Category Archives: Fundamental Theology

The Trinitarian Experience in Christian Life

Posted on August 1, 2010 by Deacon Bob

Perhaps most characteristic of Christianity is the doctrine of the Trinity: God is one, yet three Persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Of course, the center of our Christian experience is Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the … Continue reading →

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The Call to Celibacy

Posted on May 20, 2010 by Deacon Bob

Celibacy is a special vocation to live life without sexual intercourse and to integrate one’s sexuality completely into one’s life — into all that one does and says. All of us are called to live an integrated life, expressing our … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics and Morality, Fundamental Theology, General Interest, Human Development and Life | 2 Comments

The Wiles of the Devil

Posted on April 18, 2010 by Deacon Bob

Nowadays we tend not to want to speak of the devil and his deceptions. Many current (and erroneous) theologies would have us believe that the person of the devil does not exist, that he is a medieval artifact, and perhaps … Continue reading →

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Modern Idols

Posted on March 6, 2010 by Deacon Bob

I am off to a short retreat for the diaconate community. Earlier today I was praying the Office of Readings. The scripture reading was of the Ten Commandments and the patristic reading was from St. Ambrose and his discussion of … Continue reading →

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The Case for Humility

Posted on February 20, 2010 by Deacon Bob

Great reading from St. Irenaeus in the Office today. He makes the case for humility. An excerpt, my English translation: “He commands us to follow him, not because he has need of our service, but to give us salvation. To … Continue reading →

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Wisdom of God in Creation

Posted on February 16, 2010 by Deacon Bob

It is interesting that we end the current stretch of Ordinary time in the Office of Readings with St. Anthanasius writing about the Wisdom of God. His explanation of Wisdom, as revealed in the Book of Proverbs (Proverbs 8: 1-5, 12-36) … Continue reading →

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The Rise of Paganism in Western Culture

Posted on February 3, 2010 by Deacon Bob

I have been thinking a bit about the increasingly obvious presence of paganism in our culture. Buddhists, Wiccans, and New Age philosophies seem to be catching the attention and souls of many. One hears so often of “mindfulness.” When listening to … Continue reading →

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“Bilingual” Christianity

Posted on January 19, 2010 by Deacon Bob

I heard on a talk show this morning a guest saying that we Christians need to be “bilingual” in today’s world.  He wasn’t referring to speaking a foreign language, even though I personally believe that is an increasingly important skill … Continue reading →

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The Manhattan Declaration

Posted on November 23, 2009 by Deacon Bob

As you may have already read, a large contingent of Catholic bishops (including Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York), evangelical leaders, Orthodox bishops and other religious leaders have signed and promulgated The Manhattan Declaration. It speaks to the sanctity of … Continue reading →

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The End Times — St. Fulgentius of Ruspe

Posted on November 16, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Today’s Office of Readings includes a section from the treatise entitled, “The Remission” written by St. Fulgentius of Ruspe.  He speaks of the end times for each of us personally. Here is a snippet (my translation of the Italian): “Grace … Continue reading →

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Pope Benedict on the End Times

Posted on November 15, 2009 by Deacon Bob

As you know, we are in the last two weeks of the liturgical year. Today’s readings for Mass are all about the end times, and the homilies of today are centered on that. Our Holy Father similarly took up this … Continue reading →

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God as Father, and Mother?!

Posted on November 4, 2009 by Deacon Bob

His Holiness, Pope John Paul I had this to say on September 10, 1978 in his Angelus address to the people: “We are the objects of undying love on the part of God. We know: he has always his eyes … Continue reading →

Posted in Fundamental Theology, Papa Luciani (Pope John Paul I), Popes | 1 Comment

The Devil’s Fear

Posted on October 30, 2009 by Deacon Bob

I will be preaching the weekend of November 7-8 about the power of the mercy and grace and presence of God in our lives.  Been working on the homily the last couple of days. I was surprised to see an … Continue reading →

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Saint of the Day Quote

Posted on January 2, 2009 by Deacon Bob

January 2 is the feast day of Sts. Basil and Gregory. St. Basil, in his tract on the Holy Spirit, has a beautiful line about divine nature. He wrote,  “As the Father is made visible in the Son, so is … Continue reading →

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