January 2, 2019

  It may have come to your attention that Jerry Fallwell, Junior, doesn’t know his Bible very well. Some of us have known this for years, but recently he really put his foot in it in a tirade condemning those who don’t support  the president. Specifically, everybody is shocked at his declaration:  “Think about it. Why have Americans been able to do more to help people in need around the world than any other country in history? It’s because of... Read more

January 1, 2019

  I met a man named Buster, who looked like Jesus. No, I actually did. He appeared in my combox, commenting under the name “Buster” and with a profile pic that was an icon of Christ Pantocrator. I don’t know why I find that combination so funny. It reminds me of something out of a Coen Brothers film. Buster the Jesus impersonator was confused about a post I wrote, a fanciful retelling of the Presentation in the Temple, meditating on... Read more

December 31, 2018

  I saw a public status on Facebook from my friends at the Friendship Room today: “We are very grateful for all the food donations that so many generously bring to our blue doors – we would kindly remind people that when a certain food item has been recalled we are not the best depository for that food. The store you purchased the recalled food from usually returns you your money. Thank you .” Now, I don’t work for the Friendship Room.... Read more

December 30, 2018

  A friend just posted the following on facebook: “So, WIC funding is down to state and local resources; SNAP is funded through the end of January. Should the shutdown continue, keep in mind that folks who may be on the edge or already food insecure, may have an even harder time. Donations to food banks are good, but so is just directly asking your neighbors what they need and providing it. This is even true when SNAP/WIC *are* funded,... Read more

December 30, 2018

  No one looks up when they come in. They’re not the kind of people that make you look up. They’re the kind you notice out the corner of your eye, and you look harder at the floor or the wall. Don’t make eye contact; they might talk to you, and then what would you do? There is a man, a woman and a baby, and they’re not from around here. All three are dirty, tired, smelly, as if they’ve... Read more

December 29, 2018

This is a baby. In the NICU. Who was in detention in November while 8 months in utero. His mother, who was denied use of the bathroom  in detention, developed a kidney infection and baby had a seizure in utero. This is a baby. In the NICU in the northeast US. Seeing his dad for the first time. His Dad who is in detention. In Texas. Quarantined. His dad who is not called by name But by his Alien Number... Read more

December 28, 2018

  There used to be a fascinating museum, in a defunct Catholic school in the worst part of Columbus. I hope it’s still there. This was a museum of Catholic history: statues and Bibles and Communion rails, stained glass, thuribles, mannequins in nuns’ habits, a whole giant bin of those annoying ratchet noisemakers that used to be used instead of the altar servers’ bells on Holy Thursday. There were Catholic school desks, the kind that were bolted to the floor. There... Read more

December 26, 2018

I hope everyone is having a good time tonight. But I want to give a Christmas message to everyone who’s having a miserable time. If you went to Mass last night or this morning even though you’re still completely traumatized by the Church and felt no consolation whatever– you are amazing. Please know that Christ was thrilled to see you. If you were too sick to do anything but stay in bed today, again– you are loved. I hope you... Read more

December 25, 2018

  I wanted to get you a present. Yes, you. The one reading this. I wanted to get a Christmas present for everyone who reads this blog. I am so honored to know all of you– the patrons and donors who give monetary support to my ongoing work, all the fascinating people who teach me so much with their comments and private messages as well. I am so awed by every single one of you, and all the wonders you’ve... Read more

December 24, 2018

The Nativity of the Lord Jesus Christ, from the Roman Martyrology: The Twenty-fifth Day of December, when ages beyond number had run their course from the creation of the world, when God in the beginning created heaven and earth, and formed man in his own likeness; when century upon century had passed since the Almighty set his bow in the clouds after the Great Flood, as a sign of covenant and peace; in the twenty-first century since Abraham, our father... Read more


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