Something remarkable unfolded as Parisians watched the roof and spire of their city’s iconic Cathedral of Notre Dame rapidly engulf in flames some two months ago. Strangers who would ordinarily … more

Pentecost is usually viewed as a talking event. Jesus’ disciples come out of hiding and proclaim what God has done. Peter, who has been afraid to publicly admit that he is a follower of Jesus, … more

Kenneth Clark, noted art historian, tells the story of the evacuation of the National Gallery of Art in London while the city struggled under heavy bombardment during World War II. To save the … more

How distant is God? Looking up at the night sky, the answer might seem to be “infinitely.” But today’s Scripture readings give the opposite answer. God is infinitely close, these texts say, … more

“New and improved” is a slogan that advertisers often use to market products and services to customers. From diets and cars to phones, clothes and vacations, the promise of something new catches … more

Jesus concludes today’s Gospel reading with the solemn statement, “The Father and I are one” (Jn 10:30). He means that he is everything the Father is, except that he is the Son, not the Father. … more

Think of a time when you were in the presence of a well-known public figure. Perhaps it was a pope, a bishop, a celebrated author, television or movie actor, or a local celebrity. We live in a … more

In today’s first reading, St. Luke tells about the church in the months after Jesus’ resurrection. It was just one community, made up of a few thousand Jewish believers in the city of Jerusalem. … more

The discovery of an empty tomb is the Gospel record of the historical event of Jesus’ resurrection. No witnesses saw Jesus rising from the dead. But what they did see was Jesus’ agonizing … more

The Gospel shows us Jesus in prayer the night before his death. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me,” he says. “Still, not my will but yours be done.” Clearly, he knew … more