Have you ever noticed the vast difference that can exist between understanding something intellectually and experiencing it personally? Before his death, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, but his disciples had little understanding of what he meant until the Spirit fell on them in power on Pentecost. More »

Every year when our children were growing up, I used to feel ambushed by summer. As school came to an end and our regular schedule disappeared, it was a struggle to change gears and begin dealing with that familiar question: “I’m bored, Mom, what can I do?” More »

On the feast of the Ascension, we are called to rejoice both in Jesus’ victory over sin and death and in the glorious life that he has secured for us. We pray that we would experience the new life that is ours in Christ. More »

The Communist interrogator couldn’t stand it any longer. “Admit it!” he shouted to the priest, “You’re part of a Vatican plot! You’re nothing more than an Imperialist lackey!” But the newly appointed archbishop of Saigon, Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, answered quietly and directly, “No. I will not admit anything of the kind.” More »

How does Mary mediate life to us? First, she brings Jesus to us. Let’s look at the visitation of Mary to her aged cousin, Elizabeth. More »

In the measure you desire Him, you will find Him. He so esteems our turning to look at Him. —St. Teresa of Avila, "The Way of Perfection", 26.3 More »

Few public figures in modern times have grasped the imagination of the world as Pope Francis has. His charm, his sincerity, and his ability to express profound concepts in a down-to-earth way have won him the respect and attention of millions. More »

The first time Christ uttered the word “Abba” on this earth, he was likely looking into the eyes of St. Joseph, which is a point that is worthy of mention. God the Father could have chosen to allow the Blessed Virgin to live and work as a single mother. More »