Saturday, February 11, 20170127Jesus 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.
Wednesday, January 11, 20170104There 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, 20160164Advent 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...
Tuesday, October 25, 20160197Do 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.
Thursday, September 8, 20160258Catholics emerged in the late 19th and early 20th century as a voting bloc united in defense of the poor and immigrant classes and against certain social changes: basically in support of the old Democratic party. This unity disappeared in the second half of the 20th century. According to the statistics, today a Catholic is as likely as...
Monday, July 25, 20160139By 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, 20160145With 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...
Wednesday, March 30, 20160136What is the meaning of Easter? How would you explain it to someone? How do you explain it to yourself? One way to get at the meaning of Easter is to see its connection to Christmas. Both these feasts celebrate one beautiful reality: the child Jesus.
Saturday, March 5, 20160262One of the most commonly broken commandments is the second: “You shall not invoke the name of the Lord, your God, in vain” (Ex 20:7). Why is that? Why is it so easy to trivialize the name of God, especially when the Bible suggests this commandment, the second in its list of 10, is so important? Perhaps it is because we do not really...
Friday, February 5, 20160479I once had the privilege of accompanying a woman as she peacefully passed away in the arms and words of her husband, children and grandchildren. It is impossible to measure these things, but I am tempted to say this was so far the deepest and most precious experience of my priestly ministry, if not my life. The total release of life into...
