The hardest part of working out for me (no matter how many times I do it) is always just getting off the couch. Once I've started the workout, I don't look back, and when it's finished I'm energized and rejuvenated. In many ways, this parallels my relationship with Confession: I desire it, I know it's [...]
When I think of Jesus, anger is the last word that comes to my mind. I’m much more comfortable talking about him in terms of love, humility, mercy, and forgiveness — but rage? That’s why I find today’s Gospel, in which John recalls the moment in the temple when Jesus becomes enraged, so unsettling. This [...]
The woman before us was frail, lying peacefully, unalert—a shadow of the fierce, intelligent, vivacious woman she had been. Her 95 years on this earth had been lived to the fullest. The years had not been without their trials and sufferings, but they had always been lived for God. With God as her lifesource, Joan [...]
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of a 40-day pilgrimage toward the joy of the Resurrection. On this day, millions of Christians around the world will hear the words, “Remember that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return,” as they are marked with the dust of ashes. Ashes are a sign of pride—we are [...]
With the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who served as a justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1993 until her death this past Saturday, our country has been asked once again to examine her values regarding truth, justice, charity, freedom and ultimately, peace. On Friday afternoon, I was rereading Pope St. [...]
Henri Nouwen, a Dutch Catholic priest, writer, theologian, and teacher (who taught at esteemed institutions including the University of Notre Dame, Yale Divinity School, and Harvard Divinity School), wrote the following: The word community has many connotations, some positive, some negative. Community can make us think of a safe togetherness, shared meals, common goals, and [...]
Caitlin Sica 