The Word Among Us

January 2005 Issue

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Around the turn of the last century, millions of Europeans took part in a wave of immigration to the United States in search of new opportunities. Many who came were of limited means and did not speak English. So it was no surprise that they didn't understand all the terms of their transport. For example, some believed that the meals served on board were on a pay-as-you-go basis. So, wanting to save money, they brought their own food with them. And while other passengers enjoyed the rich fare in the dining room, these families stayed in their cabins, rationing cold meats and dried fruits and hoping for the best. They didn't know that the price of their tickets included three full meals a day! More »

Jane ran into her old friend Mary at the grocery store where they used to work together ten years earlier. Both women thought it was a happy coincidence. Just when Francine knew she needed to talk to a friend, her phone rang, and on the other end was Margaret, the one woman who knew her best and could help her out of any jam. Francine was grateful for her good fortune. Martin was born on Christmas Day, 1954. Thirty years later, his daughter, Christine, was born on Christmas Day. Martin and his wife thought the two birthdates were coincidental. More »

One day, Jesus asked his apostles, "Who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15). Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God" (16:16). After he rose from the dead, Jesus appeared to his disciples. When Thomas, who was absent, heard that Jesus had risen, he had great doubts. But Thomas was present when Jesus appeared a second time. Face-to-face with the risen Christ, Thomas could only say, "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28). More »

Scripture tells us that "by wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches" (Proverbs 24:3-4). This is what the Holy Spirit wants to do in all of us as we learn the art—and the blessings—of worship. More »

Special Feature

I can't pray anymore. It's like there's a wall between me and God."

The statement came from a woman I was guiding through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius (I'll call her Anna), and it was somewhat puzzling. Prayer had been coming so easily as Anna moved through her first weeks of meditation on God's love. More »

Nothing ever happened to Matt Talbot, an ordinary Irish laborer of no great learning, no riches, no remarkable accomplishments. He lived in poverty and died, alone and unrecognized on a cold cobblestone lane, in Dublin. He left no family, no followers, no written discourses. More »

Every year, thousands of mothers with their children climb the steep, stone-paved street in Jerusalem leading to the Spafford Children's Center. The center, which stands along the high point in the wall encircling the Old City, provides medical and other services to children of families with limited financial means. More »