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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By studying Vatican II, we can become better participants in our faith Sister Susan McCarthy Amazing, as it seems, it has been almost 40 years since the opening of the first session of Vatican Council II on Oct. 11, 1962. From that date until Dec. 8, 1965, the bishops of the world met each fall. |
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Gospels tell us truth about Christ, guide us to salvation Charles Sullivan The Gospels are not biographies but testimonies. They testify, based upon certain selected historical facts and events, that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God who reveals the Father and brings salvation to a fallen world. |
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For the peace of Jerusalem, pray: ‘May those who love you prosper’ Jerre Roberts In the past few months our attention has been riveted on the tragic events in the Middle East, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I remember the day 21 years ago, entering Jerusalem on a small bus as we prayed the words of Psalm 122. |
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When a crisis occurs, we can do the most important thing: Pray Abbot Jerome Kodell, OSB Four days after the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, I left the abbey to give a retreat at a monastery of Benedictine women. Unlike the experience of thousands of others, my immediate plans were not disrupted by the tragic events of that day. |
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We are called to follow Jesus through his suffering, death, resurrection Father Raphael Kitz, OCD Lent is a season in which we are called to follow Jesus along his road to Jerusalem when he will suffer, die and rise again. This risen Lord is the goal of the Lenten season, which culminates in the celebration of the Easter Vigil. |
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Wisdom, strength of Christ’s cross reveals worldly folly, weakness Father Andrew Smith Jesus knew that people would see the signs that he worked, the miracles he performed, but would refuse to see the messages behind the signs and the miracles. Instead they would see him as a wonder worker, a super man, a good show. He knew that they would not recognize who he really was. |
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Through prayer, fasting, almsgiving, our hearts should yearn for God Eleanor Henley Lent is the time of year when the Church calls us to conversion of heart, to find out who we truly are before God. We are called to amend our lives while realizing that when God calls we are given the grace to respond. |
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Presentation of Jesus in the temple prepared him for ministry Betsy Wiederkehr Huss Feb. 2 is the date our Church calendar marks as the feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. It occurs 40 days after the celebration of Christmas, a time period that was significant in the life of a faithful Jewish couple, such as Mary and Joseph. |
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Become aware of God’s love and presence in the here and now Judy Hoelzeman After the tragedies on Sept. 11, church attendance spiked. People flocked to churches and synagogues. According to a motivational psychologist, they went to church to calm their fears and to have profound questions answered. |
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Basis of Catholic interpretation of Bible differs from Protestants’ Abbot Jerome Kodell 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. |
