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What Remains
In a podcast today, I discovered that Sesame Street was createdin the 1960s to promote social good. The creators were tryingto level the playing field for all kids by teaching…
Illustration by Frank Kacmarcik, OblSB, Saint John's Abbey, Collegeville, Minnesota. Used with permission.
Loaves of Care
Modern images of starving families in war-ravaged countries are haunting. Children hold out empty pots in the hope that they will receive even a few crumbs. Against the backdrop of…
Illustration by Br. Martin Erspamer, OSB, a monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, Indiana. Used with permission.
Hallowing Emptiness
Have you ever wept like Mary Magdalene when you sought but could not find the One whom your soul loves (Song 3:1-2)? This experience of grief in the spiritual life…
Illustration by Frank Kacmarcik, OblSB (1920-2004), Saint John's Abbey, Collegeville, Minnesota. Used with permission.
God Returns Anew
“My kingdom does not belong to this world,” Jesus says to Pilate. The logical question is, Why not? Jesus’ mission has been one of peace, compassion, inclusivity, and reconciliation. Sounds…
Illustration by Br. Martin Erspamer, OSB, a monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, Indiana. Used with permission.
The Next Step
A small community of Trappist monks lived deep in the Atlas Mountains of Algeria. Their lives were intimately intertwined with the local people, most of whom were Muslims. In peaceful…
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God’s Work
As an adult convert to Catholicism, I can relate to the religious leaders who question Jesus in today’s Gospel reading. A few verses prior, they plead, “How long are you…
Illustration by Br. Martin Erspamer, OSB, a monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, Indiana. Used with permission.
Revenge Is a Terrible Vice
There are times when we feel absolutely helpless to prevent terrible injustices, abusive language and behavior, and unnecessary disasters. Our helplessness may be fed by fears of reprisals and revenge.…
Cover of the Most Important Words of Jesus by Gerhard Lohfink.
Healing the Disempowered
Adapted from Gerhard Lohfink's The Most Important Words of Jesus It is not with the help of the head of all demons that Jesus drives out demons, but with the…
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Hypocrites Are Not Wrong
For me, the most challenging part of today’s Gospel reading is Jesus’ command to “do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you.” Before Jesus describes the hypocrisy of religious…
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Our Only Hope
In her time of dire need, Queen Esther knows where to turn in today’s first reading: to God, her only hope. Her uncle, Mordecai, has warned her of a plot…
