To the ancients, a name was not merely an identifying label, but a revelation of a person’s character and his or her role in society. It is the name that both defines and reveals the inner workings of the individual. More »

Every new year presents us with an exciting challenge and opportunity. As another year fades into memory and as we stand on the brink of a new beginning, we almost naturally ask ourselves, “What can I do this year to better myself?” More »

At the conclusion of Dickens’ immortal tale "A Christmas Carol", Ebenezer Scrooge awakens from a terrible and frightening dream. Suddenly, this old curmudgeon, known mostly for his bad temper, starts laughing! More »

I like to think of the Advent and Christmas seasons as a great opportunity for a spiritual housecleaning. Every year the church gives us a chance to clear our hearts and make room for the divine guest, Jesus. More »

Every year, thousands of mothers with their children climb the steep, stone-paved street in Jerusalem leading to the Spafford Children’s Center. The center, which stands along the high point in the wall encircling the Old City, provides medical and other services to children of families with limited financial means. More »

Day after day, God wants to sustain us and give us a taste of Christmas joy. At its heart, a promise is only as reliable as the one who makes it. Common sense tells us that if the person making the promise is known to be dishonest or lacking in integrity, you wouldn’t take his words too seriously. More »

The Catechism explains that Mary, the all-holy and ever-virgin mother of God, is “the masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time” (721). She was a “first” in God’s plan of salvation. More »

The supermarket was crowded when I rushed inside, intent on getting my shopping done as quickly as possible. I was hurrying down an aisle, when a wispy voice asked, “Excuse me, Miss. Can you tell me where the coffee is?” More »