Father Joshua J. Whitfield is pastor of St. Rita Catholic Community in Dallas and author of “The Crisis of Bad Preaching” (Ave Maria Press, $17.95) and other books.
In this week’s Opening the Word, Father Joshua Whitfield discusses the joys of capturing wonder and thanksgiving. He writes: “With our awe and thankfulness, we share in that same thing: in God’s contemplation of creation. That is, when we experience wondrous thanks,
In this week’s Opening the Word, Father Joshua Whitfield looks at Gospel for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. Father Whitfield says that it is our moral call to see Lazarus today, to make
In this week’s Opening the Word, Father Joshua Whitfield looks at readings for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time in which Christ teaches the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin and the prodigal son. “In these famous parables,” Father Whitfield
As the Church continues its Synod of Bishops on syndality, Father Joshua Whitfield explores the duty of the faithful — that is, the Body of Christ — to find a space where one can truly hear God’s voice and listen. Father Whitfield
For the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Father Joshua Whitfield walks us through the Gospel reading, in which Jesus’ commands make us a little uncomfortable. Quoting Scripture, Father Whitfield writes: “‘When you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame,
This week in Opening the Word Scripture reflection for the 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Father Joshua Whitfield writes about peace: “The peace that Jesus gives after his resurrection seems to be fundamentally different from the peace the world gives. The peace
This week in Opening the Word Scripture reflection for the 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Father Joshua Whitfield examines the parable of the rich fool, which is highlighted in this weekend’s Gospel reading. Jesus uses the parable to teach each one of
In preparing us for Mass for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Father Joshua Whitfield writes that the Gospel reading recounting the story of Martha and Mary continues to remain pertinent for us today, as we all know the feeling of busying
For the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Father Joshua Whitfield explores how we can apply the lesson from the Gospel of Luke to our lives today. In the reading Christ sends 72 men out from Jerusalem to preach and heal in his
Be ready for Mass on Corpus Christi Sunday! Father Joshua Whitfield writes that ever since God gave manna to the people of Israel who wandered the desert, he’s been feeding his flock. It’s important to remember that he continues to feed us