Archbishop's column

St. Paul witnessed to the Lord's resurrection by his words and his example

Wed, 16 May 2012 22:58:35 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

Last week, I wrote about St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. One of the great ironies of Christian history is the fact that Saul of Tarsus, who after his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus was to become "the first Christian theologian" and one of the Church's greatest missionaries, was present at the stoning of Stephen as an opponent of those who were followers of Jesus (cf. Acts 7:58).

Before the Cross | St. Stephen, first martyr, gives faithful witness to Christ

Wed, 09 May 2012 18:47:43 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

During these weeks between Easter and Pentecost, I am writing about those women and men who were witnesses to the Lord's resurrection. Our faith is not based on abstract concepts. It is grounded in the eyewitness testimony of those who actually encountered the risen Jesus and then shared their experience with us.

Seeing is not the only form of believing

Thu, 03 May 2012 18:59:53 +0000

Those of us who have had a profound personal encounter with Jesus are compelled to share that experience with others. We have "seen the Lord," and so our faith is deepened and enriched. We share this experience with others, and as a result others have their faith strengthened and renewed.

Seeing Jesus in the breaking of the bread

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:59:10 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

"Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into His glory? Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted to them what referred to Him in all the Scriptures." Luke 24:25-27

Before the Cross | Peter's example can show us how to love Jesus unconditionally

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:33:55 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

Although the Lord made Peter the head of the Apostles, He knew Peter had faults -- he was impulsive, outspoken and sometimes fearful, even cowardly, in the face of danger. Jesus didn't choose Peter because he was perfect. He chose Peter because He loved him.

Before the Cross | Witnesses to the Lord's resurrection share with us their faith

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:48:48 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

St. Paul believed that it was of "first importance" to remind the Church of Corinth, and all of us, that there were real eyewitnesses to the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Our faith is not a matter of speculation or vague ideas. The Lord is actually risen, and we have the testimony of many eyewitnesses to assure us that this mysterious, life-changing event really happened.

Before the Cross | The Lord's death, resurrection set us free

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 22:09:48 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

"Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, He emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even death on a cross.

The Church says yes, and no, to stem-cell research

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 21:27:56 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

I can speak from personal experience on the benefits of using adult stem cells in the art and science of healing. Late last year, my doctor took cells from my stomach and implanted them in my left knee. The result has been a dramatic improvement in the functioning of that knee. My right knee was more seriously impaired and earlier last year I had to have a full knee replacement that put me out of commission for a couple of months. Thank God, the use of my own adult stems cells made it possible for me to avoid a second major surgery!

Sex before marriage disrespects each partner, the gift of human sexuality

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 21:07:06 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

Church teaching is often countercultural. Society says certain things are OK, even encouraged, as a form of self-expression. The Church appears to be the bad guy, a spoiler of fun and a killjoy -- especially when it comes to anything having to do with sex.

Before the Cross | Pornography debases human sexuality

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 22:10:32 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

Pornography takes something beautiful -- the God-given gift of human sexuality -- and debases it. Pornographic images take something of inestimable value -- the loving union of a husband and wife -- and makes it cheap and tawdry.

Why then do so many people -- young and old -- use pornography in all its ugly and degrading forms? Why has the sale of pornographic magazines, DVDs, downloads and apps become a multi-billion-dollar-a-year business?

Family is gift that requires responsible stewardship

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:35:35 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

Generally speaking, families go through three phases. In the first phase, the parents care for their young children. In the second, or middle, phase, the parents and their growing children (young adults and/or adults) all care for one another. And in the final phase of a family's life cycle, the adult children care for their aging parents.

Children are a gift from God, sexuality must always remain open to life

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 22:21:12 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

Several years ago, I met with a group of parishioners who were concerned about the future of their school. Enrollment had been declining for many years, and the families who attended the meeting were legitimately concerned about their school's viability. Lots of causes for the decline in enrollment were discussed, but one issue -- a major contributing cause -- was never mentioned. After listening for some time, I decided that I had to be the one to bring it up.

Fight racism in ourselves and in our communities

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:42:51 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

Racism is a serious moral problem in society and in the Church. Racism is the sin that says some human beings are inherently superior and others essentially inferior. Racism is the sin that makes racial characteristics the determining factor for the exercise of human rights. Racism must be recognized as a radical evil that influences the way we think, speak and act. The only "cure" for the sin of racism is conversion -- a profound recognition of the dignity of every human being regardless of his or her race, ethnicity, economic condition or cultural heritage.

Before the Cross | Violence is always sinful, never justified

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:10:43 +0000

By Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

For the past six weeks, I have been writing about issues that Cardinal-designate Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has identified as moral challenges that we should regard as priorities for this election year. As we form our consciences and exercise our rights -- and responsibilities -- as faithful citizens, the following threats against individuals and the common good require our attention:

• Abortion and all threats against the dignity of human life

Before the Cross | We must welcome strangers, respect others' dignity

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:52:50 +0000

By Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

This is my 115th "Before the Cross" column for the St. Louis Review. During the past two and a half years, I have enjoyed receiving feedback on my columns. Most of the time, people write to express their appreciation. Sometimes, however, I receive letters in which writers express their disagreement. I welcome different points of view as long as they are respectful. We would all benefit from more respectful disagreement and dialogue -- especially in the political arena!