Through every century, the Mass is the same: tell the story, pray the prayers, break the bread By Bob Hunt Every so often, I am struck by the catholicity of the Catholic Church. This usually happens when I am attending Mass on an occasion that brings together Catholics from all …
Four central dogmas related to the Blessed Mother
As the solemnity of the Assumption approaches, it is good to reflect on her role in our salvation By Bob Hunt Every August, the Church celebrates the solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. It is a good time to reflect on the four central dogmas of the Church related to …
Changes in life that are symbolized by a new name
From those received at baptism or upon becoming a dad and grandfather, names are intimate things By Bob Hunt There are only a few choices in life so significant that it changes who we are, and that change is symbolized by a new name. There is our baptism, a choice …
Each Eucharist is a promise of eternal life
The Church, in her prayers, professes her faith in the Eucharist as the whole saving action of Christ by Bob Hunt The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that the Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life. . . . For in the blessed Eucharist is contained …
Where is our unity in Christ today?
Catholics often take their cues from political leaders rather than the teaching of the Church By Bob Hunt In his letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul wrote: “Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near through the blood of Christ. It is he who …
How God has made His presence known to us
Before He ascended into heaven, Jesus left us with His glorious presence in the Eucharist By Bob Hunt The Advent and Christmas seasons are a good time to reflect on the presence of God in our Church and in our lives. God made His presence known in glory to Moses …
A parable that connects to ‘Cafeteria Catholicism’
We need to invest in the whole truth of God’s revelation in Christ, not just those parts we like By Bob Hunt “The kingdom of God is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that …
The Good Samaritan story, for our current times
Tensions between the Jews and the Samaritans can be compared with today’s social upheaval By Bob Hunt These past several weeks, since the killing of George Floyd, our nation has been wracked with protests and social upheaval we have not seen in decades. Many have lost their lives in the …
Some endure months, years without sacraments
‘Our own experience during the lockdown can inspire us to appreciate the freedoms we possess’ By Bob Hunt As I write this, the Church is approaching the celebration of our Lord’s Ascension. The week after, Pentecost Sunday, our diocese will begin to celebrate public Sunday Mass again, with some restrictions …
In these times, meditate on faith, hope, and love
As Christians, we are called to a greater response to whatever challenges our community By Bob Hunt I am writing this in the middle of the coronavirus national emergency. As of this writing, my daughter’s school is on an extended spring break, many restaurants and other businesses have closed their …
Love unites hearts, and hearts united unite wills
We can stumble, however, if we commit the common error of convincing ourselves that our will is God’s will By Bob Hunt “The chief effect of love is to unite the hearts of those who love each other so that they have the same will. Hence the more we submit …
The season of reflection
Advent, Christmas are the times of the year to think about the presence of Christ among us, especially in the Eucharist By Bob Hunt Advent and Christmas seasons are times for reflecting on the presence of Christ among us. During Advent, we prepare for the solemnity of the Incarnation by …