Loving God Is Useless

Something is useless if it fails to produce whatever product we use it to produce. For instance, if the head breaks off of a hammer, the hammer can no longer be used to produce what we use it to produce—namely, … Continue reading

Ted Works at the Pentagon

Ted works at the Pentagon. I can’t tell you what he does—that’s strictly confidential—but I can tell you that he barely ever leaves the compound. Although his work is not extremely stressful in itself, it demands that he nearly always … Continue reading

Why Doesn’t God Give Everyone Faith?

Those who do not believe the Christian faith fit into two categories: those who have heard the faith and rejected it and those who have never heard the faith. The former group was offered the gift of faith but did … Continue reading

Ignorance is Bliss?

We live in an age that is painstakingly well-informed, very aware of all types of news. Our awareness transcends the limits of distance: we can just as easily talk on the phone with a friend down the street as we … Continue reading

Fruits of Redemption

“I’m starved…cheeseburgers…. …What was that idea I had for my ethics paper?… …Man, my knees really hurt right now…” During the final minutes of a Holy Hour, it’s pretty normal to find the mind wandering a bit. The act itself … Continue reading

Watching the Corn Grow

For rural communities, keeping tabs on the corn crop is simply part of life. This makes a good deal of sense: the success or failure of the crop hugely impacts the economic well-being of the community, so it is quite … Continue reading

The Embrace of Christ

Entering the room, I was embraced at once by an eighty-nine-year-old Italian lady. First she grabbed my shoulder, and then she reached out to take hold of my elbow. Then the first big hug. She continuously clutched my hand, sometimes … Continue reading

It’s Time for Figs

I can’t help but feel a bit bad for the poor little fig tree Jesus cursed. It seems unfair! Mark makes it quite clear in his Gospel that “it was not the time for figs.” Nevertheless, when Jesus sees that … Continue reading

The Savior Still Tenderly Pleads

Editor’s note: This is the fourth post in our newest series, reflecting on the Hillbilly Thomists’ recent, self-titled album. The series will run each Tuesday and Thursday throughout the Easter season. Read the whole series here. This post concerns the … Continue reading

The Boundaries of Authenticity

Your boss just gave you a “coaching.” You don’t agree with him, but you sheepishly nod your head and then play your part. Then you talk to a customer; you say several polite things so as to stay in character. … Continue reading