[Pearls Episode 146:  Answering atheism Tuesday.] As we complete our reflection on Christ the King, we note that as our secular society denies His kingship, it finds itself in a curiously schizophrenic predicament.  On one secular hand it is careening toward communism, but the other hand clutches the self-focus of postmodernism.  The two can’t coexist Read More >

[Pearls Episode 146:  Bringing Sunday into the week.] Sunday’s scripture emphasizing Jesus’ stature as King over all creation (copied in the postscript) is also scripture that highlights his power to forgive our sins. Venerable Fulton Sheen points out that this is no coincidence:  “The world is full of Judases who think the name of God Read More >

[Pearls Episode 146:  Preparing for Sunday.] What is it about blood?   It has such a powerful effect on us. I recall in kindergarten, a boy named Dwayne managed to get a small puncture wound through his fingernail.  It had the funny effect that blood would pool up under the nail, and then if he pressed Read More >

[Pearls Episode 146:  Preparing for Sunday.] In this week’s Pearls episode (which will come out tomorrow) we look at Christ the King. This solemnity also marks the end of the liturgical year – as we reflect on Christ being the King of the Universe, and the King of our own lives, we find it ties Read More >

[Pearls Episode 145:  Answering atheism Tuesday.] As we’ve noted repeatedly, the readings from the past few weeks are apocalyptic – they point to the End Times. And the End Times aren’t for the faint of heart: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.  There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place Read More >

[Pearls Episode 145:  Bringing Sunday into the workweek.] Continuing Friday’s consideration of docility, never was this conversation had… “Look at you!  You are soooo docile!” “Oh, no, I’m really not.  You’re just saying that.” “Seriously!  You are so teachable!” “Well…” “It’s like you’re human puddy!” < blushing >   But we truly should aspire to Read More >

[Pearls Episode 145:  Preparing for Sunday.] This Sunday is the last Sunday in Ordinary Time.  After that it’s Christ the King of the Universe, and then Advent and then the plump jolly guy coming down the chimney. In these final weeks of Ordinary Time we’ve been focusing on the apocalyptic tone of the readings – Read More >

[Pearls Episode 145:  Preparing for Sunday.] Last Sunday’s readings and Pearls reflection centered on the End Times. This Sunday is the last Sunday of ordinary time, next Sunday is the feat of Christ the King and then we’re into Advent.  And so this Sunday continues the apocalyptic message.  First from the Old Testament prophet Malachi, Read More >

[Pearls Episode 144:  Answering atheism Tuesday.] As we finish considering different aspects of the End Times, first a recap – scripture and the Church teach that at some point there will be a tribulation – the Church will be put to a great test, and this will usher in the second coming of Christ. There Read More >

[Pearls Episode 144:  Bringing Sunday into the workweek.] We’re coming to the end of the liturgical year and yesterday’s readings (and next Sunday as well) are reflective of the End Times (the period leading up to Christ’s Second Coming). On Friday we looked at three particular events that some associate with the End Times – Read More >