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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Act of God is not the storm, but the death that gives life Father Erik Pohlmeier In July 1803, Lord Ellenborogh in London ruled that insurance carriers were not responsible for damage caused by “acts of God.” While this phrase was meant to describe a legal matter, it seems to have had a theological consequence. |
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Holiness is desire for God, intertwined with personal integrity Father Jerome Kodell, OSB The Letter to the Hebrews tells us to strive for holiness, “without which no one will see the Lord.” (12:14) But what do we mean by holiness? We might say, “I know it when I see it.” But do we? |
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This is the year to take journey of Advent on way to Jesus’ birth Lou Ann Gieringer We are halfway through Advent, and most of us are wondering what Christmas will be like this year. It might be strange, or even lonely for us. We might not be able to get together with family. Some may not be able to physically attend Mass. |
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Look to Jesus for hope, strength, guidance during pandemic Father Jason Tyler In early November, I had an opportunity to hear from Catholic hospital officials in Arkansas about their experiences in battling the COVID-19 pandemic. The occasion was the annual meeting of the Healthcare Evangelization Commission, as reported in the Nov. |
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Placing ourselves in Scriptures can help us apply them to present life Paula Standridge One of the many facets of Ignatian prayer, developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, includes the practice of placing oneself in Scripture to become a part of the biblical scene, in order to draw some practical applications for present life. |
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Focusing on invisible realities at Mass can instill wonder in faithful Sister M. Glorea Knaggs, OSB Before entering religious life, I attended a Catholic conference for young adults. I remember little about it, save the testimony of a woman who was telling her vocation story in a large auditorium. |
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Take your spiritual, mental pain to God by praying your own lament Judy Hoelzeman In 1953, my mother developed a blood clot after childbirth. While my mother lay close to death, my father went to the hospital chapel and prayed, “Not my will but thine be done.” My mother lived. My father told her later that voicing that prayer was the hardest thing he ever had to do. |
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I needed to forgive to not be bound by damage of divorce Kelli Nugent In preparing for this column, I located and read my journal of thoughts, prayers and feelings during the time of my separation and divorce. |
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Take courage, do justice, love goodness and walk humbly with God Betsy Wiederkehr Huss What does God ask of us? In this ninth month of the year 2020, tons of stressful stuff is going on in our world, Church, communities, families and in our own lives. So, delving into what God requires of us may take courage. |
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Daily Examen designed to help us recognize God in everyday life Jeff Hines A beautiful phrase sits like a smooth stone in the cascade of words that are the documents of Vatican II. |
