Fr. Dwight Longenecker

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…

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…

Why is it that, when we take the youth group to camp on retreat, we always make sure there is a campfire on the schedule? Why do we put up with the dirt, soot, and smoke of a fireplace in our home when we no longer need it for heat? Why do…

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third part of Fr. Longenecker’s series in which he explains the deeper significance of the elements of the Catholic Mass. Part one is "The Mass: Praising & Processing." Part two is "The Mass: The Living Word."…

Five hundred years ago, the Church and the world plum­meted into crisis. The Protes­tant Revolution split Europe into warring factions. In the wake of Martin Luther’s preaching, Germany erupted in a revolt among the peasants that…

One of the favorite activities for young children is a book at bedtime. When parents, grandparents, or big brothers and sisters curl up with a young child to read a good book, relationships are strengthened, bonds are built, and both heads…