The Practical Parson

 Recently I was reminded of an age-old claim, used by liberals to justify hatred of Christianity; that the concept of Mary Magdalene as a prostitute was allegedly promulgated by Pope St. Gregory the Great in the 6th century AD.   Of course when one attempts to debate that accusation, the opposing side clams up and claims that they don't have time or energy to debate because, simply, "it's true".  But is it? In point of fact, Gregory did not "proclaim" Mary Magdalene to be the woman taken in adultery from Luke's gospel, he was echoing an interpretation of unidentified people from the Gospels which was already prevalent at that time in history.  There are several unnamed people who play roles in the Gospel story, and scholars have been debating who was who ever since the Scriptures were first compiled.  Gregory does address Magdalene as having been the woman taken in adultery, however he also identifies her as the woman who had 7 demons cast out of her, as...

Many years ago in Mexico, there was a small girl named Pepita.  She was a good child, but from a poor and needy family; who often barely had enough food for dinner.  Though her family was poor, Pepita was happy; because Christmas would soon be here.  Each year, the parish church was beautifully decorated with candles and ornaments; and a beautiful nativity scene which was her favorite.  Though she was looking forward to Midnight Mass and celebrating the Christ Child’s birthday; she was sad to know that she would not be able to afford a gift to offer the baby Jesus this year.  As she and her brother were walking to Mass, she became sadder when thinking about how she had nothing to offer.  Seeing her sadness, her brother spoke to her and said “I’m sure that even the smallest and simplest gift, given by someone who loves him; will make the Baby Jesus very happy”.  Pepita was encouraged by this, and looked around to see what she could find; seeing only a m...