Scripture Reflections

Encountering Christ like Mary Magdalene

A Reflection for the Feast of Mary Magdalene, by Kat O’Loughlin

by Kat O’Loughlin July 21, 2026July 21, 2026

News

Lebanon’s cardinal urges prayer as country’s Christian president meets with Trump to talk peace

Joseph Aoun, a Maronite Christian, is the first Lebanese head of state in nearly 20 years to visit the White House, where he will meet President Trump face-to-face for the first time.

by Dale Gavlak – OSV News July 21, 2026July 21, 2026

Ideas

‘Turn Around’: The Bonnie Tyler-inspired youth ministry skit that formed—and scarred—a generation

For many young American Christians, “Total Eclipse of the Heart” wasn’t the soundtrack to a painful breakup, but to a spiritual and in some cases traumatic experience.

by Michael O’Connell July 21, 2026July 21, 2026

The Word

A not so simple question

July 26, 2026, Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: In this Sunday’s Gospel passage, Jesus delivers three final parables, again teaching his disciples about what Matthew refers to as the Kingdom of God.

by Gina Hens-Piazza July 21, 2026July 21, 2026

News

Half of Gen Z says Christian support for Trump keeps them out of church

A new study found that the strong alliance between Trump and Christianity has had a negative impact on churchgoing for many.

by Ryan Burge – Religion News Service and Rick Richardson July 21, 2026July 21, 2026

Scripture Reflections

Spain wins the World Cup—and welcomes the stranger

A Reflection for Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week of Ordinary Time, by Joe Hoover, S.J.

by Joe Hoover, S.J. July 20, 2026July 20, 2026

News

For Christians in Gaza, World Cup final offers brief respite from horrors of war

On the eve of the final match, Argentine Father Gabriel Romanelli, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Gaza City, shared a video with parishioners and children hyping them up for the long-awaited conclusion to the World Cup.