How many of us have heard a priest or professor claim that the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were probably not written by those men but were merely products of the early Christian community? Those promoting this view are often well intentioned, but given an environment of post-Enlightenment suspicion, it can be ... Read more

This article examines the theological and pastoral implications of translations in Catholic doctrine and practice. It demonstrates how linguistic decisions have contributed to enduring misunderstandings, problematic practices, and significant historical developments. The article argues that attention to original languages and historical contexts is essential for responsible doctrinal interpretation and pastoral practice. Christian doctrines have undergone ... Read more

A Scripture lesson by a mysterious Stranger on a dusty road prepares two disciples to recognize the Risen Jesus in the breaking of bread; what did they learn? Gospel (Read Lk. 24:13-35) Isn’t it interesting that when Jesus appeared to two “downcast” (Lk. 24:17) disciples on Resurrection Day, He didn’t do the very thing that ... Read more

In John’s Gospel, Jesus addresses the religious leaders of his day, “Amen, amen, I say to you, the Son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for what he does, the Son will do also” (Jn. 5:19). Though Jesus Christ is God, He is perfectly obedient to the ... Read more

I was scrolling through my Instagram page for campus ministry the other day and stumbled on a well-known social media type telling people we don’t need to encourage vocations to religious life and the priesthood. He implied that they would “just happen.” Yes and no, but I have to disagree for the most part. The ... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI was one of the 20th century’s most respected and renowned theologians and, I would opine, one of history’s greatest minds to grace humanity. Few men have been more involved on a global scale in propagating both faith and reason. I have no doubt that he will not only be canonized but will ... Read more

During my years of living as a pothead and porn addict, I was also a gamer. One of my favorite game series allowed players to create their own characters. When character creation in gaming first began, it was quite simple. We picked a few key features and the player’s sex, and that was it. However, ... Read more

A Jesuit priest with a crown of thorns on his head, lying on his back and strapped to a wooden cross, is pushed out into the river by Paraguayan natives. That is the opening scene of the 1986 movie The Mission. The camera follows the priest down the river, which starts raging as he approaches ... Read more

All glory belongs to God: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” God, of course, is generous and shares His glory. He may speak in whispers, but He allows us to share in His glory in many ways. On what occasions does this happen, we may ask? To be ... Read more

When studying on a National Endowment for the Humanities grant in the south of France back in the 1990s, I was privileged to see the caves of Lascaux. Well, sort of. No one is allowed in the actual caves, but in a very clever move, the French created an exact replica of the caves just ... Read more