It’s Not Anti-Catholic

Last updated on: September 24, 2020 at 5:57 am By Henry Karlson

When someone criticizes the Knights of Columbus, an apologist will speak out and say the criticism is unjust and comes from someone who is anti-Catholic. It’s a common tactic. Instead of dealing with criticism, so-called apologists like to go on the attack. Calling someone anti-Catholic puts the other person on the defense, while the issues which have been raised become ignored. We can see this is what has happened when critics raise concerns with Catholics associated with a “Covenant Community.”... Read more

Vainglory Versus True Glory

Last updated on: September 23, 2020 at 3:14 am By Henry Karlson

“Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another” (Gal. 5:26 RSV). We are not to be vainglorious, seeking to set ourselves above others. For, as Paul understood, when we try to glorify ourselves, we create strife. We want people to treat us with special respect. Others will want that respect for themselves, leading them to be envious of those who have it. Such envy should not have a place in the Christian community.... Read more

To Fulfill Our Potential

Last updated on: September 21, 2020 at 3:08 am By Henry Karlson

Marsilio Ficino, with his typical wisdom, explained why many people do not believe in God. He said that they do not sense or experience the divine realm because they have become too attached to material creation: I need not say how people suffering from a bloody inflammation of the eye see everything as red, and those with a bitter taste on the tongue taste everything as bitter. In the same way the mind, which from a long-standing desire and indulgence... Read more

The Legend of St. Eustathius

Last updated on: September 20, 2020 at 3:05 am By Henry Karlson

The legend surrounding St. Eustathius tell us how he went from being a Roman general (originally named Placidus) to becoming a Christian convert and eventual martyr for the faith. While he was on a hunt, he saw a great stag; between the antlers of the stag, he saw the cross, and through the cross, Jesus is said to have spoken to him, telling him to become Christian. While he was away his wife, Tatiana, also received a vision of Christ,... Read more

Prudent Clergy Must Continue To Realize The Danger Of Going To Mass During The COVID19 Pandemic

Last updated on: September 17, 2020 at 5:21 am By Henry Karlson

A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple go on, and suffer for it (Prov. 27:12 RSV). Imagine a lone sniper outside a Catholic parish. He is randomly shooting people as they entered the church. Authorities are looking for him, but they cannot not find him. Some people believe there is no sniper, because they do not see him, and so try to get into the church, only to be shot and killed by the sniper. Others... Read more

This Is Not Fine: Global Warming, Wildfires, And The Need To Change Our Ways

Last updated on: February 23, 2021 at 7:23 am By Henry Karlson

In Australia, in the Arctic, in the Western United States (such as in California, Oregon and Washington), we have seen larger, far more devastating wildfires develop and spread throughout the last few years. Pictures of the fires are horrifying. Millions of acres are lost. Countless animal and human lives are lost. Homes and businesses are destroyed. And for those who are not even close to the fire have to face the smoke which it produces, which not only blocks out... Read more

The Cross, A Sign Of Love

Last updated on: September 14, 2020 at 3:07 am By Henry Karlson

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18 RSV). Jesus accepted death on the cross as a part of his mission in the world. Those who dot understand why he died, why he accepted such a shameful death, see it as proof of his impotence. They say it is foolishness to the extreme to believe in such an impotent... Read more

Not All Questions Are Innocent

Last updated on: September 13, 2020 at 3:09 am By Henry Karlson

Jesus was often asked questions by people who were not looking for him to give them answers which they could use to learn from and use to transform their lives. Instead, they wanted him to give answers which they believed they could use to criticize Jesus and ruin his reputation. They knew his presence challenged the way things were; people in positions of power and authority felt threatened by Jesus. They came asking him questions, hoping that, if they trapped... Read more

National Catholic Prayer Breakfast Lowers The Barr

Last updated on: September 10, 2020 at 5:41 am By Henry Karlson

The annual National Catholic Prayer Breakfast will be awarding William Barr the “Christifideles Laici Award” this year at their virtual breakfast meeting (on Sept. 23). The award, the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast says, is given “In Honor and Gratitude for Fidelity to the Church, Exemplary Selfless and Steadfast Service in the Lord’s Vineyard.” William Barr, the Attorney General, is faithful to the church’s teaching? He represents the selfless and steadfast service in the Lord’s Vineyard? How so? What exactly has... Read more

Jesus, Pilate, And The Death Penalty

Last updated on: September 9, 2020 at 3:10 am By Henry Karlson

One of the most unusual defenses some Christians give for capital punishment is to suggest that Jesus gave it his approval. They say Jesus, in his interrogation from Pilate, told Pilate that God had given him the authority to execute people. Since God gave him such authority, he was perfectly in his right to use it. It was a power granted to the state, and its officials are free to use it whenever they want. Thus, they say, Pilate did... Read more

Who lay on his side for over a year as a prophetic sign?