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.
|
Our Lady of Sorrows inspires compassionate companion on journeys Betsy Wiederkehr Huss Have you ever felt sorrow? That deep, body-wracking pain that can numb the mind, body and spirit? The circumstances from which we can feel this sorrow vary, but it is real and a part of life. Sorrow is not just being unhappy. It is a more profound, colossal sadness. It is almost unbearable. |
|
Why Catholics need to read the dark tales of Flannery O’Connor Katie Karp “What people don’t realize is how much religion costs. They think faith is a big electric blanket when of course, it is the cross.” -- Flannery O’Connor |
|
‘Master, to whom shall we go?’ Putting ourselves into Scripture Deacon Mike Cumnock One of my favorite prayer techniques is to read Scripture and then place myself in the scene — first person, present tense. This allows me to explore from within the Word. Recently, I was reading the various stories of John the Baptist. |
|
On meaning of the Eucharist in the life of the Church: A mystery to ... Edward C. Dodge The Second Vatican Council defined the Eucharist as the “source and summit” of the Christian faith. Christians, taught by the council, should hunger for the Eucharist, and from it, they should receive energy to evangelize themselves and the world. |
|
What can we say in response to comment, ‘I pray and it doesn’t help’? Father Erik Pohlmeier |
|
God’s math: Subtracting ourselves brings multiplication in spiritual life Brother Roch McClellan, OSB Humans are very good at excuses and the blame game: I sin because everyone is doing it. I get angry and retaliate, but it’s because of what someone else said or did. Most famously of all, “the devil made me do it.” |
|
Jesus teaches us to be kind in every moment, to every person Lou Ann Gieringer I was rushing to work when I saw a young man trying to back a 1970-ish Lincoln Continental or Cadillac out of his driveway. The car was long. It moved slowly. It took a lot of space, especially because he was trying to back out of a driveway that was situated at the beginning of a roundabout. |
|
Is it Ok to receive COVID-19 vaccine? Yes, but keep advocating for life Father Jason Tyler We are all familiar with the phrase, “the end does not justify the means.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church uses that exact phrase in paragraph 1753. Even if we have perfect intention, we must not choose something evil to accomplish it. |
|
Composing our own litany can draw us closer to communion of saints Paula Standridge One of my favorite parts of the Easter Vigil Mass is the litany of the saints. This invocation to members of the church triumphant is moving and powerful. The litany of the saints is believed to be the most ancient of the Church’s litanies since it was mentioned by St. |
|
Letting children come to us and listening when they do Sister M. Glorea Knaggs, OSB The first word of the Rule of St Benedict is “listen.” As an Olivetan Benedictine sister, it has been ingrained in me that listening, primarily to God but also to others, is a keystone of gospel living. |
