But when the fullness of time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman. –Galatians 4:4– I am a disgrace to my Japanese heritage in at least this one respect: While I do not mind giving gifts, I hate wrapping them. I make all kinds of excuses to
Read moreThe Saints: Higher than Hubble
The Hubble Space Telescope,[1] named in honor of astronomer Edwin Hubble, was launched into low earth orbit in 1990. With its 7.9-foot mirror, it is still in orbit and may continue to operate until 2030 or even 2040. Because it travels outside earth’s atmospheric distortion, the Hubble Telescope is
Read moreSoul Physician
It is not the healthy who need a physician, but they who are sick. But go, and learn what this means: I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. For I have come to call sinners, not the just. –Matthew 9:12-13– In this insightful observation, Jesus clearly indicates that the art
Read moreWhere There’s Smoke…
“Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” –John 2:16— Every year when we study Confirmation and the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, I tell my students about two classic psychological experiments in connection with right judgment. In the Solomon Asch Conformity Experiment (conducted in the 1950s), the subject
Read moreYou Are My Sunshine
Homily Delivered at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Roman Catholic Church Trinity Sunday, June 10th, 2001 for Bethlehem Catholic High School’s Baccalaureate Mass The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. –Proverbs 12:18, NIV– Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Trinity.
Read moreOf Lampposts, Lions, Language, and Lewis: Far-Reaching and Unimagined Consequences
It was the autumn of 1980. My friend Ann and I were walking to the Harvard Divinity School Library. As we made our way along the little path that wound its way among fragrant pine trees, we paused before an old-fashioned looking lamppost, one of many on campus.
Read moreNa Zdrovia!
That is what happens to those who pluck and eat fruits at the wrong time and in the wrong way. Oh, the fruit is good, but they loath it ever after. –C.S. Lewis, The Magician’s Nephew— Some of you history buffs may know that in 1905, the obscure Muscovite
Read moreThe King Is Coming
And then they will see the Son of Man coming upon clouds with great power and majesty. –Mark 13:26– Behold, he is coming amid the clouds, and every eye will see him. –Revelation 5:7– Years ago my friend, Father Frans Berkhout, and I were on our way to
Read moreThe Costliest Gift
As Mary sat all alone, her thoughts wandered back over time to an event that had taken place decades earlier. In her mind’s eye, she now saw the faces of the three Kings as clearly as if she had seen them only yesterday. Casper was a pudgy, red-faced Arab
Read moreIt’s All in the Stars
A Homily for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Have you fitted a curb to the Pleiades, or loosened the bonds of Orion? Can you bring forth the Mazzaroth in their season, or guide the Bear with its train? –Job 38:31-32– Jesus said, “Whoever finds his life
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