Sr. Helena Burns: The good (and bad) news about hell
I love hell. Let me qualify that. Hell is a great motivator, perhaps the greatest motivator. But shouldn’t love be our greatest motivation? Certainly, but hell is a great backup when we’re feeling less than virtuous.
Speaking Out: Recharge yourself with the Bible
Congratulations on navigating another year of school burdened with COVID-19 adversity. I cannot understate that kids, teens, young adults and mature students alike all deserve to bask in the glow of summer vacation.
Mary Marrocco: Our doubts can move us toward Jesus
Sometimes I imagine what it might have been like for people at the foot of the cross as Jesus’ body was taken down, wrapped in linens and spices, and taken away to the tomb.
Although spirituality is at the core of religion, physical objects are inherent to its history and current functioning.
God's Word on Sunday: God is present in so many ways
Most Holy Trinity, May 30 (Year B) Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40; Psalm 33; Romans 8:14-17; Matthew 28:16-20
How do we know that God exists? For many, belief is difficult. Rationalism and scientism have taken their toll, and the actual awareness of God is lacking in many lives. But the ancient Israelites were in a different position: They had seen and experienced the mighty and wondrous deeds of God on their behalf.
Holding, as an attribute of God, sort of fell out of the sky for me this month. I was looking out the window with wonder at just how many stars we can see without leaving the city in this new-to-us, small(er) city we now call home. As I juggle all the new things, I wondered why I hadn’t thought of it before. The Creator of the Universe is holding time and space in an eternal trajectory.
Ascension of the Lord, May 16 (Year B) Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47; Ephesians 1:17-23; Mark 16:15-20
When is the Lord going to return and fix our broken world? Christians have been asking that question for 2,000 years — in fact, the failure of Jesus to return quickly was a major issue for the first Christ-followers.
Speaking Out: Give prayer a chance
The recent launch of the Vatican’s global rosary “marathon” during May, targeted at praying for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic, comes as Canadians experience despair brought on by a third lockdown spanning the nation.
Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 9 (Year B) Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 4:7-10; John 15:9-17
Humans have their ideas, opinions and plans, but they seldom are the same as those of God.
Mary Marrocco: Humanity’s secret name: ‘Cared For’
Bicycles are a popular means of transportation, with a long history — my grandfather’s bicycle, the only vehicle he ever owned, got him to and from work at the Quaker Oats factory 364 days per year.
Harry McAvoy: Doing battle with the dragons
Those of us living with serious health concerns know the days can be long. I have always appreciated an expression I heard years ago: The days are long, but the years are short.
Leah Perrault: Learning to love in cabin of my longing
Longing is a place I visit frequently, passing through on the way to somewhere else. The floor is worn at the entrance way and in front of the window, where walking gently back and forth has left its mark. The chair is comfortable in its familiarity, having moulded itself to my body’s curves. Since I expect to be moving on to somewhere more important, this little cabin doesn’t get the attention it deserves. But I’ve spent a lot of time in this longing this year. And the longing is wearing its place in me, too.
Speaking Out: Suffering for the soul
Our world has been in a state of unceasing evolution since the dawn of time. Yet amidst all this change and progression, one thing has remained steadfast and constant for humanity: suffering.
God's Word on Sunday: Spiritual growth requires taking risks
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Nov. 15 (Year A) Proverbs 31:10-13, 16-18, 20, 26, 28-31; Psalm 128; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6; Matthew 25:14-30
Who can ever live up to their job description or Internet profile perfectly?