That’s the question I am asking over at the Guardian, today. Recalling the long ago wedding of friends who chose Mark 10:2-9 for the Gospel reading of their Nuptial Mass, I write: Even in Jesus’ day, divorce was a theological challenge. For the bride and groom the reading was a pledge of determination; one of them was still reeling from the recent divorce of parents married for over 20 years, and the subsequent remarriage of the mother. The divorce created... Read more
Yes, Revolution. It all started with Joanne McPortland, who we know is completely subversive. She wrote “What’s Really Wrong with Catholic Religious Education? Everything!”: Bad Catechesis has been an integral part of our tradition for a lot longer than 40 years, and it still goes on. Our seeming inability to form Catholics who understand and embrace the basics of the Faith is not the fault of Vatican II or goofy textbook publishers or ill-equipped religious ed volunteers. It’s not even... Read more
In a day-late observance of the 21st anniversary of the release of Bill Murray’s “Groundhog Day” there are some good pieces floating around the internet, but for my money none come close to the brilliant exposition to be found at “Through a Glass Brightly” blog: And so begins Phil’s education as illustrated by very enjoyable self-improvement sequence. He reads voraciously, learns to play the piano and ice sculpt, and goes around town performing random acts of kindness. All of this... Read more
Leah Libresco is deeply gratified that JK Rowling regrets putting Ron and Hermione: It’s not just that Ron seems less intelligent and inquisitive than Hermione in the books, but that her joy in research and making connections leave him uninterested at best and impatient or contemptuous at worst. And she hardly seems to share his interest in Quidditch or Wizard Chess. Couples don’t need to share every interest, but a partner who checks out when you’re at your most engaged... Read more
This is just unbelievably adorable, but it’s also so very wise: “We’re really glad you’re here.” It reminds me so much of Pope Benedict’s exhortation that people need to hear “it is good that you exist!” It’s an enthusiastic message of love, mercy, forgiveness. It’s just great. And I love how self-possessed this kid is. And corndogs rule! “Just treat everybody like it’s their birthday. Even if they don’t deserve it sometimes. Because we all mess up sometimes. The biggest... Read more
Wow, I love this list, because it really speaks the truth — at least what I have learned, particularly over the last few years. Note the stuff about generosity. It’s for real. You have to do the hard things. You have to make the call you’re afraid to make. You have to get up earlier than you want to get up. You have to give more than you get in return right away. You have to care more about others... Read more
Joanne McPortland posted only two pieces in all of January, but they were both hum-dingers. Yesterday, she dared to ask “What is really wrong with Catholic Religious Education” and then answered her own question with: “just about everything”. In fact, she says we’re catechizing “the wrong damn people!” . . .part of the reason the adult formation classes and workshops we do offer are so poorly attended—adult catechesis just not a part of our regular expectation and structure. And adding... Read more
With Meanwhile, Back in America Peggy Noonan wrote a truly excellent column this week, one so full of grieving truth that only the hackiest of partisan hacks could deny it. Those for whom Noonan has beautifully articulated the here-and-now of their concerns could not help but make note of it, but they couldn’t acknowledge it with an equal measure of beauty. It was more important to them to thank her while mashing a grapefruit in her face, as Sarah Palin... Read more
Pretty recently I wondered whether ideas to reform our annulment process would be seen by people as “amnesty” or necessary mercy: An attempt to streamline the annulment process is not an idea that will please everyone. Those who. . .have jumped through the hoops and endured the long and difficult bureaucratic processes may justifiably wonder about fairness. They may feel like the elder brother in the parable of the prodigal son, and they will need to be reminded–with great love–that... Read more
That would be The Jesuit Post, the rambunctious, thoughtful, fun and enlightening site staffed by about 50 young Jesuits, three of whom I am very pleased to announce, have taken up residence here at Patheos. Some of you may be asking why a growing, jumping site like TJP would offshoot over here, or why Patheos would take them on — it seems to fly in the face of the notion of competitive markets, doesn’t it? Well, that’s kind of the... Read more
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