See, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves, so be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves.Matthew 10:16 I decided a long time ago to believe the best of people. It is a matter of innocence, So it is difficult to defend. Even in Our Lord's advice quoted above, the innocence … Continue reading Believe the Best
Personhood
What People Think
When contemplating an action, should we care what people think? It is a question we all ask ourselves. Because we are relational beings, we need each other. We have a natural desire for unity. We want everyone to agree all the time, so we often find ways to compromise. Compromise is good and healthy, but … Continue reading What People Think
The Ben Franklin Effect
“This is another instance of the truth of an old maxim I had learned, which says, He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another than he whom you yourself have obliged.” Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography ____________ The Ben Franklin Effect Humility Benjamin Franklin’s maxim above speaks of the … Continue reading The Ben Franklin Effect
Crisis
Crisis comes from the Greek word “krisis” meaning “decision”. It came to be used in medieval medicine for the turning-point in a disease; the moment when either the patient or the illness gains the upper hand. In modern English, a crisis is a moment that demands decisive action. ____________ Crisis Moments of crisis are brought … Continue reading Crisis
Declaration Part I
On the Fourth of July, my family continued a long-standing American tradition; we celebrated our country’s Independence Day by reading aloud the document we honor with that day: The Declaration of Independence. I believe that looking carefully at this document helps us understand our history and the purpose for which this nation was founded. I … Continue reading Declaration Part I
Personhood: Part Three
This is my final installment in my three-week series on personhood. First, I wrote Part One: Personhood—Relational Being. Last week, I wrote Part Two: Personhood—Fallen Individuals. Today, I will focus on Part Three: Personhood Redeemed. In part one, I talked about what it might mean to think of the human person as a relational being. … Continue reading Personhood: Part Three
Personhood: Part Two
This is my second week of writing on Personhood. Last week, I wrote Part One: Personhood—Relational Being. Today, I will focus on Part Two: Personhood—Fallen Individuals. Next week, I’ll write Part Three: Personhood Redeemed. In part one, I talked about what it might mean to think of the human person as a relational being. This … Continue reading Personhood: Part Two
Personhood: Part One
This past week, we Catholics celebrated Trinity Sunday. The Trinity is the central mystery of our faith; three Persons—the Father, Son, and Spirit—in one God. Meditating on this mystery always brings me back to the mystery of persons. In honor of this Solemnity, I’m going to do a trilogy of posts. Part One: Personhood—Relational Being; … Continue reading Personhood: Part One
A Grain of Salt 