Mercy. What are we asking for when we ask for God's mercy? Because we use the word during the penitential rite in our Eucharist, we often think of the plea for mercy as a petition for forgiveness, but ...

It's not always easy, but these scriptures will inspire you. Let’s face it: Forgiving others (and yourself) is sometimes easier said than done. However, it doesn’t have to be. So the next time you ...

Sunday, Sept. 17, is the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Mass readings: Sirach 27:30-28:7; Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12; Romans 14:7-9; Matthew 18:21-35. Today’s Gospel draws us into a sensitive area ...

As a pastor of over 41 years, I’ve listened to the stories of so many people carrying their burdens, heard their confessions and the struggles to let go of the past. And then there are the things that ...

“Help me, O Lord, that my eyes may be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearances, but look for what is beautiful in my neighbors’ souls and come to their rescue” (Diary, No. 163).

With the challenges and trials of life, the need for God's mercy and compassion becomes a beacon of hope that guides us through our darkest times. These divine qualities reflect God's willingness to ...

The story of the Prodigal Son is only told in the Gospel of Luke (painting: Nikolay Losev, 1882, Wikimedia Commons). Father Kirby’s latest project is a DVD Bible study for Catholic scripture study ...

Today is the Second Sunday of Easter. It is also Divine Mercy Sunday. Note that it is the Second Sunday of Easter, not the first Sunday after Easter. Because the joy of the Resurrection renews the ...

The eighth psychological portrait I have to convey is that of Jesus. Uh, how does a believer properly share his impressions of the psychology of Jesus? This is matter for fear and awe. Well, I will ...

Hell hath no fury like a mob riled up by demagogues. Some well-placed, hateful words can stir up ferocious shouts and actions that few of the people involved would perform singly or in moments of ...

Fabulous books have been written about prayer, and myriads of prayers are available in print. Here, prayer language is primarily Scripture itself. The poetry, songs, dialogue, and prose of the Bible ...

A conversation with Atlantic journalist Elizabeth Bruenig about capital punishment. In this conversation with Ashley Hales, CT’s editorial director for print, Bruenig discusses the death penalty, her ...