I start with the romantic notion that sex means something; it’s not just physical pleasure. If so, then sex naturally intends to be a source of beauty in the world. I add a religious theme: Sexual intimacy is one of God’s great gifts. If so, then it’s a way God saves the world, bringing us into unity and love out of isolation and self-centeredness. Why has this natural beauty and supernatural grace worked so poorly? Sex turns out to be... Read more
Celebrations of Grace: The Sacraments of the Catholic Church, Part 16 The sacrament of Matrimony teaches us to look at sacraments in a new way. Take a common definition of sacrament: effective sign of God’s grace. We’re talking about signs that contain or effect what they signify. Words are a bit fluid here, but often, people say, “symbol” works better than “sign” for this reality. The sign, or symbol, of Matrimony doesn’t quit when the couple walks out the church... Read more
Greta Thunberg, young Swedish climate activist, has spoken in several venues since arriving on our shores by solar-powered sailboat. When testifying before a Congressional committee along with three others young people, she was mostly silent. She gracefully let the others carry the ball, including one Republican who carried it sideways or even a little backward. But speaking on her own, she has been precise, eloquent, and devastating. We have a “CO2 budget” of 350 gigatons to keep global warming to... Read more
A preaching that does not point out sin is not the preaching of the gospel. A preaching that makes sinners feel good, so that they are secured in their sinful state, betrays the gospel’s call. – Oscar Romero Greta Thunberg is the right person at the right time. When congresspersons praise her for her courage, she says, “I don’t want your praise. I want you to do something.” When they say they hear her, she says, “Don’t listen to me.... Read more
St. John Chrysostom, the “Golden Mouth,” has September 13 for his feast day. Famous for his eloquence and two-hour sermons, he is the patron saint of preachers. I can’t help smiling at the following bit of irony. On the very feast of this master of words, looking through the day’s mail, I turned a sheet over and came to these utterly useless words: “This page intentionally left blank.” Have you noticed that whenever you read, “This page intentionally left blank,”... Read more
Celebrations of Grace: The Sacraments of the Catholic Church, Part 15 Sometimes death is just the last gift a person gives us, the final chapter in the book of blessings that he or she is for us. It was that way for me in the deaths in the same year of both my parents—times of inspiration, family togetherness, and love. I didn’t want to think about gift when my brother and my niece died too soon of cancer, but the... Read more
It’s Patriot Day, the anniversary of the most horrible attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor. If an event is worth remembering, it’s because it contains lessons for us and because it has changed us in important ways. I hope I’ll be pardoned for wondering on this Patriot Day if the change has been mostly positive or negative. What lessons have we taken from 9/11? How has it changed us? Has it reinforced in us the idea that it’s us... Read more
Celebrations of Grace: The Sacraments of the Catholic Church, Part 14 We often think about the Sacrament of Reconciliation—or any occasion when reconciliation might be in order—backwards. We think: First, the person who committed the offense shows some evidence of sorrow. Then the injured party forgives and reconciliation can occur. Actually, it works much better the other way around. It’s easier to be sorry when you know you’ve been forgiven already. The many sayings of Jesus on this subject are... Read more
Celebrations of Grace: The Sacraments of the Catholic Church, Part 13 It wasn’t easy to decide what to tell 11th graders about the Sacrament of Confirmation. From their older brothers and sisters to their teachers to the shape of the Confirmation program itself, the common perception of the sacrament is: “sacrament of maturity in the faith.” Joanna Wahlund (“Stop Holding the Sacraments Hostage: Confirmation”) has an excellent critique of this way of looking at Confirmation. My textbook didn’t say Confirmation... Read more
I was chatting with an old acquaintance up in St. Cloud. She’s from England and would like to go back for a visit but was wishing there could be a way of going there other than by plane. I responded, “I’m so excited about Greta Thunberg!” She said, “You’re the first person I’ve talked to who knew who Greta Thunberg is.” I’ve written about Greta Thunberg before, here. She is probably the world’s most reported-on climate activist at the moment.... Read more
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In