A regular topic for catechesis about the Catholic faith is an explanation of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit as found in the Book of Isaiah 11:1–3 (NABRE). Much has been said and written about these gifts, but there often still arises a significant amount of confusion about one—fear of …

On September 10, 2016, Abbot Gregory Polan, O.S.B., of Conception Abbey in northeast Missouri—a place close to the heart of Turning to God’s Word —was elected Abbot Primate by the Congress of Abbots of the 1,500-year-old Benedictine Order. As leader of the Benedictine Confederation, Abbot Gregory will be the unifying …

In the Gospel According to Luke 16:1–13, (NABRE), Jesus presents a parable about stewardship. The word that the evangelist uses for stewardship, οἰκονομία (oikonomia) is a complex Greek word that defies simple translation. Looking with more detail into this word and its usage can give us a fuller and richer …

In his First Letter to Timothy 1:17 (NABRE), Paul describes God using a number of different terms: “the king of ages, incorruptible, invisible, the only God.” One of these is especially interesting in light of the relatively recent change to the translation of the Nicene Creed used during the liturgy. …

For its liturgy, the Catholic Church follows a set schedule of readings called a lectionary. Daily readings are on a two-year cycle alternating between years 1 and 2, while Sunday readings are on a three-year cycle alternating between years A, B, and C. Over a period of three years, those …

The New Testament offers many references to salvation, which is one of the central concepts of Christianity. Christians often refer to salvation as being “saved.” In the Gospel According to Luke 13:23 (NABRE), Jesus is asked: “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” The Greek root of the word translated as …

The Letter to the Hebrews 11:1 (NABRE) teaches: “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” Although often quoted as a definition of faith, this verse seems to be more about the relationship between faith and hope than it is a definition of …

In the Gospel According to Luke 10:1–20 (NABRE), Jesus sends 72 of his followers out ahead of him to announce that the kingdom of God is at hand. This sending out marks the beginning of Jesus sending his followers to prepare his way. After Jesus’ Resurrection, his followers continue to see their …

In the Letter to the Galatians 5:1 (NABRE), Paul emphasizes the freedom granted in Christianity: “For freedom Christ set us free.” This statement is typical of Paul’s writing and can be a bit tricky to unravel. Clearly, the key word in this case is the word freedom. The Greek word …

A recurring theme in the Old and New Testaments is that of being anointed. In the Second Book of Samuel 12:7 (NABRE), the prophet Nathan speaks for God: “Thus says the LORD God of Israel: I anointed you king over Israel.” Throughout Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, he refers to …