Blog of the Archdiocese of Washington
There is a story of St. Paul’s arrest, beating and imprisonment at Philippi that serves as a kind of paradigm for the radicality of true Christianity and why it so perturbs many in this world. For, of itself the Christian faith, its message and the transformation it can effect, is very unsettling for a world …
Continue reading “Why Did Paul Get Arrested at Philippi and What Should We Learn From It?”
In yesterday’s Gospel we pondered some teachings about authority from the Lord. Among His teachings was that authority is necessary and that, other things being equal, a Christian is bound to submit to lawful authority, both in the Church and, regarding temporal affairs, to lawful authority in this world. In the Church there is a …
There are a number of Biblical texts that speak of being generous to the poor, for to do so will brings bountiful blessings. Or put negatively, if we are stingy we will come up short in our own blessings. Just for a brief post today, consider the following verses, and then see a rather funny …
Continue reading “Who Sows Sparingly Will Also Reap Sparingly – As Seen on T.V.”
There is a magnificent interview over at National Review Online of professor of philosophy at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, Christopher Kaczor. He is the author of the new book The Ethics of Abortion: Women’s Rights, Human Life, and the Question of Justice (Available at Amazon HERE). The interview is conducted by Kathryn Jean …
Continue reading “Straight and Worthy Answers on Abortion in A Recent Interview, Well Worth Reading”
Most arguments about Capital Punishment focus on whether it is intrinsically right or wrong. But perhaps there is a middle position, wherein Capital punishment is not described as intrinsically wrong, but its use is described essentially as inopportune. Let’s just call this the inopportunist position. This is largely where I stand. I am an inopportunist, …
Continue reading “On the Inopportune Nature of Capital Punishment”
Back in Seminary I remember a Church History instructor warning us not to be “too defensive” of the Church when others point to our shortcomings. He said that the Church is so big and so old, that just about anything you can say probably has some truth to it. He went on to clarify that …
There is an urgency and clarity about the Gospel for today that is most often lacking in modern Christians, certainly including the clergy. In this Gospel the message is urgent, provocative and clear: there is a day of judgment coming for every one of us and we simply must be ready. The message is a …
OK, it’s gotten controversial to say it, but I want to say it anyway, that creation shouts its maker. It reveals its creator, and manifests its God. While the more militant atheists the more extreme followers of scientism and secularism may well scoff and urge believers like me to the door, I want to say …