The Cowl Doesn’t Make the Monk

Pat McCloskey, OFM September 29, 2025

Who decreed that all clergy and the majority of the many orders of brothers and sisters must wear black?

The Power of Our Bodies

Shannon K. Evans September 28, 2025

When you hug a friend, make eye contact with a stranger, put a child on your lap, or caress a lover, you are opening yourself to allow God to communicate to another person through your body.

homeless person with a sign and cup for money

Love at the Door

Ela Milewska September 28, 2025

We are called not only to notice the suffering at our door, but to respond—not out of guilt or fear, but from love.

What Is Americanism?

Pat McCloskey, OFM September 28, 2025

Is Americanism a heresy? If so, what does it mean? The person who introduced me to this term was not very clear about its meaning.

two people showing their legs and shoes standing across from each other in conversation.

Fostering Connection, Not Division

Daniel Imwalle September 27, 2025

Reflect Whether through social media or the news cycle, we’re constantly reminded of how little we have in common with each other, how entrenched we

young person walking on train tracks during sunrise

Love Abounds and Astounds

Maureen O'Brien September 27, 2025

We return over and over to the same place, a connection to the unswerving, the unchanging: God.

The words "Love Yourself" scratched into the pavement.

Loving Ourselves

Susan Hines-Brigger September 26, 2025

We all have times in our lives when we get down on ourselves. It might be about the way we look, something we did or said, or what we see as personal weaknesses.

What Is the Kingdom of God?

Pat McCloskey, OFM September 26, 2025

Please explain in simple language the concept of the kingdom of God.

What Jesus means by the expression the kingdom of God is accepting God’s values as trustworthy and enough, not needing any “improvements,” as we often describe them.

Skylark perching in a flowering rapeseed field.

The Larks of Assisi

Pat McCloskey, OFM September 25, 2025

Francis had a special affection for larks; he considered their brown feathers a sign of their closeness to God, of their humility.

When Joy Swims

Maureen O'Brien September 25, 2025

Like many who follow Francis, I’ve read “Canticle of the Creatures” over the years, but recently sought it out again for the words “to you alone, Most High, do they belong”.