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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Mass of Christian burial source of wisdom, grace Sister M. Glorea Knaggs, OSB In the past 10 months, I’ve attended six funerals: my two grandmothers, three of my sisters in religious life and one of my former students. |
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Love world, creation as St. Francis of Assisi did Judy Hoelzeman I imagine that most of us have a favorite time to enjoy the beauty of nature. I look forward most to fall, with its bright colors and its cooler temperatures. Fall is a perfect time to walk, and for me, a perfect time to become more aware of God and the wonder of God’s works of nature. |
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Anatomy of a blessing: Church’s how, who and what to bless Kelli Nugent A treasured memory I hold is receiving a blessing from both of my parents each night before bed. At least, most of the time it was treasured, except when I was at odds with them. |
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All welcome in Church: Open doors, arms, hearts Betsy Wiederkehr Huss Ever since hearing the crowds in Portugal at World Youth Day this August cry out, “Todos, todos, todos!” (“Everyone, everyone, everyone!”) I have wondered how well (or not) I am opening my heart to all of God’s children. |
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Basis of Catholic Bible interpretation differs from Protestants’ Father Jerome Kodell, OSB Catholics are often criticized for not knowing the Bible as well as their Protestant brothers and sisters. Many Protestants are able to quote texts and to answer questions about their beliefs with a line from the Bible, while Catholics are not so quick on the draw. |
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Jesus transforms our desires during Mass Jeff Hines “I didn’t get anything out of it.” A person who has stopped coming to Mass might say. But what can we expect to get out of Mass? |
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Applying historical-critical reading of Scripture can prove edifying Edward C. Dodge My graduate school Bible professor often repeated this line: stories have to make sense to the first hearers, too. |
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In blessing and suffering, stay focused on promise of heaven Father Andrew Hart, JCL A basic truth of the Christian life is that we are to raise our eyes from present circumstances to future realities. This lesson is often cited in times of suffering. By recalling God’s promises and past consolations, we can more easily endure passing hardships. |
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Frustrated with bad news? Do four things to change the world Lou Ann Gieringer Why do people act and speak as if they hate so many other people? What we hear and see on the news is overpoweringly sad, scary and filled with hate. Hate takes up so much energy and encompasses our lives with a feeling of helplessness. |
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To live abundantly, we must align our desires with Christ Father Jason Tyler The idea of Jesus as the Good Shepherd comes from the words of Jesus himself in John’s Gospel. It was so strong in early Christianity that the image of Jesus the Good Shepherd shows up on the walls of many ancient catacombs. |
