A person is known by the company he keeps – at least that’s how the old saw goes. I’m not sure how well that applies here. You see, there was a story to be told. One that affected me deeply. It was the story about Douglas, the homeless man that I had met on Third Avenue, curled up and drunk in a CVS doorway at 8 a.m. In a few brief moments together his story of loss, despair, and... Read more

Well, it wasn’t exactly his fault. I mean, he wasn’t even driving. He wasn’t even in a car. In fact, the nearest car was some 2,000 years away. Yes, I’m referring to the rich young man that Christ addressed in Matthew 19:16-22, and it’s the story of today’s gospel message: Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to [the] poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow... Read more

Maybe it stems from that independent American spirit that still grips a large part of my soul. Or perhaps it comes from many years of reflexively pushing back at anything Catholic – or, in this case, Mary. Maybe it’s tiredness. Then again, it might be plain laziness. But when I realized that Church attendance today was obligatory – even though I happily make my way over to daily Mass almost every other day – my first and visceral reaction was... Read more

The Knights of Columbus, kofc.org, recently committed $1,000,000 of humanitarian aid in support of Iraq’s many endangered religious minorities, particularly its targeted Christian one, who now face “unprovoked and systematic persecution,” dislocation, and possible extinction. The organization is seeking $500,000 in public donations and has pledged that 100% of every dollar raised will be used to provide direct relief and support. Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, in solidarity with Pope Francis’ call to both prayer and support, has made the call:... Read more