Understanding Our Church

A Treasury of Arkansas Writers Discussing the Catholic Faith

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.

Our conscience is a guide when considering how to follow God’s law
Charles T. Sullivan
“In the depths of his conscience, man detects a law which he does not impose upon himself, but which holds him to obedience … a law written by God.
As a successor to Peter, Pope John Paul II has been true to mission
Father Erik Pohlmeier
On May 18 Pope John Paul II will celebrate his 84th birthday. During his many years as pope there have been countless tributes to all that he has accomplished. Those tributes only multiply as he labors on despite the physical weakness he now endures.
Beyond Resurrection, Christ lives in the Spirit and will die no more
Father Raphael Kitz, OCD
We recently celebrated the great mystery of faith that we call the Resurrection of Christ from the dead, or the paschal mystery. This truth of our faith that we profess in the creed is both a miracle and a mystery.
Christians have gift of immortality through Christ’s resurrection
Father Andrew Smith
I remember from an art history course, from my college seminary years, that in ancient Rome there are two distinctive sets of tombstones. There are those of the pagan Romans with words on them such as “Farewell” or “Nevermore.” Then there are those in the catacombs, the tombs of Christians.
Christ enters Jerusalem in humility and peace in spite of pageantry
Dr. Linda Webster
The 2004 Super Bowl might be an odd place to look for enlightenment this Passion Sunday, but one of the top-rated ads (www.superbowl-ads.com) broadcast at the beginning of the second quarter back in early February was an excellent allegory for our reflec
We can be like a desert wasteland crying out for God to refresh us
Betsy Wiederkehr Huss
At my mother’s parish during Lent, the holy water we normally would bless ourselves with is replaced with dry sand. Invariably, I dip my fingertips into the bowl expecting water. But what I encounter is gritty, dry sand.
Focus on blame game misses point of sacrifice, which was foretold
Father James P. West
Lent is well underway, and it is likely that our minds are focused by now upon the many “hardships” of this season.
Lent is a time to experience ‘paschal death’ and thus spiritual growth
Sandy Compas
My favorite pastor, when asked from year to year what he was giving up for Lent, always replied, “Watermelon and strawberries!” This never failed to raise eyebrows, as we were far more likely to see snow than strawberries during February and March.
40-day journey should lead to reconciliation
Charles T. Sullivan
All through the course of the Church’s liturgical year, various aspects of the Paschal Mystery (the mystery of Christ) unfold. Five distinct seasons make up the liturgical year.
Christian love is lived out through selfless actions, not just words
Judy Hoelzeman
Valentine’s Day is coming and love is in the air — or is it?

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