God sending Jonah to Nineveh would be like telling a modern-day rabbi to preach in Iran or Gaza.

The corporal works of mercy have long guided Christians in helping those suffering from poverty and oppression. Politics can also be a holy activity if we pursue certain works of mercy.

Many of us go back and forth between ignoring politics and getting angry about it. You will feel better, and be a better citizen, if you are more disciplined about your attention.

Some humility about how much we really know can help prevent toxic rhetoric when we talk about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with family, friends and colleagues of different faiths.

“This is what the pope is asking of us,” Cardinal-designate Christophe Pierre said. “We are not only defenders of ideas, because if I defend only one idea, whoever disagrees with me becomes my enemy.”

Falling marriage rates across the globe threaten vulnerable women and children. The Catholic Church can help if we put aside political idolatry and work as different members of the same body of Christ.