Father Lohfink’s book, ‘Jesus of Nazareth: What He Wanted, Who He Was,’ is a model of clarity, scholarship, insight, belief and, best of all, surprises, Father James Martin writes.

For Orthodox Christians, Lazarus Saturday, with its brightly colored vestments, its relaxation of fasting and its little sweet-smelling pastries, is a joyful time.

My trip was short but introduced me to faithful people, powerful history and a beautiful land.

Some L.G.B.T.Q. people may say this declaration doesn’t go far enough. Others will think it goes too far. Both groups, however, can agree that this is a significant change, Father James Martin writes.

My experience of the synod was far more than the thrill of sitting with church leaders from around the world. It was also a spiritual journey.

The most synodal moments for me were when I spoke with people with whom I disagreed, sometimes dramatically.

'Remembering the Forgotten Merton' is a brief biography of Thomas Merton’s brother John Paul, whom Merton fans know primarily through the powerful elegy that Merton composed to mark his brother’s death as a fighter pilot in the Second World War.

My hopes are simple: I hope that the synod will be guided by the Holy Spirit and the participants will be able to listen to the voices of Catholics from around the world.

If you trust the Holy Spirit, there’s no reason to fear Pope Francis or the Synod.

The newest book by James Martin, S.J., inspires us to ask: Do you believe that Jesus can give you new life?