“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb 10:31). So terrible, in fact, that it would be better never to have been born (Mt 26:24). Of course, Jesus was saying this concerning Judas’s … Continue reading
Author Archives: dbrindle
Chains of Love
Some chains are taken off and some are put on. We hear in Scripture, “The Lord listens to the needy and does not spurn his servants in their chains” (Ps 69:33), and again, “He led them forth from darkness and … Continue reading
Suspense in the City of God
Much has been written about the growth of secularism in the modern world, the future of religion in public life, and the appropriate Christian response. I would like to offer another perspective, trying to deal not so much with the … Continue reading
God and Wicked Judges
Today at Mass we hear the story of Susanna. This passage from the book of Daniel presents us with a beautiful, God-fearing, law-observant, chaste, and innocent heroine. She falls victim to the lusts and lies of two thwarted and creepy … Continue reading
Born for What?
“Why did you decide to give your life to this work?” The old farmer, weather-worn and bowed with age, answered my question with a wry smile: “Bad luck and being born into it.” Born into a family who had farmed … Continue reading
Bad News Bearers
The Israelites are standing on the East of the Jordan River, getting ready to enter the promised land. Moses has given them the law, and he speaks now, “Today, I have set before your face life and death, good and … Continue reading
The Abyss of Grandeur
For you have died, and now your life is hidden with Christ in God. —Col 3:3 Life should be, first and foremost, a preparation for death and what lies beyond. We are created with certain natural needs and purposes, but … Continue reading
Help My Unbelief
“If only Jesus would give me a sign right now, then I would believe.” We have all heard people make these exclamations and, if we are honest with ourselves, we sometimes find ourselves saying the same thing. We need signs. … Continue reading
Love or Suffering?
A while ago, I was walking past a local Catholic bookstore, and I overheard part of a conversation between some Catholic undergraduates. “Why do you pick on me so much?” one complained playfully, to which the other responded, “If I … Continue reading
The Weight of Love
Faith and Film Friday: The Jeweller’s Shop Editor’s Note: This is the ninth and final review in our series, Faith and Film Friday. Read the whole series here. “Love is a constant challenge. It is given to man so he … Continue reading
Lenten Mercies
In the readings from today’s Mass, we hear an oracle from one of the most trying times in the history of Judah, the events surrounding the Babylonian exile. During this period, Jerusalem was conquered and many of its inhabitants were … Continue reading
Remember What God Has Done
However, take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live, but teach them to your children and to … Continue reading
Songs of Joy
On this day in 1827, the renowned classical composer Ludwig van Beethoven passed away. He spent his life writing music that has captivated listeners, from the stern opening sounds of his Symphony No. 5 to the stirring Für Elise and, … Continue reading
The Elegant Power of the Holy Spirit
Today is the Solemnity of the Annunciation, the day the Church celebrates the conception of God Incarnate in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The union between the power of God and the fragility of mankind is made manifest … Continue reading
Benedicta a Cruce
Faith and Film Friday: The Seventh Chamber Editor’s Note: This is the eighth review in our series, Faith and Film Friday. Read the whole series here. Maia Morgenstern, some five years before starring as the Mother of God in Mel … Continue reading
Only God Knows
Today we are just over two weeks into the season of Lent, a time to refocus and reorder our lives. Just over two weeks ago we were invited to remember that we are dust and that to dust we will … Continue reading
She Calls Out
He stood still when he heard her voice. “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here! Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave simpleness, and live, and walk in the way of insight” … Continue reading
The Silent Man’s Word
Saint Joseph’s silence is famous. It is often said that scripture does not relate a single word that passed from his lips. The Gospels show him to be the faithful and prudent head of the holy family, the chaste husband … Continue reading
Fake News and Speaking the Truth
You love evil more than good, and lying more than speaking the truth. (Ps 52:3) Evidently, lies spread more than truth on the internet. A group of scientists published a research report, “The spread of true … Continue reading
The Colors of the World
Faith and Film Friday: The Scarlet and the Black Editor’s Note: This is the seventh review in our series, Faith and Film Friday. Read the whole series here. If I may lift a lyric from Les Misérables (the musical), “The … Continue reading
Evil Shall Not Prevail
Editor’s note: This post was originally published on August 23, 2013 as part of a series called To the Heights. The entire series can be found here. Father Pier Giorgio Dengler was ordained to the priesthood in May 2018 and serves … Continue reading
Divine Revelation: The Revolution of Wisdom
Editor’s note: This post was originally published on August 15, 2013 as part of a series called To the Heights. The entire series can be found here. Father Edmund McCollough was ordained to the priesthood in May 2017 and teaches … Continue reading
Captured by the Image
Editor’s note: This post was originally published on August 21, 2013 as part of a series called To the Heights. The entire series can be found here. Father Luke Hoyt was ordained to the priesthood in May 2017 and currently serves … Continue reading
The Savior of the World
Editor’s note: This post was originally published on August 19, 2013 as part of a series called To the Heights. The entire series can be found here. Father Vincent Ferrer Bagan was ordained to the priesthood in May 2015 and is … Continue reading
Tak, Babette
Faith and Film Friday: Babette’s Feast Editor’s Note: This is the sixth review in our series, Faith and Film Friday. Read the whole series here. Babette’s Feast makes plain two simple truths: Gifts beget thanks. And thanks, in turn, beget gifts. … Continue reading