The midpoint of Advent is a perfect place to pause and take spiritual stock of our journey to the awesome, wondrous gift of the coming of God in Jesus, the word made flesh. With less than two weeks … more

The readings today announce good news that answers some of our greatest desires. But it is surprising in more ways than one. What we would like is a world justly ordered for the benefit of … more

“One of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus” (Lk 23:39). On an outcropping of limestone just outside a gate of Jerusalem, two men who had committed crimes and one who had not were … more

Hearing this Sunday’s Gospel we might be tempted to say, “There’s nothing new under the sun,” in the words of Ecclesiastes. The Gospel opens with people admiring the grandeur and beauty of … more

If asked to sum up Christianity in a single word, what would you say? Answers that come to my mind are “Jesus” and “love.” If we look at the question in terms of the goal of Christian life, … more

What is your image of God? How do you envision God as you pray and reflect on God’s word? Has your childhood image of God developed into a deeper understanding of who God is and who you are in … more

Sometimes when I submit my thoughts on the Scripture readings to the editor, she sends back an email asking me to supply a “reflection starter.” I don’t think she’ll make that request this … more

Some 40 years ago, Daniel Everett mastered what is perhaps one of the only human languages with no descriptive words for colors, past or future, and, most amazingly, with no words to express … more

In our society, “good Samaritan” is a familiar phrase. There are “Good Samaritan” laws and Good Samaritan hospitals. In Jewish society in first-century Palestine, “good” was not the … more

“Increase our faith,” the apostles say to Jesus in this Sunday’s Gospel. Their request to Jesus becomes our prayer as we contemplate God’s word today. Once the disciples meet Jesus, their … more