The body of Christ is experienced by the faithful both in relation to their communion with each other (and in this way, as the church), as well as in their reception of the eucharist. The historical, empirical manifestation of each signifies the greater reality which lies beyond what is perceived through their physical experience; that is, what is perceived is symbolic, though it must also be understood that such symbol also participates in the reality which is represented by it... Read more
We often do things to make ourselves stand apart, to give attention to ourselves, hoping that by doing so, we will be able to attain some if not much of what we desire out of life. Moreover, we feel if we don’t do so, others will do so, getting what we want and need instead of us. This suggests to us that if we don’t want to be left wanting, we must put ourselves and our desire above all others,... Read more
Russophobia has been, and can be, a real issue, but we must not confuse criticism of Russian authorities as itself being indicative of Russophobia. No one is above criticism, though the criticism must be just and sound, not based upon ideological prejudices and biases (as Russophobia tends to be. Just as we can understand the Black Legend exaggerated facts and caused undue biases against Spain, so Russophobia has caused many to hold Russia, its people, and the faith and beliefs... Read more
The preferential option for the poor, though it is a recently-established phrased, is an expression of one of the great truths of the Christian faith, a truth found throughout Scripture and Christian history. God has helped and continues to help and promote those who are otherwise poor and helpless over those who have privilege and use that privilege against the needs of the common good. The poor, the vulnerable, those in extreme need are to be loved. Those who are... Read more
Historically, one of the reasons why women entered religious orders was because they believed that the religious life would give them more control over their own lives than they would have if they remained in secular society. Sadly, over time, many women given over to religious orders in order to restrict them, to keep them in solitude away from society so that their voices could not and would not be heard. What could and should have served a good purpose,... Read more
The mystery of the incarnation transcends human comprehension. Whenever we try to describe who Jesus is, it is easy for us to get something wrong, as we tend to think of the God-man, Jesus, mostly in relation to either his divinity or his humanity, losing sight of his other nature. Likewise, we might be so focused on Jesus’ two natures, we find it difficult to describe his personal unity, or else we find ourselves focusing on that unity that we... Read more
When Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, while undertaking a case concerning COVID precautions, did not wear a mask, he sent a signal indicating his hostility to and rejection of those precautions. Such vice-signaling has become quite common of late, where people act contrary to prudence and moral responsibility, unconsciously indicating their malice to society. While many of them might not know better, a Catholic Supreme Court Justice should, because Catholic teaching is clear on the moral obligations of the faith,... Read more
Ministry is important, but we must remember, there are many different ways to be ministers. All baptized and confirmed Christians are priests due to their incorporation into Christ, even if not all of them are ordained clergy. All Christians are expected to have their own particular ministry, their own way of practicing their priesthood in Christ. We must use the skills which we have, the gifts which have been given to us, not just for our own sake, but for... Read more
It would be easy to misrepresent St. Antony the Great, to portray him as a radical individualist looking to separate himself from all society so that he could attain holiness in blessed solitude. St. Antony, of course, did enjoy solitude. He went deeper and deeper into the Egyptian desert, in part, searching for such solitude. But, as is clear when one examines his life and various sayings attributed to him, he did not think this represented an ideal which all... Read more
Christians are told they are to overcome all their self-centered, selfish inclinations. They are called to die to the self so that they can truly love others, thereby following after Christ. They are told if they put into practice such self-denial, they will get a reward: And Peter said, “Lo, we have left our homes and followed you.” And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no man who has left house or wife or brothers... Read more
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