Columns
80 results total, viewing 1 - 20
We were on a retreat in the rugged Ozark foothills — a day aside for prayer and reflection. In one of our silent hours, I ventured into the pathless woods.  The woods have always … more
The other day, we were watching a couple of our granddaughters. Out of the blue, the 4-year-old informed me, “I don’t know why Grandpa, but I love you.” I smile … more
This is the first in a series of teachings and reflections offered by the moderator of spiritual formation for the Jefferson City diocese. Like so many faithful souls around the world, I am a … more
The Germans have a word for it. From the people who gave us schadenfreude for that pleasure we get from another’s failure, and  zeitgeist  for the spirit of the times, we get  … more
One of the joys of presiding at Mass is the perspective it provides — the ability to see and appreciate the many faces who have come together to offer the Eucharist, the “source and … more
Una de las alegrías de presidir la Misa es la perspectiva que brinda: la capacidad de ver y apreciar los muchos rostros que se han unido para ofrecer la Eucaristía, la “fuente y … more
Recent congressional testimony of UFOs and alleged “non-human biologics” intrigued me. I recalled a story which now may not be apocryphal after all. Not that long ago, our … more
We looked like an intergenerational field trip as we gathered at the trailhead. Twenty of us, from a backpacked toddler to a couple of older dawdlers, were intent on tackling a hike that started … more
In  King Lear , it’s the fool Edgar who has the last word: “The weight of this sad time we must obey, Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.” Behind the … more
The disciples, desperate for something more tangible than homespun allegories, asked Jesus to teach them to pray. I wonder what their reaction was when he gave them the “Our Father.” … more
The Hebrew Scriptures have many takes on aging and death. There is the story of Enoch, the great grandfather of Noah, who “walked with God, and he was no longer here, for God took … more
It’s the season of caps and gowns, big dreams and a beckoning future. Commencement speakers are advising graduates to go for the gold, dig deep and change the world. The diploma-ed … more
When we were taking care of our daughter’s kids for a few days, one of the things we had to do was to take our grandson to Taekwondo practice. I’ve been to a near-infinite number of … more
When we were taking care of our daughter’s kids for a few days, one of the things we had to do was to take our grandson to Taekwondo practice. I’ve been to a near-infinite number of … more
I had an appointment with my oncologist. I like him, but after five years, I’m ready to just run into him socially. This was supposed to be when he released me, when he took me to the door … more
A theologian I know is a bit of a provocateur — someone who will say some superficially radical things, just to get people to think more about their own experience. After one of his talks, a … more
Holy Week begins with an ironic scene. An itinerant preacher from the countryside is placed on a donkey, lauded with palm branches and hosana-ed by the crowd as their conquering king. The … more
One of my favorite segments of poetry is the fourth stanza of “Easter,” by George Herbert, a 17th-century English writer who put profound ideas into the simplest language. Both Emily … more
Once a month, I meet a friend for breakfast. We’ve only known each other a few years, but there was an immediate bond that has deepened with time. We talk about news, sports, families, but … more
It’s Lent. Forty days of dedication to prayer, penance, almsgiving and fasting in the name of the Lord. Not fasting like medical fasting before a scan or surgery. Not trendy intermittent … more
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 Next »
Currently viewing stories posted within the past 2 years.
For all older stories, please use our advanced search.