Columns

Perhaps because Pope Francis, with his pulmonary fragility, knew what it was like to struggle for breath, in the maturity of his life he helped the church to breathe.

Scripture for Life: The Easter season offers us the opportunity to let ourselves be perplexed and even to doubt as we wait for the good news to saturate our souls.

Mary Magdalene's sorrow turns to bewildered joy when Jesus says her name. As I sit with her sorrow-turned-joy, I think of the people I love, who could call me back to myself just by saying my name. 

I'd received questions from my Ukrainian friends and relatives doubting the pope's stance toward their suffering. But on April 21, I read words of gratitude from many Ukrainians to Francis for his support and sympathy.

In gratitude for Pope Francis' life and leadership, let us recommit to become who we are meant to be and embrace the new life that is ours this spring.

Pope Francis has made an impression. He's shown us he wants to be a brother to all, radiating the joy of the gospel and inviting us to a deeper relationship with Jesus. At least, this is what he's done for me.

There is an unbelievability to this day. The day after the day that everything changed, which of course, is and was three days after the day they thought was the day that changed everything. Yet, that is the thing we often forget about the Easter story: no one who took part in it knew what was going to happen.

Scripture for Life: The resurrection is not a mystery to be clung to, but a practice to develop in ever new and deeper ways.