One of my close friends from seminary, Fr. Peter Langenkamp, would routinely take umbrage at the pejorative usage of his name,specifically the phrase “to peter out.” I suspect he would also object to what is commonly called “the peter principle,” which is a work hierarchy theory that states that people rise to the level of their own incompetence in organizations. In short, employees are promoted for being good at their job without consideration of whether their skills translate to the next rung up the ladder. If that employee does happen to succeed in a new role, the process starts over again, until eventually they find themselves doing a job to which they’re not particularly suited.   Click on title for full column.

Happy Solemnity of Christ the King. This final Sunday helps us to reorient ourselves to Him, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord, enthroned on the Cross, is giving us the example of Christian discipleship. Everything we do is for Him, with Him, and in Him, all for the salvation of souls. He is our King, and for that we rejoice!   Click on title for full column.

Of all the minor inconveniences and little pains in life, I submit to you that losing an argument is the absolute worst. I imagine that some of you, being far more well-adjusted and less competitive than I am, do not agree with me on this. I imagine you are much happier for it. But it absolutely gets under my skin every time I am proven wrong about anything, big or small. Therefore, Jesus’ admonition to “not prepare your defense beforehand” and simply trust that Our Lord will give us the words we need in our moments of trial are both very convicting and nearly impossible to follow through on. If I no longer plan out what I am going to say in a disagreement or discussion, what am I supposed to think about on long drives or while brushing my teeth if not vanquishing my enemies in the glorious field of verbal sparring? Am I just supposed to live in the quiet presence of the Lord, like some kind of maniac?   Click on title for full column.

I have noticed a disconnect, in recent years, in the way I tend to talk about death and the way many others approach the same subject. I’ll get to the end of a story that I think is funny or charming, and notice that people are looking at me, not with smiles or laughter, but with grave concern, just because it involved me seeing someone die or dealing with the immediate aftermath of death. To them, it seems traumatic, but to me, it’s just another day in the life. So, as we begin the month of November, which we have traditionally set aside to pray for the repose of the souls of the dead, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on the tension that exists for us as a people who recognize the natural evil and pain that is death, and yet simultaneously place our hope in Jesus Christ and His victory over sin and death. Click on title for full column.