We live in a world where strength is often measured in terms of huge forces, big numbers, power to dominate others etc… Joseph Stalin was once cautioned by Winston Churchill to give weight to the Pope’s opinion in world affairs. The communist leader was at the height of his power. [...]

In Jesus, God lived Godself into this condition of being born, of growing and living into mature, gracious and holy personhood. Against a weary cynicism we can feel about the world and about our personal situations, our relationships, Christmas offers us the chance of a new start.   [...]

After the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Syrian Archbishop Jacques Mourad of Homs shared his joy at seeing the Syrian people “liberated.” Despite the uncertainties surrounding these communities, this former ISIS captive remained resolutely optimistic about the future of Christians in Syria. [...]

John the Baptist comes in the midst of his own social, political and religious context, proclaiming a baptism of repentance, invoking the image used by the prophets Isaiah and Baruch: the image of every valley being filled in, every hill being laid low, every road being made straight and smooth.  [...]