Understanding Our Church
A Treasury of Arkansas Writers Discussing the Catholic Faith
Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
Understanding Our Church
Explore this treasury of Arkansas writers discussing the Catholic faith on a wide variety of topics. Find what you're looking for by browsing the whole list or search by keyword or author. All articles have been reviewed for theological accuracy. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
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Basis of Catholic Bible interpretation differs from Protestants’ Father Jerome Kodell, OSB Catholics are often criticized for not knowing the Bible as well as their Protestant brothers and sisters. Many Protestants are able to quote texts and to answer questions about their beliefs with a line from the Bible, while Catholics are not so quick on the draw. |
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Jesus transforms our desires during Mass Jeff Hines “I didn’t get anything out of it.” A person who has stopped coming to Mass might say. But what can we expect to get out of Mass? |
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Applying historical-critical reading of Scripture can prove edifying Edward C. Dodge My graduate school Bible professor often repeated this line: stories have to make sense to the first hearers, too. |
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In blessing and suffering, stay focused on promise of heaven Father Andrew Hart, JCL A basic truth of the Christian life is that we are to raise our eyes from present circumstances to future realities. This lesson is often cited in times of suffering. By recalling God’s promises and past consolations, we can more easily endure passing hardships. |
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Frustrated with bad news? Do four things to change the world Lou Ann Gieringer Why do people act and speak as if they hate so many other people? What we hear and see on the news is overpoweringly sad, scary and filled with hate. Hate takes up so much energy and encompasses our lives with a feeling of helplessness. |
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To live abundantly, we must align our desires with Christ Father Jason Tyler The idea of Jesus as the Good Shepherd comes from the words of Jesus himself in John’s Gospel. It was so strong in early Christianity that the image of Jesus the Good Shepherd shows up on the walls of many ancient catacombs. |
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Leviticus reminds us to be set apart for extraordinary things Paula Standridge If an individual decided to read or study the Bible from start to finish, it would undoubtedly not take too long for questions to arise. Without a study guide or commentary, it would be extremely difficult to benefit from all that the word of God says to us. |
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St. Bernard Tolomei was model of courageous service to sick Sister M. Glorea Knaggs, OSB If you had to come up with a name for a Catholic hospital, what would you call it? St. Vincent is a great choice, since the religious congregations he founded are dedicated to works of mercy. Many choose St. Luke, patron saint of physicians. But what about St. Bernard Tolomei? |
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The full experience of heaven, pets included, is beyond us Judy Hoelzeman My sister called me in a halting voice one morning in October last year to tell me her dog had died. I was shocked; her dog had not been sick. I drove to her house and found her sitting on her couch in tears, the dog beside her. |
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Experiencing different languages and cultures prepares us for unity Kelli Nugent At the great celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe this past December, I recalled that our mother Mary is declared the patroness of the Americas and patroness of the unborn. |
