Before his ordination, a priest in the Midwest worked as an airline desk agent. On one occasion, a snowstorm paralyzed the airport. People lined up for reroutes, but it was impossible. He said an unnamed (widely recognized) celebrity lost his patience and demanded, “Do you know who I am? Do you!”...

Those of us who lived through the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s understand the gradual breakdown of taboos. Playful rock and roll music (“I want to hold your hand”) devolved over the years into drug-crazed acid rock and even rape lyrics (don’t ask). When we heard the lyrics (always a...

Various psychological tests claim to promote self-understanding. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, for example, helps us identify our personality types. Years ago—perhaps less so today—the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) was used to screen out potential psychopaths from sensitive...

The crucifix affixed above the altar signifies that the Sacrifice of the Mass participates in the one Sacrifice of Jesus for our redemption. The Cross defines our worship and provides the path to salvation. But the roadmaps of redemption and salvation vary in the post-Reformation era of fragmented...

Jesus says, “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Lk. 14:11) Humility is a virtue that avoids arrogant self-estimation. Integral prayer helps us to know our limitations. The Gospel reveals Jesus’ ceaseless prayers to the Father. Jesus is...

We tend to measure the morality of our behavior against the effects of our actions. The criteria seem reasonable, but some evil actions (such as dishonest stock trading) pay rich rewards. Among the most neglected concepts in Catholic moral theology are intrinsically evil acts that offend...

An amusing Jewish-mother joke worthy of a Seinfeld episode goes like this: A mother telegraphs her daughter with an urgent message. “Bad news coming tomorrow, begin worrying today.” The account of Mary and Martha in the Gospel is lovely. The gentle repetition of Martha’s name is a charming...

The Church solemnly teaches that Mary is the Mother of God. Most would readily agree that Mary is the mother of Jesus. But how can a mere mortal be the mother of the Deity? The Theotokos controversies of the 4th and 5th centuries settled the matter. With every “Hail Mary,” we invoke...

The old Janis Joplin tune goes, “Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose.” Sorry, Janis. With freedom, we gain everything. The only obstacle to our freedom is sin. God created us in freedom. He placed the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the Garden as a...

Is it ever permissible for a good Catholic to criticize the Church? If so, which attributes could be criticized? The doctrinal unity of the Church? The holiness of the Church? The universal reign of the Church? Her apostolic teachings? Is Mary, the mother of the Church, objectionable? The one...