Category Archives: Being Catholic

Trying to live as if loving God, and my neighbors, matters

Sin, Awareness, Repentance

Today’s reading from the Gospels, Matthew 3:1–12, doesn’t seem particularly Christmassy. Not in the ‘presents wrapped under the tree’ sense. “1 2 In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea. “(and) saying, ‘Repent, 3 for … Continue reading

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Hate, Justice, Forgiveness

Islamic centers in California got hate mail recently. At least one of the letters was addressed “To the Children of Satan,” and started with “You muslims [!] are a vile and filthy people….”1 Details are new, but the attitude is … Continue reading

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Advent and Being Prepared

Today’s the start of this year’s Advent cycle, leading up to another Christmas. With my culture’s annual focus on flying reindeer, decorated trees, and overflow crowds in Bethlehem, this verse from today’s Gospel reading might sound odd: “25 Therefore, stay … Continue reading

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Celebrating Mercy

Here we go again. The headlines are accurate, as far as they go. “Pope Francis Extends Priests’ Ability to Forgive Abortion” Elisabetta Povoledo, The New York Times (November 21, 2016) “Pope Francis extends Catholic priests’ right to forgive abortion” Tim … Continue reading

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Mercy: Still Practicing

The Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy ends today. Some Catholics celebrated the year’s start in Rome. I didn’t. Like most of us, I’ve been participating in my own way, where I live. The biggest change in routine for me has been … Continue reading

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