I. Introduction To say the least, the Scribes and Pharisees are not well-regarded in the pages of the New Testament. They were often seen as petty, legalistic, jealous of their prerogatives, and they were bested when they try to engage Jesus in debate, usually to the delight of the crowds. They are also among those...Read More

I. Introduction Today’s saint, Martin de Porres, bears witness to the importance of prayer and humility in our interior lives and in our lives of service to others. In light of the Scripture readings we can see even more clearly what this beloved saint teaches us about following Christ as members of the family of...Read More

As my friend and mentor, Cardinal Hickey, former Archbishop of Washington, advanced in years, he instructed me on what was not to happen at his funeral. “Don’t let them canonize me!” he said, “Tell them to pray for me!” Cardinal Hickey was a man of devout prayer, virtue, who served the Church effectively and devotedly,...Read More

A few weeks ago, I joined a group of ecumenical leaders at Morgan State University in support of the Dream Act. A reporter covering the event asked me how the Church could support the Dream Act but be against legalizing same sex marriage. Weren’t we being inconsistent, he wanted to know. I told the reporter...Read More

I. Introduction: The Bad News before the Good News During an election season, we are buffeted and surfeited with polls some of which seem to point in conflicting directions. For that reason I hesitate to bring up yet another poll but this one may well deserve our attention. Recently the Pew Foundation did a survey...Read More

Next week, a federal appeals court will hear arguments regarding John Merzbacher’s request to be released from prison. John Merzbacher was a teacher at Catholic Community School in South Baltimore who sexually abused and terrorized multiple children during the 1970s. Without getting into the legal technicalities, Merzbacher and his attorneys claim he was never made...Read More

I. Introduction: Mary Seat of Wisdom On this beautiful autumn Sunday in which the Scripture readings speak to us about the Wisdom of God, we have gathered from near and far on pilgrimage to this august Basilica, dedicated to Mary, the Immaculate Mother of God, the Seat of Wisdom. With Mary’s loving encouragement, we have...Read More

I. Introduction: New Beginnings It was nearly five months ago that I was installed as the 16th Archbishop of Baltimore. Providentially, my installation occurred on the cusp of the Year of Faith which will official commence this coming Thursday, October 11th, the 50th anniversary of the opening of the II Vatican Council in Rome and...Read More