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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 […]

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 […]

I. Introduction Saint Augustine, in his autobiography The Confessions, records so movingly his last moments with his mother, Saint Monica, as she lay dying, still only in her mid-fifties, in the Roman suburb of Ostia. Augustine and his brother were overcome with grief, and were discussing the practicalities of the funeral arrangements for their mother. […]

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, […]