effect, Jesus was addressing the religious leaders and the religiously observant of His day. He calls to their attention at least three things, three common sins or pitfalls of …

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September 14, 2014May 28, 2015

Can Atheists be Moral? How can we (or they) know?

One of the more misunderstood debates between believers and atheists is whether or not an atheist can have a morality. Some incorrectly understand believers to think that atheists are immoral or live lives that are sinful by our account. But this is not what is meant by wondering whether an atheist can have a morality. …

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August 6, 2014May 28, 2015

What Are Our Pets Really Saying? Perhaps they express the longing of all creation.

I am often struck by the mystery of the relationship that dogs and cats have with their owners. While I realize that we humans do a lot of projecting of what we want their behavior to mean, it still remains a deeply mysterious reality to me how our pets come to “know” us and set up …

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July 31, 2014May 28, 2015

Does God Harden Human Hearts?

One of the more difficult biblical themes to understand is the concept of God hardening the hearts and minds of certain human beings. The most memorable case is that of Pharaoh wherein, before sending Moses to him, God said he would “harden Pharaoh’s heart” (Ex 4:21). But there are other instances in which biblical texts …

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July 24, 2014May 28, 2015

Five Steps to Better Mental Health – According to St. Paul

In modern times, we tend to link our notions of happiness and inner well-being to circumstances and happenstance. And thus we think that happiness will be found when the things of this world are arranged in the way and quantity we like. If we can just get enough money and creature comforts, we’ll be happy …

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June 28, 2014May 29, 2015

Five Facts of Faith from the Life of St. Peter – A Homily for the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul

Today’s Feast of Saints Peter and Paul honors two fundamental pillars of the early Church. While all the Apostles form the foundation, Peter and Paul stand out very profoundly in terms of influence and work. And while some have wished to suggest division between them, the Church insists that they must been seen together; hence …

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June 17, 2014May 29, 2015

Is the Church a Clubhouse or a Lighthouse? A Cruise Ship or a Battleship?

OK, so the title asks two focal questions plainly enough. Let’s begin with the first, “Is the Church a clubhouse or a lighthouse?” Many, it would seem, want the Church just to be a friendly place where people can gather. Many of these same people get angry when the Church shines the light of truth …

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