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  THE FIRST SORROW OF MARY: The Prophecy of Simeon Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death … Continue reading →

  THE SECOND STATION: Jesus Carries the Cross And carrying the cross himself, he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull. —John 19:17 We all have our crosses to carry, those hidden battles we fight when we think no one is looking. How easy it is to become so focused on … Continue reading →

  CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING: Preferential Option for the Poor “Love for others, and in the first place, love for the poor, in whom the Church sees Christ himself, is made concrete in the promotion of justice.” —St. John Paul II, Centesimus Annus, #58 (On the Hundredth Year) Jesus lived a life of poverty, from his … Continue reading →

  BUILDING A CULTURE OF ENCOUNTER “Jesus’ whole life, his way of dealing with the poor, his actions, his integrity, his simple daily acts of generosity, and finally his complete self-giving, is precious and reveals the mystery of his divine life. Whenever we encounter this anew, we become convinced that it is exactly what others … Continue reading →

  THE FIRST STATION: Jesus Is Condemned to Death The governor said to them in reply, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They answered, “Barabbas! … Let [Jesus] be crucified!” – Matthew 27:21–22 As we imagine this scene, perhaps we see chaos, mayhem, people pushing and pulling at each … Continue reading →

  LENT 101: PRAYER, FASTING AND ALMSGIVING God is perfectly clear about the kind of fasting we’re asked to undertake. In fact, God has been clear for thousands of years—and God reminds us each and every Ash Wednesday with distinct clarity through the words of Isaiah: Is this not, rather, the fast that I choose: … Continue reading →

  CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING: The Common Good Then the Lord asked Cain, Where is your brother Abel? He answered, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” —Genesis 4:9 Suppose God asked this question of us. What would our response be? Perhaps we try to dodge it—this doesn’t pertain to us; we didn’t kill … Continue reading →

We are called to build a culture of encounter. Jesus made that clear from the way he lived, the message he preached. Pope Francis makes that clear by his own daily example. And we have a host of holy men and women who have come before us, who have gone to the margins of society … Continue reading →