The history behind La Calavera Catrina, “the dapper skeleton,” is long, complicated, fascinating, and not without some controversy. But in contemporary culture it has become associated with the “Day of the Dead” celebrations. Dia de Muertos, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day, are the days in which we rememberContinue Reading
Many of us are familiar with the traditions of the Amish from movies such as Witness. We know that theses traditionalist Christians generally avoid modern technology. Their homes do not have telephones or televisions and even electricity is relegated to the barn but not the house. To many people thisContinue Reading
David cried out, “Who is this uncircumcised Philstine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” David was just a boy. He was not yet old enough to fight alongside his brothers. Instead he was there to bring food and tend to their weapons. Even so, his wordsContinue Reading
Cornelius, the Prefect of Rome, sat behind a table, shuffling papers, while before him stood Lawrence, last of the seven deacons. He regarded the prisoner with a certain amount of disdain. An edict, issued by the Emperor Valerian, declared that all bishops and high officials, who professed to follow JesusContinue Reading
Father Vincent Capodanno, the “grunt” padre, was a Maryknoll Missionary who served as a marine chaplain during the Vietnam War. The policy at the time stated that a soldier would be sent home within 48 hours after receiving his third purple heart. In 1967 Father Capodanno served with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines.Continue Reading
A vacationing American stockbroker, stood on the pier of a quaint coastal fishing village. He watched as a small boat with just one young fisherman pulled into the dock. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. Enjoying the warmth of the early afternoon sun, the American complimented theContinue Reading
What is the better part that Jesus refers to? The story of Martha and Mary may leave us a little confused. Why did Jesus rebuke Martha for her hospitality? Even looking to the first reading does not help much. Abraham’s hospitality to the Lord seems to be the focus there. ButContinue Reading
There are times when, despite our best efforts, we fail. Even though we know that our ministry is desperately needed, we are sometimes rejected. Jesus told us to work hard. He told us there would be difficulties because we are as lambs going out among wolves. He cautioned us toContinue Reading
The Church is often referred to as the Bark of Saint Peter. A bark is a type of boat. From its’ earliest days the Church was seen as a boat sailing on unpredictable and sometimes dangerous seas. It is unsurprising that this analogy was extended to the ship’s wheel thatContinue Reading
As Disciples of Christ we are called to decide every day to pick up our cross and follow Him. This goes much further than bearing our own little problems from day to day. It means that we are actually called to set aside those problems, and not let them distractContinue Reading