Usury, at least in modern times, has typically been regarded as excessive interest rates, in the order of dozens or even hundreds of percent. Those
Many of our personal woes are driven by anxieties that seem to us to be inescapable or unmanageable. We deal with the boss that demands
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. What do the words of this beatitude mean? We want happiness, so we would say,
When we were born, the first thing we most likely heard was the soft, sweet voice of our mothers. It was tender and comforting, the
missions Deep in the heart of Cajun country, in the bayous of southernmost Louisiana, mere miles off the Gulf Coast lies Big Woods, the operation
A new research report shows an increase in the mortality rate (deaths per 100,000 of people) among middle-aged American men. Citing the study, this article,
I work in RCIA and Adult Faith Formation ministry in my local parish. This role enables me to welcome people into the church, and to
For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with
Who Understands St. Joseph’s Mystery? Saint Joseph is the veritable hero of the parable of the hidden treasure, it was unquestionably St. Joseph: “The kingdom
There are many folk idioms or simply popular observations which would appear to be wrong at any number of levels. One that comes to mind
Recently, my wife and I had to attend Mass at a different church outside of our diocese. Now I’ve walked into some ugly Catholic churches
There is something about art that touches the soul. Whether it be a breathtaking painting, a powerful poem, or a song that speaks to the
Imagine if Jesus really meant it when He said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 How different might
The last words a person says before dying are cherished by those who care for him or her. They are always remembered and reflect upon,
Did you know that you can’t really pray without distractions? Don’t take my word for it, take the word of St Teresa of Avila. When
Most people know that Martin Luther kick started the Reformation and got Protestantism rolling. Not too many people know that Luther also inadvertently helped commercialize Easter.
Committing myself to Jesus through Mary in Consecration seemed like a nice thing to do. Growing up in a Catholic home, I went to Mass
baptists The other day, some really nice young men, Baptists, came to my front door, and we had a very interesting conversation. I wish I
In an age of rapidly increasing technology, mass higher education, and increasing prosperity it would appear that our lives are forever getting better. Our society
I disagree with those who describe Our Lord’s Passion experience as humiliating, because I believe that they are merely projecting their perception of that situation
Most Christians know the story of Jonah being swallowed by the whale but I wonder how many recall just how and why it came about.
Especially important is the warning to avoid conversations with the demon… So don’t listen to him. Remember that – do not listen. -William Peter Blatty,
While recently considering the many types of prayer we can use when talking to God, I recalled a conversation I had last fall with a
There is a wonderful song written by Sammy Cahn and made famous by Frank Sinatra titled “Call Me Irresponsible.” The singer plaintively begins with “Call
