Jesus’ Transfiguration is one of the most dramatic scenes in the Gospels. It is a central image of Lent, reminding us that during this season we are invited to ascend a high mountain with Jesus to live a unique spiritual experience.
Commentary
Question Corner: Can laypeople ever absolve sins? Chanting in ‘Novus Ordo’
Even in an emergency, non-ordained laypeople are not able to confer absolution; nor can Catholic deacons, even though they are ordained.
Churchmen of the Year
Major-Archbishop Shevchuk and Archbishop Gudziak have borne a powerful global witness to the truths of Catholic faith amidst a moral monster’s genocidal assault on the people of Ukraine.
In a polarized world, what is the mission of the church?
Father R. Aaron Wessman, the author of “The Church’s Mission in a Polarized World” (New City Press), explores how we might rein in the momentum of hate that is pushing us further and further apart.
Looking ahead to Lent, cousins visiting, a mother’s mistake, and more (7 Quick Takes)
It’s hard to believe that Lent starts in just a few days and that Ash Wednesday is this week. I’m looking forward to Lent and have no concrete plan yet—except filling our prayer basket with intentions to pick each morning.
Training vs. temperance: Getting to the ‘heart’ of the matter
In a job that demands self-sacrifice and service, perhaps it’s more difficult these days to find police applicants in a world replete with self-service and entitlement.
A question to ask yourself as you prepare for Lent
As we look ahead to the start of Lent, I’ve been thinking that that is a question we can ask ourselves about our relationship with God. “How do we show God that we love him, and how does he show us that he loves us?”
So, what’s the problem with postmortem conception?
It is incumbent upon us as God’s sons and daughters to choose to abstain from the exercise of such power, to leave this fruit untouched so that we might better see and understand the authentic life of love and joy God has created for us to live.
Earthquake: Cries of joy, tears of wonder emerge from the rubble
We mourn the loss of the tens of thousands of lives in Turkey and Syria after this horrific earthquake, and we rejoice in the same spirit of the rescuers for each one who was saved.
Question Corner: Infant communion and wandering minds
The difference in customs regarding the Christian initiation of infants amounts to a difference in emphasis between the broad liturgical traditions of Christian East and West.
Candy before Mass
Even people who remember not to scarf down a box of Nerds minutes before Mass still have questions left to discern and explore.
Force and suffering: Suggestions for Lenten reading
The road to joy may be the path of suffering. Endo’s “Silence” is a brilliant account of that paradox, and perfect Lenten reading.