Today and everyday we are invited to pray with the psalmist.
Elizabeth Kirkland Cahill
Betsy Cahill is a writer, biblical scholar, and historic preservationist. Co-author (with Joseph Papp) of Shakespeare Alive! (Bantam Books, 1988), she contributed a chapter to Empty Churches (Oxford, 2018), and has written for both Commonweal and America. She chaired the board of the Preservation Society of Charleston for 8 years, and is now deeply involved as a board member in starting a Cristo Rey High School in Charleston.
Posted inFaith, Lent Reflections
Why forgiveness is the hardest part of faith
I know that holding onto anger or resentment harms me more than it affects the perceived offender, and I know, too, that not to forgive is to practice self-righteousness and even to play God. But sometimes it is difficult to let go of these wrongs.
Posted inFaith, Lent Reflections
Hearing God’s voice at evensong
Many years ago, when I was a graduate student in a venerable British university, I would wander into my college’s cathedral for evensong.
Posted inFaith, Lent Reflections
It’s natural to want to do things ourselves, but we need God to forgive our sins
Anyone who has been fortunate enough to live with a two-year-old knows that the drive towards doing it yourself begins early in life.
Posted inFaith, Lent Reflections
When we confess our sins, God draws closer to us
In “Angela’s Ashes” Frank McCourt writes vividly about his boyish fear of confessing to a priest.
Posted inFaith, Lent Reflections
Why religious rituals bring us closer to God
The reassurance and familiarity of routines foster the growth of trust and love.
Posted inFaith, Lent Reflections
How should we ask God for forgiveness?
The truth about God’s mercy is this: It is a divine gift, not a human attainment.
Posted inFaith, Lent Reflections
What is an authentic sacrifice? A broken heart, says today’s Psalm
When I was growing up, the impending arrival of Lent brought on great anxiety over what to give up — soda? chocolate? or most drastically, all sweets?
Posted inFaith, Lent Reflections
Overwhelmed by decisions? Choose life with Christ.
When it comes to moral and spiritual choices, there are no inconsequential decisions.
Posted inFaith, Lent Reflections
Repenting in the age of iPhones and instant gratification
Lent is the moment — or 40 days of moments — for us to turn away from our constant and public self-curating and turn towards God.