Category

    In my last reflection here, I argued against euthanasia and physician assisted suicide—medically available options in an increasing number of countries, and states in the U.S. But as with many other unethical practices, simply making the case for their wrongness is... Read More →

  Someone once remarked that life is a series of interruptions. That certainly is the case for the pastor of a parish in the city that never sleeps! Yet this description of day-to-day life really applies to just about everyone. We all have tasks to accomplish each day. We... Read More →

  At the time of our Lord’s birth, Jews were present in most major cities throughout the known world. This was called the “Diaspora,” which the story of Pentecost refers to in the Book of Acts (2:1-11), where we read that, “Staying in Jerusalem were devout Jews of every... Read More →

      In the ancient world, baby girls were in effect disposable. Women were necessary to produce the next generation, but they could not inherit, fight in wars, or carry the family name, so girls were not generally seen as worthy of much investment. In parts of ancient... Read More →

  On the Sunday before Christmas, many Christians will hear an excerpt from the “Visitation” of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56). The story climbs the heights of pro-life philosophy, so I quote a portion here: Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste... Read More →

    Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame,... Read More →

    A pastor who has been at it for a while knows that the main event every December is the Christmas Eve Service of Worship. In that service, Isaiah 9:2-7 is stirringly read; and Luke 2:1-20, on the birth of Jesus, joyfully declared. Then the Word is preached. And Holy... Read More →

    The reports from Canada are particularly disturbing. “Medical Assistance in Dying” is the term used there—MAiD it is called—and in the few years since the Canadian supreme court found a fundamental right to demand medical assistance with one’s death, the numbers... Read More →

    This year the last Sunday in November (in the Catholic calendar) is the last Sunday of the Christian year, the feast of Christ the King. Twenty-first century Christians believe in Jesus Christ as King though most do so with little understanding of the nature of real... Read More →

    The 50th Anniversary Dinner of the Human Life Review was held on November 13th at the Union League Club in New York City. I was privileged to be present. It was a wonderful gathering of friends who all agree that there is nothing more important in life than to do... Read More →