Death has two aspects. The first one is its biological component. We witness the decomposition of an unstable chemical mass that can no longer maintain itself. An outpouring of body fluids and a deplorable and irrepressible organic breakdown destroy all composure and propriety. After having spent a lifetime expelling repugnant by-products, the … Read more
Dostoevsky once said, “If God didn’t exist, everything is possible.” There is wisdom in his observation since, without God, there would be nothing to serve as the ultimate reference for human acts. The eternal law that God established in the universe is inscribed on the human heart. Thus, everyone at all times … Read more
Every year New Orleans plays host to a longstanding Catholic tradition which has its origins in the Middle Ages. On Saint Joseph’s Day, March 19th, Catholics all over the city are eager to show their devotion to the head of the Holy Family. The celebration serves as a striking contrast in a … Read more
Libertarians support the idea that a government’s only purpose is to protect life, liberty and private property. One way this is done is through an idea they call self-ownership. This is the notion that each individual owns himself, just like one who owns a piece of property. Thus, the government should have … Read more
In an age of instant gratification, we are encouraged to forget about the most important things in our lives. Our rushed and hectic schedules demand our attention. We must have everything now, instantly, regardless of the consequences. It must be the latest and greatest, the biggest and the best version; it must … Read more
In the placid waters of this canal of the Belgian city of Ghent, the facades of some buildings typical of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance have been reflected for centuries. These buildings create a singular architectural impression of balance because of the harmonious contrast between their imposing, serious and solid mass, … Read more
An abyss separates the world (understood here not in its cosmological but moral sense) from the Church founded by Our Lord Jesus Christ. The world neither accepts being guided by, nor comprehends the Light that came to illuminate it. The world does not live for God or for life eternal, but for … Read more
There are those who think that if we put our economy back on track, everything will be all right. Material prosperity is their sole solution. They speak of happiness as if it can be expressed in terms of GDP, government statistics and employment benefits. We certainly do need material prosperity but such … Read more
In his life of Saint Catherine of Siena, her confessor, Saint Raymond of Capua, narrates that after her arrival in Pisa she became the guest of a certain Gherardo de’ Buonconti. One day her host brought to her attention a young man of about twenty years of age, for whose good health … Read more
It is in man’s nature to be happy. But man has never attained perfect happiness here on earth. Not even successful people, with their material wealth, fame and power, are finding happiness. This prompted “success intelligence” guru Dr. Robert Holden, to ponder: “Why do millionaires take Prozac? Why do CEOs have heart … Read more