Articles
The Cost of Christmas
As Christians, what are we called to do because we have received God’s gift of love at Christmas? As Pope Leo XIV writes in his apostolic exhortation, Dilexi Te, “It is not enough to profess the doctrine of God’s Incarnation in general terms. To enter truly into this great mystery, we need to understand clearly that the Lord took on a flesh that hungers and thirsts and experiences infirmity and imprisonment.” “For Christians, the poor are not a sociological category, but the very flesh of Christ.” In Dilexit Nos, Pope Francis wrote that Christ identified himself “with the lowest ranks of society” and with his love poured out in the end, he confirms the dignity of every human being, especially when “they are weak, scorned or suffering.” In the gospel about the Final Judgement, Jesus identifies himself as a brother in need of food, drink and succor.
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A Feast Day for Conscientious Objectors
On our nation’s secular calendar, November 11 is celebrated as Veterans Day, honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. But on the Church’s calendar, November 11 is the feast of St. Martin of Tours (316-397), who is recognized as one of the Church’s first conscientious objectors.
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Statement on the Eve of the 2024 Elections
In the spirit of Pope Francis's call for fraternity and social friendship in Fratelli Tutti, his plea for the care of our earth in Laudato Si, and his understanding of our Gospel mission in Evangelii Gaudium, Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore recognizes the elections as a crucial moment for shaping a society grounded in peace, accountability, and the common good.
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Did Jesus Tell His Disciples to Arm Themselves?
Some Christians who support the right to bear arms cite Luke 22:36 as support for their views, saying that Jesus instructed his disciples to arm themselves. But Jesus is speaking figuratively here. His disciples misunderstand his statement and take it literally—the same mistake Christian supporters of gun rights make.
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Interfaith in Action
Attending my first Parliament of the World's Religions conference was a deeply enriching experience. This conference served as a powerful reminder of the importance of interfaith dialogue in today's world. In a time when division often takes precedence, the Parliament provided a remarkable platform for diverse religious and spiritual traditions to come together, fostering mutual respect, cooperation, and harmony.
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