Prayer and Sacraments Feed

Five scripture scholars pick their golden oldies

U.S. Catholic — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:46:22 -0700

Maybe you've heard them since childhood and know them by heart, but what do some of those Old Testament stories really mean?

A son betrays his father. A wealthy man has an adulterous affair. Sound like the plot lines from the daytime soap operas? Actually, these are themes from some Old Testament stories. But however intriguing the plot lines may be, readers of the Old Testament may struggle to make sense of the tales. "The Old Testament does baffle people," says Old Testament scholar Robert Schoenstene.

Five ways to stay awake at Mass

U.S. Catholic — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:42:21 -0700

Grave Responsibilities

U.S. Catholic — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:35:04 -0700

They always call in the middle of dinner. And they're always from places that sound folksy and green-Willow Park, Heritage Creek, Oakland Hills, Forest Lawn. And I'm never quite sure just what they're selling. Is it golf club memberships or time-share condos or New Age religion or nursing home care?

"Protection...inevitable... eventual reality..." There's a flurry of meaningful concept words.

Hail Mary -- The wisdom of a subversive devotion

U.S. Catholic — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:31:02 -0700

Coming in from the bright sunlight, a woman kneels before an altar in the dimness of the church; she has lit a small candle, and with many other small candles the light is reflected off glinting fabrics and jewels adorning the statue of the Mother of God. Crowned, lifted up, peaceful of gaze, she holds the Child on her lap, yet he is less noticeable. It is the great Mother to whom prayers are addressed, by women living in cultures-and a church-that gives little respect and less power to women. What does she think, the woman who lights the candle and prays to Mary?

How I almost missed Good Friday

U.S. Catholic — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:19:45 -0700

Into the mystic with John

U.S. Catholic — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 08:20:22 -0700

You've taught scripture for virtually all of your adult life. What led you to devote your life to it?
When I was growing up, the Bible was not an honored book in our household. We kept it in the attic. My mother was convinced that reading the Bible had caused her uncle Gus to leave the church, so that was the end of that. Nothing in my early life moved me toward studying the Bible. I was chosen to study scripture when I made my vows in the monastery in 1943, and I was delighted.

Keep in touch with your faith

U.S. Catholic — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:30:05 -0700

Every Sunday after Mass, I pat Jesus big toe. Let me hasten to explain that Jesus is made of wood. Like the little boy who preferred his mother over prayer to shield him against things that go bump in the night, I too, prefer "God with the skin on."

Incarnation is all-important to Catholics. We, like the apostle Thomas, long to put our fingers in Christ's side; we want to feel the nail holes in his hands and feet.

Keeping up appearances

U.S. Catholic — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:27:32 -0700

Between the ages of 8 and 10, I spent considerable time hoping for a Marian apparition. In the mid-1960s, Lourdes and Fatima were still on the lips of Catholics. I had read the books, seen the movies, been dabbed with holy water from the sites. I was Catholic, a holy communicant. I wanted it all. I wanted an apparition of my own.

Let the church say Amen

U.S. Catholic — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:24:22 -0700

When have you experienced great liturgy, and what made it great?
One thing that has always made great liturgy is when people intentionally come together to give thanks and praise to God. I have had great experiences in the African American community because, by and large, in African American parishes people want to be there. People actually respond with some enthusiasm and passion.

Pray Without Ceasing

U.S. Catholic — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:33:56 -0700

Tell us about your own prayer life. When did you start doing fixed-hour prayer?

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