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Articles
The Enigma of Parables
It is odd to find an explanation of a parable, given that its purpose is to tease the imagination, inviting the hearer to uncover its meaning. Consequently, to be effective a parable should have...
Articles
Knowing the Father, the Way to Life
Today’s Gospel contains an intriguing statement: “No one knows the Son except the Father; and no one knows the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” What...
Articles
Defending the Holy Trinity
The doctrine of the Trinity is the defining dogma of Christianity: “The grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the love of God, the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all." Nevertheless, the...
Articles
Hard Sayings in Scripture
Geraldine Thompson, a Sister of Saint Joseph who taught English at Saint Michael’s College, Toronto, was utterly charming in person, . . . and challenging in conversation. Once she asked me, “Why is it...
Nota in Brevis
Saint Mark’s Literary Techniques
A sense of urgency
It is useful and edifying to read a Gospel continuously, from start to finish. It allows us to notice details that we miss by hearing it presented piecemeal at Sunday Mass....
Articles
Interpreting the Scriptures Concerning Himself
In the Nicene Creed we find the phrase, “ suffered death and was buried, and rose again . . . in accordance with the Scriptures.” These words of the creed echo a statement from...
Articles
Holy Thursday: The Institution of the Holy Eucharist
The most vital characteristic of our Catholic faith is not its external organization that has of late, thanks to Pope Francis, attracted the attention of the media. What makes us flourish, if flourish we...
Articles
Venantius and his Vexilla
Vexilla regis prodeunt; The banners of the king come forth;
fulget crucis mysterium, brightly gleams the mystery of the cross
quo carne carnis conditor by which the creator of...
