A prophet makes a vow of love, not of alienation. Daniel Berrigan wrote those words and they need to be highlighted today when a lot of very sincere, committed, religious people self-define as cultural warriors, as prophets at war with secular culture.

At a major-league baseball playoff game in Toronto last year, after a questionable umpiring call, disgruntled spectators started throwing beer cans onto the field of play.

In the Scripture readings for the Second Sunday of Advent, two of the three outstanding Advent guides (Isaiah, John the Baptist and Mary) show us the proper attitude to assume as we prepare to welcome the Saviour of the world.

Atheism is a parasite that feeds on bad religion. That’s why, in the end, atheistic critics are our friends. They hold our feet to the fire.

2nd Sunday of Advent Dec. 4 (Year A) Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12

The Advent season in its liturgical observance is devoted to the coming of God at the end of history when Jesus shall reign as king.

1st Sunday of Advent Nov. 27 (Year A) Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44

The passage from Isaiah is one of the most stirring and inspiring images in the Bible. It represents humanity’s deep yearning for peace, happiness and prosperity, as well as an intimate knowledge of the ways of God.

When I was a graduate student in Belgium, I was privileged one day to sit in on a conference given by Cardinal Godfried Danneels of Brussels.

Christ the King Nov. 20 (Year C) 2 Samuel 5:1-3; Psalm 122; Colossians 1:12-20; Luke 23:35-43

There’s nothing simple about being a human being.