Is there a doctor in the house?! This frequent cry in movies or TV is a call for help during an emergency. Doctor is also the title that the Church gives to St. Thomas Aquinas. The rarest of titles given … Continue reading
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A New Song
A New Song Sing to the Lord a new song.– Psalm 96:1 Carols are a staple of the Christmas season, and I’m sure everyone will be singing at least a couple today. They can be an effective way to help … Continue reading
A Humble Love
On March 7, 1274, Saint Thomas Aquinas died. His teacher Saint Albert the Great was around 80 years old at the time. Tradition tells us that St. Albert was profoundly affected by St. Thomas’ death, as seems natural for men … Continue reading
Unanswered Prayers?
God always answers our prayers. He doesn’t always give us what we ask for. If we ask for something bad, God will of course not give it to us. However, even if we ask for something good, it is often … Continue reading
A Jazzy God
While enjoying some live jazz recently, I realized that jazz is good.“What,” I thought, “makes this jazz so good?” What does this jazz share with God, from whom all good things come, and how can it therefore lead me to … Continue reading
Christian Kindness
What makes Christian kindness to be Christian? The substance of Christian kindness doesn’t seem different from any other kindness. The corporal works of mercy, for example, are things that most people who aren’t Christians would still consider to be kindnesses. … Continue reading
An Undivided House
Social-justice-warrior Catholic or conservative Catholic? Advocate for the oppressed immigrant or for the unborn child? Must the two be at odds? Either of these issues could demand the full dedication of a person. And there are far more than these … Continue reading
Slipping Chains
Editor’s note: This is the eighth 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
Ite Ad Joseph
Ite Ad Joseph. “Go to Joseph.” These were the words of Pharaoh to the people of Egypt during the years of famine (Gen 41:55). These are the words inscribed at the base of the statue of St. Joseph in front … Continue reading
A Thanksgiving Prayer
Easter has eggs, Christmas presents, Halloween candy, and the Fourth of July fireworks. These are so tied to their celebration that leaving out the “has” of the preceding clauses might make one think that the names of the holidays were … Continue reading
From Fasting to Feasting
It’s Friday. A day that throughout most of the year is focused on penance and remembrance of the cross of Christ. But Easter Friday is Easter so we rejoice in the resurrection of Christ, one expression of which is that … Continue reading
Suspect the Good
It’s nearly impossible to have a civil conversation nowadays with someone who disagrees with you. For example, take Sally, who is pro-choice, and her friend Alice, who is pro-life. Sally and Alice had never talked about this issue before, but … Continue reading
Martha or Mary?
To pray or do good? This seems to be the dilemma of anyone trying to live a Christian life. On the one hand St. Thomas Aquinas says that “the contemplative life is more excellent than the active,” but on the … Continue reading
Jesus Christ, King of Thieves
O Rex Gentium, et desideratus earum,lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum:veni, et salva hominem,quem de limo formasti. O King of the nations, and their desire,the cornerstone making both one:Come and save the human race,which you fashioned from clay. The O … Continue reading
Straightening Out the Golden Rule
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” We’ve all heard the Golden Rule a thousand times. We’ve all told people to remember the Golden Rule another thousand times. It seems, though, that nine times out of … Continue reading
Godly Speech
It was said of our Holy Father Dominic that he always spoke either with God or about God. Likewise, Blessed Jordan of Saxony tells us that “he dedicated the day to his neighbor, but gave the night to God.” Now, … Continue reading