Accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative, advises a classic song. The Power of Positive Thinking has been a best selling book for decades. And on Broadway we hear “Always look on the bright side of life.” This tendency to have a rosy view of the world is not a Biblical motif. The Book of… Read More »

What time is it? The Bible says, “There is an appointed time for everything.” Figuring out what time it is in one’s life is a necessary part of prayer. When I was in leadership I had a very difficult discussion with a dedicated and holy priest telling him it was time for him to step… Read More »

The Bible has something for everyone. Children love the story of Noah’s Ark with the animals entering two by two. Young lovers can relate to the Song of Songs with its beautiful imagery. And the Book of Ecclesiastes is the place for grumpy, old men. The author, Qoheleth, basically says “Bah, humbug.” He claims, for… Read More »

It is no surprise that after Matthew decided to follow Jesus that other tax collectors were interested and attracted. When “one of our own” becomes a Christian we can see that it is possible for the likes of me. I know him and his faults. I know what a mess she is. If they can… Read More »

The Jesus movement was not a family affair. Jesus said, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” That serves as a reminder that no one comes to the faith as a birth right. We tend to think that the Irish are Catholics or the Mexicans… Read More »

Every culture seeks advice about how to live. The “Dear Abby” of the Bible is the Book of Proverbs. It’s historical context seems to be training those destined for the royal household the actions expected of our courtier. In more recent times this book was also the “Dr. Spock” for families seeking guidance in child… Read More »

When the Pope or the bishops speak on economic matters you sometimes hear the complaint: why are they messing in the marketplace. They should stick with religion. Actually, economics, in particular caring for the poor, has a prominent place in the Bible. At least 2,000 verses address directly the responsibility believers have to caring for… Read More »

Jesus’ accustomed way of teaching was in parables. He would tell a story and let the hearers enter into the story in order to unpack its meaning. The use of images is the most effective way of dealing with matters too deep for words. “Show, don’t tell” is the mantra of good writing technique. Not… Read More »

Jesus used to travel from town to town bringing good news. St. Luke points out: “Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women.” The Evangelist wants us to notice that from the beginning women had served in leadership in the Jesus movement. We need this reminder since leadership in the Catholic Church for the past… Read More »

St. Paul composes a mini-creed to remind the people of Corinth that their faith is based on the concrete human experiences of real human beings. The feast of the Sorrows of Mary serve as a reminder that human experiences can be sad and painful. The tradition was that there were “seven dolors” of Mary but,… Read More »