John Freund, CM
Author
![Is Advent “Missing In Action?”](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2021/12/advent.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Is Advent “Missing In Action?”
During this Advent season, may I suggest a modest approach to recovering the sense of our radical Advent hope.
![The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2023/12/Examination-of-Conscience.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same
We are seeing the replay of decades of hostility in the region of Jesus’ birth!
![Christ the King and the “Duck Test”](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2020/05/mother-and-ducklings.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Christ the King and the “Duck Test”
Many will recognize the saying, “If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.”
![The Early Church Had No “Office of Evangelization”](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2023/01/Pay-it-forward-FI.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
The Early Church Had No “Office of Evangelization”
Jesus did not establish the church as an institution with a slick “Public Relations” plan. His followers were attracted by his message.
![Will You Be Traveling For the Holidays?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2023/05/Shoes-FI.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Will You Be Traveling For the Holidays?
For many of my years, “Home for the Holidays” was in the back of most people’s minds come Thanksgiving and Christmas.
![Real or Fake – Spotting the Difference](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2022/12/imitation.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Real or Fake – Spotting the Difference
Sometimes, it is very difficult to spot the difference between the “real thing” or an imitation.
![Have Catholics Seen Such Polarization Before?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2022/12/conflict-FI.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Have Catholics Seen Such Polarization Before?
There is so much polarization in our world today. And it is not just political.
![Street-level Encounters – a Parable](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2022/10/eye-seeing-person-1-featured-.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Street-level Encounters – a Parable
Do we look people in the eye? We certainly look some people in the eye… especially when we are in a loving relationship with them.
![Changing Our Clocks, Fast-forwards and Do-overs](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2022/11/Clocks-autumn-FI.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Changing Our Clocks, Fast-forwards and Do-overs
Changing Clocks! It is a semi-annual ritual in many parts of the world. I suspect most of us sleep through it.
![Star Wars, the Nones, and the Good News](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2020/06/father-son-e1592535234644.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Star Wars, the Nones, and the Good News
I wonder how many people are aware that Star Wars has grossed over 65 Billion dollars over the years. But I also wonder how many know why George Lucas created the first in this wildly popular franchise.