Blog of the Archdiocese of Washington
Many years ago, when I was just a teenager I remember being puzzled by the oft quoted John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son….” Now everyone used this verse to demonstrate how much God loved us. But I got stuck thinking, “What kind of a Father is …
The Didache is one of the earliest written documents of the Church other than Scripture itself. It was written sometime between 90 and 110 AD. It may not have had a single author but may have been compiled from the Apostolic Teaching as a kind of early catechism and a summary of the essential moral …
Continue reading “Ancient Witnesses to The Catholic Faith: The Didache”
If we ask someone what is most important to them they will often times answer the question the way it should be answered rather than the actual and truthful answer. Ask a believer who is most important in their life and they will usually answer, “God.” But is that the truest answer? Others who are …
One of the strong traditions of Scripture is of the great reversal that will one day come for many. I have often been sobered by it when I consider how blessed I have been in this life. I have also been consoled by it when I struggle to understand why some people in this world …
Continue reading “Many Who are Last, Will Be First: Pondering the Great Reversal.”
In the last two days on the blog comments I have noticed consternation by some that more stress is not placed on receiving communion worthily. I understand the concern they express but also feel the need to approach this issue carefully. This is because two important goods are at sake that must be kept in …
Continue reading “Reflections On Teaching the Worthy Reception of Communion”
I want to discuss a very alarming new study that indicates that over 40% of children are born outside of marriage in this country. This situation is growing very serious and needs to be addressed in our parishes and homes. Here is a brief excerpt of the article: The number of children born outside marriage …
Continue reading “Growing Crisis: Over 40 Percent of Babies Are Born Outside of Marriage in the US”
There is a text in Luke’s Gospel that I meant to cover back in Holy Week but things slipped by. It is a rather extraordinary thing that Jesus said on his way to the cross. He said it to women who had gathered to lament him: Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead …
Continue reading “A More Awful Thing. A Lament on the Culture of Death”
There was a good article in the Washington Post today By Marc Thiessen entitled Bringing Humanity Back to the Abortion Debate. The article is an op-ed piece reflecting on the recent action of Gov. Dave Heineman of Nebraska in signing into law the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. Obviously the Nebraska law will be challenged …
Continue reading “On Fetal Pain and the Humanizing of the Abortion Debate”