Years ago I was privileged to be part of an excavation team working on a site in Israel along the coast of the Sea of Galilee. More »

May nothing seen or unseen begrudge me making my way to Jesus Christ. Come, fire, cross, battling with wild beasts, wrenching of bones, mangling of limbs, crushing of my whole body, cruel tortures of the devil—only let me get to Jesus Christ. (Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Romans) More »

I was born on September 14, the Feast of the Triumph (or Exaltation) of the Cross. Perhaps this is what drew me to reflect on the cross from an early age. More »

Life on this earth has always been stressful. Threats to our survival and well-being, whether from the natural world or from what we may perceive as dangerous, have been part of every age. More »

As the new school year begins, parenting magazines, chat rooms, and talk shows come alive with suggestions for success in the schoolroom. There’s enthusiasm, and often good advice, for parent-teacher teamwork, helping kids learn, believing in your child’s potential, and making this “the best school year ever.” More »

Near the end of his life, Francis [of Assisi] was nearly blind and in constant pain from misguided treatments he had received for an ailment he probably contracted when he was traveling in Egypt and the Middle East. More »

"I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul. For he has clothed me with a robe of salvation, and wrapped me in a mantle of justice." (Isaiah 61:10) More »

Prayer is not a last resort. It’s not what we do after we read the self-help books, after we go to the specialists, or after we surf the Internet. Prayer is our lifeline to God. More »