Saturday, February 11, 2017020Jesus tells us we are “the salt of the earth” (Mt 5:13). In other words, we are the seasoning of the world – that small element that makes the whole enjoyable. With the Holy Spirit dwelling in us through baptism, Christians are destined to change the world like spice turning soup from tastelessness to perfection.
There is a contradiction in our culture which crosses all divides. It has to do with freedom. On the one hand, we are all taught to cherish freedom, whatever our social, religious or political background. But on the other hand, we tend to run from freedom as far as we possibly can.
Wednesday, January 11, 2017018There is a contradiction in our culture which crosses all divides. It has to do with freedom. On the one hand, we are all taught to cherish freedom, whatever our social, religious or political background. But on the other hand, we tend to run from freedom as far as we possibly can.
Sunday, November 27, 2016035Advent is a season of expectation. The prayers and readings of the liturgy teach us to look forward to the coming of Christ, the bringer of every blessing. This involves conversion, or an effort to unite our affections into an undivided love for “God-with-us” (Emmanuel), Jesus of Nazareth, who brings with himself wisdom, justice and...
Wednesday, November 16, 20160180The designation of Christ as “King of the Universe” can sound a bit fantastic to a secular or cynical mind. The title, so simple in concept and yet audacious in claim, could easily be applied to a mythological hero or a comic book character, fictional greats who have seemingly usurped the role of models worthy of imitation by...
Tuesday, October 25, 2016013Do I have a choice in this election? Many Catholics are asking themselves this question. It is important to let it challenge us. We are in a difficult situation, and it is healthy to admit it. Otherwise, we risk becoming close-minded, divided and politically ineffective.
Conscience is a popular topic today. It seems to me that during my grandparents’ generation (I am 32), Catholics did not speak much about conscience. People then were probably more sensitive to the importance of being guided in their judgment by God, whose word is made known in the church. Judging by the stories people tell me, at its...
Monday, September 26, 2016050The biblical faith expressed in both Old and New Testaments does not lend authoritative support to those who draw a personal map to a God of their own devising.
Monday, July 25, 2016032By Father John Bayer
Special to The Texas Catholic
Debate is a part of every healthy society. When we refuse to create space for charitable and spirited discussion, violence or indifference is sure to follow. Debate is good, both in our country and in the church. But it is disturbing to see the character of our political debates...
Thursday, May 12, 2016029With the Solemnity of Pentecost, the long journey through Lent, Holy Week and Easter is over – a liturgical marathon stretching from February 10th to May 15th this year. You might think we can now relax our festive spirits and settle into the “ordinary” time of the liturgical year. Not so fast! For the first Sunday after Pentecost...
