The Cookie Jar Elections of 2016

The Cookie Jar Elections of 2016

The issues now being debated in the 2016 elections are framed as if the country revolved around a great big cookie jar. The benefits and promises candidates offer are like cookies that must be substantial, instantly gratifying and abundant. All the problems the nation faces seem to be reduced to who has … Read more

Don’t Treat Wolves Like Lost Sheep

Don’t Treat Wolves Like Lost Sheep

The doctrine of Our Lord Jesus Christ is full of seemingly antagonistic truths which nevertheless when examined closely, far from mutually denying one another actually complement one another, forming a truly marvelous harmony. This is the case, for example, with the seeming contradiction between Divine justice and goodness. God is at the … Read more

Human Touch or iTouch

Human Touch or iTouch 4

“What would you think if a robot showed up with your food?” This is the question I asked Ross and Kelly, a young couple in a Newark, New Jersey airport restaurant. “Oh, interesting,” answered an intrigued Kelly. “No thanks,” disagreed Ross, “you would miss the human touch.” Not the best way to … Read more

“Sex Change”: Biological Impossibility and Revolt Against God

“Sex Change”: Biological Impossibility and Revolt Against God 2

To its “LGB” acronym the homosexual movement added the “T” for “transsexual” or “transgender” in a kind of “common front” of all anomalies in sexual behavior. Unsurprisingly, the acronym keeps increasing. For example “LGBTTQQIAAP” (Transsexual, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Ally, Pansexual). The inclusion of so-called “transsexualism” or “transgenderism” in the homosexual campaign … Read more

To Send a Package, Just Ask a Priest

As I traveled up the interstate toward Washington, D.C., my colleague suddenly realized that he had left some items behind in the hotel room where we had stayed. It was too late to return to the place, but he really wanted the items back. “Just ask!” was the motto on the hotel … Read more

What Does Saint Thomas Say About Immigration?

What Does Saint Thomas Say About Immigration?

In looking at the debate over immigration, it is almost automatically assumed that the Church’s position is one of unconditional charity toward those who enter the nation, legally or illegally. However, is this the case? What does the Bible say about immigration? What do Church doctors and theologians say? Above all, what … Read more

Can Someone in Mortal Sin Receive Communion?

Can Someone in Mortal Sin Receive Communion? 2

The question seems absurd as any child preparing for First Communion knows the answer: “No! To receive Holy Communion one must be in the state of grace.” The Sin of Adulterous Concubinage The same 7-year old knows that a serious fault against any of the Ten Commandments (for example, adultery or concubinage) … Read more

“Rehabilitation” of Liberation Theology?

“Rehabilitation” of Liberation Theology? 6

“Not only is participating in class struggle not opposed to universal love, but today, this commitment is the necessary and inescapable means of making this love concrete, as this participation is what leads to a classless society, a society without owners and dispossessed, without oppressors and oppressed.”This statement is not found in … Read more

Balance and Harmony Between Riches and Poverty

Balance and Harmony Between Riches and Poverty 2

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Pauperist Heresies Heresies requiring material poverty for eternal salvation have sprung up since the dawn of Christianity. Here we refer more particularly to medieval miserabilists. Under the influence of the Cathars or Albigensians, who adopted the Manichean principle that … Read more

Dignity

Dignity 2

A magistrate has a dignity that is proper to him that a servant does not have. Dignity and mutual respect in dealing with men make social life bearable and even agreeable. Because of the sad consequences of Original Sin coupled the vulgarity of our times, human convivium becomes impossible or at least … Read more