by Fr. Dwight Longenecker Jesus never says he is God, so why do Christians insist that he is divine?” So argued the young man on the internet. The fact that Jesus is God incarnate is the cornerstone of our faith. It is the bedrock of the…

by Fr. Dwight Longenecker After my talk at a parish mission, one of the women came up looking a bit flustered. “Father, can I ask you a question?” “Sure.” “I was at Mass yesterday and the priest said in his homily that the story of Jonah…

by Father Dwight Longenecker Part of the magic of Christmas is giving and receiving gifts. The presents might be simple, homemade, and practical or expensive and luxurious, but they represent the love we have for one another. To put it…

BY FR. DWIGHT LONGENECKER While this is understandable from someone who is simply ignorant of the facts, it is amazing that so many Biblical scholars also believe the New Testament is historically unreliable. Most do not take the extreme…

When I was growing up, one of the local television news channels had the upbeat brand “Eyewitness News.” They prided themselves on being on location as news events unfolded, providing sharp analysis and snappy interviews with those who had…

After years of neglect by her drug-addicted mother, the social worker finally put eight-year-old Carol, into foster care. She was adopted by a loving family, but the damage had been done. Carol was wounded at a very deep level. Racked with…

We’re lined up at the back of church. The high school student who is thurifer holds the incense thurible, which is billowing smoke. To his side a little boy holds the “boat” containing the incense. Behind them the crucifer is…

At the very heart of the Catholic Mass, the priest turns to the people and lifts up the chalice and consecrated bread that has become the body and blood of Christ. He repeats the words of St. John the Baptist when he saw Jesus coming to him…

Every Christmas the Nativity set is unpacked. The shepherds find their place, and the three Wise Men and their camels join them. It’s likely that one of the Wise Men is Asian, one African, and one Caucasian. The best-informed children will…

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second part of Fr. Longenecker’s series in which he explains the deeper significance of the elements of the Catholic Mass. Click here to read part one.  Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is one of the most easily…