A Word to Enkindle

A Word to Enkindle, September 27, 2024

Many of us today suffer from scrupulosity, which I think could be defined — at least insofar as it is a spiritual and not a psychological condition — as a disordered concern for one’s own righteousness. 

A Word to Enkindle, September 18, 2024

String bracelets with the code WWJD? became a pious fashion trend in the late 90s, and they remain visible today on many teenage wrists. Coming in a variety of bright colors, the bracelets are a visible examination of conscience to the wearer: “What Would Jesus Do?” is a fruitful question to ask oneself in a moment of temptation. Those who wear the bracelet do well to make Jesus their standard of virtuous living as they prudently ponder the proper action to take.

A Word to Enkindle, August 29, 2024

Last month, 60,000 Catholics gathered in Indianapolis for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in the USA (and the first in 83 years). I couldn’t be there, but I heard wonderful things about it from those who were.

A Word to Enkindle, July 22, 2024

“Beauty and the cosmic geometer”  by Fr. Thomas for Texas Catholic. I was in an allegorizing mood last week when I visited the church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane in the heart of Rome. Designed by the 17th century architect Francesco Borromini, San Carlo is a jewel of astonishing beauty on the corner of […]

A Word to Enkindle, June 25, 2024

It can be difficult to cultivate a regular habit of reading Scripture. Its literary world can seem so strange to us that we feel as though it would take forever before we could even just understand what is going on, let alone find spiritual consolation and inspiration. If you feel like that, know you’re not alone, and know there is much that can help.

A Word to Enkindle, May 30, 2024

After celebrating Mass recently for my University of Dallas students in a chapel just a few feet from the bones of St. Peter, I mused on what the fisherman would think of the overwhelming grandeur of the basilica that houses his mortal remains.

A Word to Enkindle, May 10, 2024

At Cistercian, we had an incredible view of the total eclipse on April 8.

A Word to Enkindle, April 23, 2024

“How not to think about discernment”  by Fr. Thomas for Texas Catholic. A short story frequently read in middle school English classes is “The Lady, or the Tiger?” by Frank R. Stockton. The tale describes in detail an ancient king’s barbaric but entertaining strategy for determining a person’s guilt or innocence. In the great arena, […]

A Word to Enkindle, April 12, 2024

“Strive in Christ: The journey of Lent and Easter” by Fr. John for The Texas Catholic. Lent is a season dedicated to conversion. It is a period of self-reflection, resolution, and anticipation. We must change our ways and grow. Easter is dedicated to celebrating the revelation of God’s infinite mercy, the new life and grace […]

A Word to Enkindle, April 04, 2024

I was deeply impressed by the answer a fellow priest gave recently to a question that I ponder frequently. When asked to name one unifying cause for the troubles that plague us as American Catholics, he simply said, “I think we try to avoid suffering at any cost.”