Grace is the most perplexing, powerful force in the universe, and, I believe, the only hope for our twisted, violent planet.

When I pray for another person, I am praying for God to open my eyes so that I can see that person as God does, and then enter into the stream of love that God already directs toward that person.

I have learned that faith means trusting in advance what will make sense only in reverse.

Yet as I read the birth stories about Jesus I cannot help but conclude that though the world may be tilted toward the rich and powerful, God is tilted toward the underdog.

In a nutshell, the Bible from Genesis 3 to Revelation 22 tells the story of a God reckless with desire to get his family back.

Grace, like water, flows to the lowest part.

The proof of spiritual maturity is not how pure you are but awareness of your impurity. That very awareness opens the door to grace.

Any discussion of how pain and suffering fit into God's scheme ultimately leads back to the cross.

No one ever converted to Christianity because they lost the argument.

In the stories of extravagant grace given to us by Jesus, there are no loopholes disqualifying us from God's love.

I doubt God keeps track of how many arguments we win; God may indeed keep track of how well we love.

Come on people! Somebody disagree with me! How can we learn anything if no one will disagree?" Rabbi Stern

Weeds blend in

I have not tried to write the history of that language, but rather the archaeology of that silence.

Judges and senates have been bought for gold; Esteem and love were never to be sold.

All of us. All of us. We're doomed.

Tape record your parents' laughter

Growing up in a New Jersey suburb, my Catholic faith was an important part of my young life, shaping the way I approached the world.

Sometimes people credit me for the Tea Party. It's actually the other way around.

I never dreamed of being a flagbearer. Every athlete has a wish to get to the Olympic Games. I had that wish, but to carry the flag of your country is doubly thrilling.

Everyone knows that marriage is the biggest personal decision you make, but it's the biggest career decision you can make.