I recently began teaching a few courses at St. John's University in Queens. Among them is "History of Christianity I: Origins through the Middle Ages," where I try to teach about thirty (mostly) sophomores--from a variety of faith traditions--a little...
This week I’ve had the pleasure of hanging out with my mom. She is a woman of deep faith and personal piety, always up for reflecting on Scripture and always ready with an encouraging word. If you ask her, “What’s God teaching you these days?” or “What’s the...
As New Yorkers, we move through a sea of countless faces every day. Some grumpy, some cheery, most simply intent on where they're going. If I look closely, I can often detect a hint of stress, sadness, humor, or even wonder (especially among the tourists on...
Some of you know I have been training for the "IRONMAN" triathlon—1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and 13.1 mike run—in Jones Beach this September. Contrary to popular belief, I'm not really good at any of that stuff (i.e. running, biking, and...
Greta Garbo, a popular actress of the 1920s and 1930s, was famous for saying “I want to be alone”*. I can relate. I often think I am most effective, most happy, when I undertake projects and tasks all by myself. I confess to occasionally bristling at the...