The Gap between Belief and Action Whenever I preach, I am conscious of my unworthiness, for the words that I preach are not my own. No, they are words of Christ and thus reflect a matchless degree of holiness. The same is true for anyone who bears witness to Christ; if our testimony to Christ...Read More

A First Mass Homily? Dear seminarians: Suppose that on the day after your priestly ordination, you went to your home parish to celebrate your first Mass, stood in the pulpit, and proclaimed yourself to be the Messiah. No doubt the eyes of the entire congregation would be upon you! This must be one of the reasons...Read More

This is my last column before we celebrate Palm Sunday and the sacred liturgies of the Triduum. As we continue our journey together through Lent and through the Pope’s apostolic exhortation, “Evangelii Gaudium” (The Joy of the Gospel), it is an opportune moment to reflect on the relationship of Christ’s death and resurrection to our...Read More

Much has been said and written about the latest national educational standards known as the Common Core State Standards or, more simply, Common Core. As those affiliated with the public school systems publicly debate the merits and shortcomings of Common Core, I thought it may be helpful to discuss the relationship between archdiocesan schools and...Read More

Introduction: A Word of Thanks Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you this evening about the crucial importance of being pro-actively pro-life in today’s society. I appreciate your inviting me here to Catholic University. In the antediluvian days, back in 1982, I earned my doctorate here and more recently served on the Board of...Read More

Formed and inspired by faithful men, Karol Wojtyła became a powerful father figure for many. Years ago, while serving as Cardinal James A. Hickey’s priest-secretary, I had the privilege of joining a small number of priests who concelebrated an early morning Mass in Pope John Paul II’s private chapel. Afterward, the Holy Father greeted each...Read More

Last week, nearly 3,000 people gathered at Loyola University Maryland’s Reitz Arena for a symposium we sponsored to celebrate the first anniversary of the election of Pope Francis. “The Francis Factor” featured Cardinal Seán O’Malley of Boston and four panelists who offered much insight into the life and ministry of Pope Francis. By all accounts,...Read More

Introduction: On Being Thirsty All of us know what it is to be thirsty. After exercise or physical labor, we welcome a glass of cold water. Even if we’re not exerting ourselves, we instinctively drink water through the day. Healthcare professionals tell us about the benefits of drinking water and some urge us to drink six...Read More