In the New York Times today columnist T M Luhrmann wonders about the origins of strange and mysterious happenings that don 39 t make sense through our typical cognitive framework She cites the following example In Scientific American nbsp Michael Shermer publisher of Skeptic magazine nbsp rec

The cross was, basically, state-sponsored terrorism, and it did indeed terrify people.

Pope Francis 39 s Sunday Angelus address on the Transfiguration offered these hopeful words Jesus rsquo way always leads us to happiness do not forget this Jesus rsquo way always leads to happiness There will always be a cross and trials in the midst but in the end it always leads to happin

What is your Lenten resolution or undertaking Are you giving something up or taking something on Does it involve food or drink Are you making any particularly elaborate efforts to give alms pray and fast nbsp I would appreciate reader input I feel as though my Lenten promises are too routine

Like Jesus, priests and religious must be the first to feel the obstacles to faith.

Christ's 40 days in the wilderness can raise more questions than it answers.