The Sign of Jonah

Wednesday, the Gospel at Mass was from Luke 11:29-32, in which Jesus speaks of the cryptic “Sign of Jonah”: While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign… Continue reading The Sign of Jonah

The Glory of the Lord, and the Strange Gifts of the Magi

It’s two days after Latin-Rite Catholics celebrated Epiphany Sunday, and two days before Eastern-Rite Catholics celebrate Epiphany (they celebrate it on the Twelfth Day of Christmas, while we move the feast to Sunday), so it seems fitting to have a post celebrating it right here in the middle. The Epiphany celebrates the Magi’s arrival, coming… Continue reading The Glory of the Lord, and the Strange Gifts of the Magi

How Catholics Pray

It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.”  (Luke 11:1) The question of how we’re to pray is one which all Christians should ask, and seek to understand more… Continue reading How Catholics Pray

The Five-Fold “Empty Tomb” Argument for the Resurrection

Two days ago, I laid the foundation for the Empty Tomb argument: namely, that the New Testament consists of first-century, seemingly first-hand accounts of the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The New Testament claims to be an eyewitness account, and is making some mighty bold claims about what the authors saw and heard.… Continue reading The Five-Fold “Empty Tomb” Argument for the Resurrection

The Bible as History and The Empty Tomb

I was asked on Friday what I thought the most compelling arguments for God to use against atheists were. I cited two: Aquinas’ First Cause argument (although upon further reflection, his First Mover argument is probably better); and the evidence from the empty Tomb. The First Cause/First Mover line of argumentation is cosmological and deals… Continue reading The Bible as History and The Empty Tomb

“Seven Last Words” of Christ on the Cross

“Father forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). “Woman, behold your son; son, behold your mother” (John 19:26-27). “Eli Eli lama sabachthani?” (“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?“, Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34).… Continue reading “Seven Last Words” of Christ on the Cross

Good Friday (Noon)

Matthew 23:33-43, When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” They divided his garments by casting lots. The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile,… Continue reading Good Friday (Noon)