It seems the backlash against political correctness has become stronger and stronger in our society. In fact, there are some who describe political correctness as nothing more than the attempts of others to control or shame or manipulate others into obedience. A new book by a conservative talk show...
There seems to be a cottage industry that has developed in America all surrounding the notion that modern life is lonely. It seems this sense of loneliness flows from the notion that we are to be "self sufficient" and not "need" anybody to help us. We live in a...
A dear priest friend of mine is on pilgrimage to the Holy Land and other holy sites in the area. Recently he and his fellow pilgrims came to the final resting place of Lazarus, the man the Lord raised from the dead. And that got me started thinking about...
Here's something I saw on the internet (so it must be true) the other day: "Fall in love with someone who doesn't make you think love is hard." I could see many of my friends see this and go "aww, isn't that sweet?" And many people I know would...
I can't tell you how frustrating it is to see clearly how to help somebody and them reject your advice. I have a painful situation in my life where a dear person is addicted to drugs. This gifted and talented person is so gripped by this addiction that they...
I remember when I was a police officer investigating an incident. One particular moment was really fascinating. It was a car accident and there were several witnesses to the crash. As I spoke to each person it seemed everyone had a different perspective about what happened. It was almost...
There's an old saying: "There are two things you don't want to watch being made - Sausage and Church Politics!" Funny. But the humor reveals some challenges that, if we face them, will help us weather times of conflict and even scandalous behavior by people we thought should know...
What were these people doing sitting in our pew?!?! I could see it on their faces. A new family visiting the parish for the first time had sat down in an area where a long time member of the parish had sat "forever!" They even had a plaque at...
The great Curtis Mayfield wrote a song in the 1960's that was heavily influenced by his early years in the church of his youth. This song, "People Get Ready," hit the American music scene at a time of great social turmoil. The lyrics hit home with me even today! People...
Halfway isn't enough. What use is a bridge that's only halfway constructed. Yep, that's right. It's a dead end! No wonder we are always encouraged to "finish what you start." "It's always too early to give up." I always teach my girls that, if they want to accomplish anything, finish...
