Today is the feast of the beheading of St. John the Baptist. Just to set the scene: John is in prison for criticizing Herod’s illicit and invalid marriage to his brother’s wife. Rotting there in the Roman prison John sent word to his cousin, Jesus. “Are you the one, or should I look for another?” …
Last Sunday’s Gospel for the 12th Sunday of Pentecost (Maronites don’t have “Ordinary Time.”) was from Matthew 15:21-28 when the Canaanite woman caused a ruckus and begged for mercy for her daughter. She isn’t named, but is simply known as the woman from Tyre and Sidon, which is modern day Lebanon. (Lebanese women are rather …
What we know about St. Mary of Egypt comes from oral tradition, recorded by St. Sophronius. And though the facts seem fantastical, it is one of the truest stories in Christendom. It is beautiful, nuanced, rich, and shocking to the point of being sensational. Yet it is transcendent in that it is true, good, and …
Is the world causing you anxiety? Do you find yourself on edge, ready to fight strangers on the internet about situations that don’t remotely concern you because the news cycle told you that the appropriate response is outrage? Here are some ways to maintain your peace. I don’t say to find peace, because if you …
Chatting recently with my book club, someone dropped the name of a prominent Catholic teacher/writer/celebrity. I won’t mentioned his name here, because I don’t need that smoke. This name carries a lot of weight in most Catholic circles. For me, he’s…..meh. When I read his books I feel like I’m reading any twentieth century Protestant …
Isn’t it interesting how many things have gone contactless in recent years. From ordering our groceries for pick-up to late night fast-food runs that are now dropped off on our porch, we don’t actually have to have contact with people. We can print our own stamps at home and transfer money from any number of …
reconciling things 