We cannot wish away reality with counterfactual speculation–nor should we try.
Of Many Things
Posted inOf Many Things, Politics & Society
Pope Francis’ letter, JD Vance’s ‘ordo amoris’ and what the Gospel asks of all of us on immigration
Pope Francis’s letter poses an implicit question to the whole church in the United States: Will we subject our political debates on immigration to the scrutiny of the Gospel or not?
Posted inOf Many Things, Politics & Society
The problem with Donald Trump’s ‘common sense’ approach to America’s problems
For President Trump, there are obvious, common-sense answers to all the problems that plague America. Even when things may be challenging or require effort, they are never, ever complicated.
Posted inOf Many Things, Politics & Society
Jimmy Carter and the lofty vocation of citizenship
Americans can learn much about citizenship from Jimmy Carter’s public service and humble faith.
Posted inOf Many Things, Politics & Society
The False Compassion behind the U.K.’s Assisted Suicide Law
A proposed assisted-suicide law in Britain does not serve compassion. Instead it presents an illusion of final autonomy.
Posted inOf Many Things, Politics & Society
The day after Trump’s victory: searching for mercy, justice and God’s providence
This election highlights the deep divisions in American society. But perhaps the strange working of mercy and providence is evident even there, keeping us attentive to the need for conversion and reconciliation.
Posted inFaith, Of Many Things
What most needs to change at the synod? We do.
I have admittedly rolled my eyes at the language the Vatican uses around the Synod on Synodality. But it should prompt all Catholics to ask themselves: Do I know what I am really trying to say?
Posted inOf Many Things, Politics & Society
What Americans can learn from South Africa’s example of messy and imperfect compromise
When public servants when they show us a glimpse of something that points the way toward “more perfect union,” we ought to pay close and grateful attention.
Posted inFaith, Of Many Things
Seeking and finding God at the Eucharistic Congress—despite my misgivings
Every light in the stadium converged upon the monstrance, all while the congregation was led in praise and worship, singing: “I want more of you God…. No place I’d rather be than here in your love.”
Posted inFaith, Of Many Things
Pope Francis said no to women deacons. There’s still space for lay leadership.
We are all called to serve, and sometimes, I think, Pope Francis is suggesting that discussions about ordination can distract from that.