I'm no theologian, but I have heard for a lifetime, from Catholic preachers and teachers of all stripes, that "the least" matter the most in the eyes of God.

My dreams at night were about Destrehan and New Orleans. School friends from the 1980s were mixed together with my seminary studies, with my church, and with my family in 2005-2006. It was like time ceased to exist and everything and everybody were all stirred in together in one big kettle.

"Returning to Reality" demonstrates how the wisdom of a contemplative master from the past can remain surprisingly relevant to the concerns of the present. Merton's perspective on technology echoes not only Thoreau, but even Christ's assessment of the religious customs of his day.

Certain individuals usher us into great moments in our lives. I was a guest speaker at a Kentucky campus in the early 1960s when, to my surprise, I received an invitation to visit one of the world's renowned religious leaders, Thomas Merton.

At present there is a standoff between the Vatican and the organization that represents 80 percent of American nuns. The hierarchy likely will break the stalemate right after the noisy election season. But what seems like a straight, rigid line looks more convoluted on further examination.

Know that the sun is shining and you, my friend, are blossoming into Life itself. You are the color on the canvas of creation that creates what's beautiful about this world.

My own tradition has mistakenly taught that meditation is an eastern practice and that Christians pray instead. What many do not know, however, is that meditation is the highest form of Christian prayer, too.

Knowing God is the purpose of human existence. It's why you showed up. It took me half a lifetime before I got this.

The documentary film "Who Cares About The Saints?", released by Loyola Productions, explores the lives and legacies of saints from the time of Peter t...

On Ash Wednesday, you announced that you were giving up Catholicism for Lent and would try out other religions during the season. May I suggest Hinduism?

The powerful forces of celebrity and popular culture have thrust India's Vedic heritage into the spotlight. All the media attention inspires some to cynicism and others to a genuine spiritual enquiry.

Let's see who the enablers are, and who those are who stand up and condemn their words.

As a Protestant, I refuse to throw self-righteous stones against Catholics. It is not only in politics that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. No church is immune. No person is.