The cross is the central image or symbol of Christianity It is common in churches and in other Christian institutions Many Christians wear a cross around their neck or on their lapel as a badge that identifies them publicly as Christians Some crosses are elaborate and expensive works of art whil

The importance of interreligious dialogue today should be evident to everyone Yet when Christian theologians try to find New Testament foundations for such dialogue they come up against such texts as Jn 14 6 ldquo I am the way and the truth and the life rdquo and Acts 4 12 ldquo nor is there

Matthew rsquo s favorite apostle is Peter and Matthew rsquo s favorite description of the apostles rsquo faith before Jesus rsquo resurrection is ldquo little faith rdquo In Matthew rsquo s account of Jesus walking on the water Peter serves as the exemplar of ldquo little faith rdquo Where

Matthew 13 is a collection of Jesus rsquo parables about the kingdom of God the central theme of his preaching and other activities The third and final part of this discourse contains two short parables about buried treasure and an especially valuable pearl and one longer parable with an allego

People in biblical times appreciated a good meal Even when food was scarce providing a meal for others was a sign of one rsquo s generosity and hospitality The sacrifices that people offered in Old Testament times at the Jerusalem temple were essentially meals with God and God rsquo s people Whe

Jesus was a masterful and effective storyteller He talked about nature and everyday life used short stories as vehicles for teaching about God rsquo s kingdom and got his listeners to think about it Today we begin a series of three Sunday readings from Jesus rsquo Parables Discourse in Matthew 1