No theological games here! Following on from the interesting discussion generated last week by his commentary, Dr Andrew Kania today cuts into the real heavy stuff looking at the Theology of the Soul. He suggests we might read this reflection in light of Psalm 51: 1-17. This is a "no-nonsense" theological commentary seeking to explore the ultimate objective of the spiritual quest from a largely Eastern Catholic perspective. This is spirituality for adults at its best! [more]

10.5: The name of Israel was expunged from all records… One of the great tragedies of human history has probably been the destruction of Jerusalem. Who do we blame: the Romans in general, Hadrian or his successors in particular, or Simon Bar-Cochba who led the Jewish revolt that was put down by the Romans? Who knows? What we do know is that Jerusalem was left a virtual wasteland for much of the Common Era up until the 20th Century — our "living memory". Tom Lee's commentary today looks briefly at what happened to Jerusalem under the Romans but ends with some valuable insights into what all this meant for the subsequent development of Christianity as well. This concludes Part 10 of his manuscript. [more]

Merry Christmas from a converted Scrooge in San Jose! Tom McMahon asked me to hold the commentary he'd already written on penance for this Sunday 'cos "'tis the season to be jolly". In its place he sent through a second commentary more in keeping with the Spirit of the Season. He bases much of this commentary around an article in America Magazine on the Christianity of Charles Dickens by Michael Timko. Between Michael Timko and Tom McMahon you'll find much worth reflecting on and getting jolly about in preparation for Christmas… [more]

It's time for our ecclesial leaders to stop playing games! Our editorial today was triggered by a commentary Fr Eric Hodgens sent in late yesterday in which he expresses moral support for Archbishop John Bathersby and the parish community at St Mary's South Brisbane. In our editorial we amplify what Fr Hodgens has to say and suggest it is time the Bishops started to get serious in responding to the spiritual needs of ALL Catholics and not just the insecure and conservative minority who have been driving everyone else to distraction — or out the doors of our Church. [more]

May the Holy Spirit be with you! Dick Westley argues today: "Clearly, human love is what matters, there can be no true spirituality without it. A moment's reflection on our lives reveals to us that the way the Holy Spirit works in our lives is precisely through "human" love. Through human love the Spirit breaks the strangle-hold of individualism on our lives and links us to one another. ... By linking us all together, Spirit ultimately links us to God. It is through the work of Spirit in our lives that our isolation ends and we become joined to one another and subsequently to God. That is the central message of Catholicism/Christianity." [more]

A Tale of Two Cities – Part 2 Given that nearly 90% of the baptised population have walked away from regular participation and listening to what the institution has to say in the space of a century, it is almost futile to pretend that anyone at the top is listening to any of the commentaries or discussion in a place like Catholica. "Truth" or "wisdom" is simply not perceived to originate from directions other than via the royal telephone coming down from the top. We can but continue "chipping away". Today Fr Dan Donovan's commentary might be considered in two parts. The first part seeks to take an overview of why things have developed in the way they have — why the Church has become so divided and why so many have "simply walked away". In the second part he applies particular focus to one group, Opus Dei, which exemplifies this simplistic philosophy or theology that has zealot-like attraction to a small sector in society but which leaves the great majority feeling absolutely cold and totally disinterested in what Catholicism has to offer. As Fr Donovan argues though this is the element that is favoured at the highest realms of the Church as offering a "way forward" — a way to enthuse, or re-evangelise, the world again. Fear unlocks wallets though more effectively than pickpockets. They presently have the money and the power. There is no evidence from any objective reading of the recent history of the Church that these groups have even the proverbial snowflakes chance in hell of turning things around. They point instead to a remnant Church — a Church left preaching only to the 5% who fervently believe they have "all the answers". One can only speculate what Almighty God might eventually have to say about this methodology. Fr Dan ends his commentary in a positive way. Many are no longer prepared to simply "walk away". Communities are emerging which encourage their "members to personalise faith and to take responsibility for their decisions". He argues we need a strong local Church and we need a Church leadership "whose authority is rooted in service not power" and the Eucharistic meal "is the key to authority in the Church". He also argues the Eucharist is "the blueprint for all Christian life". [more]

A Tale of Two Cities – Part 1 The priority for Rome as far as Australia is concerned has to be restoring to the people a sense of pride and respect for the institution. People are over this game of constantly trying to prove we Catholics are the only one's with answers and putting other people down as inferior to us because they do not share in our understanding of truth. In this cutting two-part series, which we publish today and tomorrow, Fr Daniel Donovan cuts to the heart of the problem in Australia. As an urgent priority we need an episcopal leadership in this country that the people can look up to with respect — not a leadership that is divided, and with one of the main players constantly wanting to appease the tiny minority who seek certitude over truth, and law over love. At present even our bishops are collectively divided because of what Rome tried to impose on this country under the leadership of Pope John Paul II. It has been divisive in the extreme. We need an Episicopal Leadership team in this country which is united and shares a common understanding of what our spiritual quest is ultimately about. Enough of these kindergarten-level games trying to constantly prove "we're the kings of the castle and everyone else are heretics and the damned". We need a leadership that is capable of acknowledging the complexities of modern life — and the Mystery of Life — and which is capable of leading us into the complexity, and the Mystery, not constantly trying to take the complexity and Mystery out of Life by reducing everything down to kindergarten-level rules, certitudes and simplicitudes. We need an Episcopal Leadership that respects the people they lead and one which, in turn, is respected by the people. Fr Daniel Donovan's critique has its focus on the Mother Diocese of this Great South Land of the Holy Spirit. He has entitled his essay "A Tale of Two Cities". [more]