Jesus was attuned to the reality that our words can be as deadly as physically harming another. Here is just one instance when he called out those who would speak ill of another: “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool’, you will be liable to the hell of fire” (Matthew 5:21-22).
Category Archives: Catholic
Catholic Upbringing
I have been struck by reading that the movie’s (Barbie) creator was influenced by her Catholic high school experience for this film and an earlier one. Every upbringing makes an impact that carries over into adult life, but my antennae are attuned to reading about how Catholicism has made a difference in people’s lives.
A House of Many Mansions
He said that “each person encounters God by their own way.” When Pope Francis made those remarks, he was not sitting in his study pouring over law books. He was looking out over the sea of young faces, each one of which he saw as beautiful.
Sacramental Seeing: Are There Limits?
A particularly touching religious site for me was the little chapel of St. Francis in the grand basilica in Assisi, erected in his honor. I discovered, however, that the most moving and heart-wrenching place I visited was the remains of the concentration camp at Dachau.
The Woman Wearing a Hat
I do know that I left bothered by what I had done or, in this case, not done. Wasn’t the message of Jesus that we are supposed to be bothered by people around us in need? Didn’t he tell us that no one is to be left out? And I gave voice to that message when I called out “hospitality” as being a sign of God at work within the human community.
Woke Catholicism
I realized that I could not write about “Catholicism” without recognizing the reality of sexual abuse that has taken place in the church in the recent past and today. I looked at other books that described themselves as offering an introduction to or an overview of Catholicism. None that I found addressed this dark side of Catholicism.
What about Angels?
Angels are messengers from God who serve as protectors and heralds of good news. In the Old Testament, they tend to appear as human beings, often unexpectedly.
Aidan’s Grandpas
All of a sudden, that person in front of us is not just an isolated individual separate from us but is someone who wishes us peace, as we wish them peace as well. In some more progressive settings, people actually move out of their pew and wander around, offering peace to as many people as they can reach. The symbolism is clear: We are family.
“It’s Only a Story”
by Joseph Stoutzenberger Whenever I brought up Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden in my college teaching, a student from a Catholic high school invariably would say: “My religion teacher told us that it’s only a story.” I knew what they meant: the bible isn’t giving us a factual account of the creationContinue reading ““It’s Only a Story” “
Vatican Council II: Evolution or Revolution?
Vatican II ended in 1965 and ushered in not only external changes but also changes in attitude and ambiance as well. I noticed the transformation that took place over the next decade and presumed that this was unanticipated and unprecedented for Catholicism, not just a renovation but a revolution.
Joseph Stoutzenberger 