Columnists
Loving God before all else
If asked, most Christians would say we love God before everything else. But if we claim God is our first priority, how well do our actions support that claim? To examine our priorities, we should […]
Articles by Mary Hood Hart | The Catholic Miscellany
Columnists
Jesus shows the way to navigate a world amidst fear and evil
Terrorism attacks. Mass shootings. Deadly floods, droughts, and fires. This is the stuff of nightmares. Our world, both distantly and intimately, can be terrifying because of threats both known and unknown. Of course, the reason […]
Columnists
Cultivating a broader understanding of violence
On one point, I think most of us, especially Christians, can agree: Violence is bad. And yet we often don’t recognize violence in all its forms. Apart from our common understanding, violence is also defined […]
Columnists
Overcoming writer’s block and the roadblocks of life
I don’t usually get writer’s block. Often, days before a column is due, an idea germinates. I play around with the idea in my mind before I sit down at the computer. And, if I’m […]
Columnists
Consider the humanity of the men and women behind bars
“I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Mt 25:36) I’ve never been inside a prison. The closest I have come to inmates is driving past a highway work crew. Too often, I […]
Columnists
Embrace the mercy of God and rejoice in His gift to all mankind
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 Working for a church, I spend a lot of time around Christians. My week days are in a church office. Sundays are […]
Columnists
Walking through the desert with Jesus this Lent
I have plenty of vices to give up for Lent. I love chocolate. White wine is my beverage of choice. I’m pretty much addicted to my smart phone. So, when Lent comes, I have options […]
Columnists
Be merciful to all others, as God is to us
When my son was in Afghanistan, my anxiety and concern compelled me to remember him and the others serving there. However, since his safe return last May, my mind and prayers were not often focused […]
Columnists
God loves all, without exception
Working at a parish, I encounter parents wanting to involve their children and teens in community service. Sometimes this type of outreach is required for a school, a club, or to create a well-rounded college […]
Columnists
Political correctness and an excuse for bullying
Much is being said about political correctness these days. Apparently being politically correct has come to mean that we fail to speak truth because we are trying too hard not to offend. At one time, […]