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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Icon of Mary’s dormition is reminder of eternal happiness for souls Deacon Mike Cumnock When I was growing up in the 1950s, the feast of the Assumption, which we celebrate this week, was actually a new feast in the Church. However, it had been a long-standing celebratory event. |
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St. John Paul II explains Christian meaning of suffering Edward C. Dodge St. John Paul II’s apostolic letter promulgated in 1984 titled: "Salvifici Doloris" (“On the Christian Meaning of Suffering") offers us some profound meditations for how we approach our world today. Let’s situate what an apostolic letter is among other Church documents. |
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Just an obligation? Use pandemic time to reflect on hunger for God Father Erik Pohlmeier What does obligation mean in a time of pandemic? As Catholics we quickly associate this word with participating in Mass on Sundays. |
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What Zacchaeus, a burnt beard and joy in Christ teach us Brother Roch McClellan, OSB The account of Zacchaeus found at the beginning of Chapter 19 of St. Luke’s Gospel always makes me smile. Zacchaeus, the “short of stature” and “wealthy” chief tax collector in the city of Jericho, feels a burning desire to see Jesus, but he can’t see over the crowd. |
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Being pro-life means standing up for rights of every person Lou Ann Gieringer “Every individual, precisely by reason of the mystery of the Word of God who was made flesh (cf. John 1:14), is entrusted to the maternal care of the Church. |
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Suspending public Masses was in line with ‘common good’ principle Father Jason Tyler While on my way to visit a parishioner in the hospital in early March, someone asked me in the hospital elevator whether my church was still having Sunday services with the coronavirus threat increasing. |
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Catholics needed in world to show hope, despite flaws Paula Standridge In 2015 Pope Francis made an historic visit to the United States. The television coverage of his visit was constant and intensive. Every move he made and appearance even so slight was chronicled. There were thousands of people in the streets of New York waiting for a glimpse of the pope. |
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Rejoice with St. Joseph when God overthrows idols in our lives Kelli Nugent “Go to Joseph …” (Genesis 41:55) the people of Egypt were told when afflicted by famine in their land. Today, we too are urged to go to Joseph, the watchful defender of Christ, the foster father of the Son of God, the spouse of the Virgin Mary and the head of the Holy Family. |
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Prayer in uncertain times should focus on relationship with God Judy Hoelzeman It is hard to conceive how many prayers God has listened to in this time of the COVID-19 crisis. Surely God’s prayer load has increased beyond our imagination. |
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In exchange for losing anonymity, sisters witness God’s tender love Sister M. Glorea Knaggs, OSB Before entering religious life, I took great pleasure in spending the occasional afternoon at Barnes and Noble. I loved sitting in a big armchair with my Starbucks, sampling books and periodically observing fellow patrons. |
