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.

Forming the faith a priority because it is meant to transform lives
Sandy Compas
The first communicants and their parents had made crosses, and the children were busy decorating them, while their parents, in an adjoining room, were asked, “When have you experienced the paschal mystery?”
Mysteries of rosary focus on all major events that led to our salvation
Charles T. Sullivan
Along with several friends, my youngest daughter helped organize an informal Catholic girls’ Bible study group in her dorm at the University of Arkansas.
Giving control of life to God is point of Jesus’ message to rich man
Abbot Jerome Kodell, OSB
The Gospel story of the rich man is a puzzler. Why does Jesus say that this man, who has been keeping the commandments since childhood, cannot be saved unless he sells his possessions and gives his money to the poor? Why does he have to do this when others don’t?
Message received during a homily involves listener and speaker
Dr. Linda Webster
On Nov. 20, 1863, Abraham Lincoln penned a reply to Edward Everett, the more anticipated of the speakers at the Gettysburg cemetery, who had praised the brevity of the president’s remarks.
Scriptural accounts have been embellished through the centuries
Sister Susan McCarthy, RDC
Historical writer, Thomas Cahill, in his book “Desire of the Everlasting Hills: The World Before And After Jesus” has written a chapter on “Paul’s Jesus.” In his description of Paul’s conversion experience Cahill says, “This pharisee, riding his horse hard toward Damascus …had been knocked from h
Jesus’ cross is the great sign of Christian hope for all humanity
Charles T. Sullivan
The cross is the most universal and recognizable of all the Christian symbols. For nearly 2,000 years, the cross has been reverenced as a sacred reminder of Christ’s passion and thereby considered the great sign of our salvation.
Mystery of Trinity beyond understanding, but treasures worth effort
Father Erik Pohlmeier
People have long been fascinated by mystery. There is something about the unknown that captivates us. Books and movies have made millions offering a chance to solve a mystery before the final act is revealed.
God uses metaphor of an eagle’s wings to encourage trust in him
Father Raphael Kitz, OCD
A teaching that runs through the Scriptures and is found in all Christian literature is that of entrusting one’s life and destiny to the Lord.
Forgiveness, love found in Eucharist; gift empowers us to forgive
Father Andrew Smith
In the history of the Church, there has always been devotion to the Eucharist, our source of life. But the devotion has taken different forms throughout the centuries.
There are lessons to be learned from early Church communities
Dr. Linda Webster
The image of all these faithful people living, rejoicing, and sharing together that Luke describes in this Sunday’s passage from Acts (2:42- 7) seems rather frenzied, yet profound.

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