George Clooney‘s newest directorial work, “The Boys in the Boat,” may not be an overtly Christmas movie, but its themes of hope, togetherness and love fit right in with its Dec. 25 release date.
Michael O’Brien
Michael O’Brien is a Joseph A. O’Hare, S.J., Fellow at America.
Posted inFaith, Podcasts
Is this flowery Christmas carol about Jesus or Mary?
“Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming” presents a problem: It can be argued that the central rose metaphor of the song is about Jesus or Mary.
Posted inFaith, Scripture Reflections
A Gospel for Gen Zers
A Reflection for Friday of the Second Week of Advent, by Michael O’Brien
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
I was ready to forgive George Santos—until I wasn’t.
George Santos’s behavior following his expulsion from Congress shows that our capability to forgive others can only stretch so far.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
How an underrated character in ‘A Christmas Carol’ inspired a family tradition
My mom and I decided to start a new Christmas tradition—reading a chapter of the Christmas classic by our fireplace every night leading up to Christmas Day.
Posted inArts & Culture, Ideas
Lights, camera, Amen: the love-hate relationship between the Catholic Church and Hollywood
Should a Catholic Church ever be a movie set? From our most iconic movies to some regrettable music videos, it’s a question that has been asked many times and answered in different ways.
Posted inArts & Culture, Music
Remembering The Pogues’ Shane MacGowan, the raucous and tragic sage of Irish music
Shane MacGowan once said that he was the one that God would use to save Irish music. Despite a public persona that was often less than saintly, he grappled with faith in many of his iconic songs.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Shooting of Palestinian college students highlights rising U.S. tensions over Israel-Hamas war
The Nov. 25 shooting in Burlington, Vt. points to rising hate in the United States in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war.
Posted inFaith, Scripture Reflections
The problem with ‘Chicken Little’ theology
A Reflection for Tuesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time, by Michael O’Brien
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
2023 Pope Francis Global Poverty Index: Religious freedom improved but gender equality declined
Fordham University recently released the 2023 edition of its Pope Francis Global Poverty Index, a summary and analysis of global conditions based on Francis’ criteria for material and spiritual well-being.