Voices

Jim McDermott, S.J., is an associate editor at America.
FaithFaith in Focus
President Joe Biden installed a new touch of his own to the White House: a framed copy of a “Hagar the Horrible” cartoon. In it, Hagar yells to the sky, “Why me?” to which God replies, “Why not?”
Arts & CultureTelevision
In 2021, there seemed to be fewer series to watch, or fewer worth watching. But a few stood out.
Arts & CultureTelevision
Jimmy McGovern’s work is marked by a very Catholic instinct to look where no one else will.
Arts & CultureIdeas
We are now in the season of schools plays and Christmas concerts. In the past, it’s been something of an endurance test, hasn’t it? But maybe it’s different this year.
Arts & CulturePodcasts
We do not generally think about Christmas carols as about a battle. And yet what does it mean for the Christ child to be our savior, if not a blessed release from some kind of struggle?
Arts & CulturePodcasts
“There’s a logic that is embedded in the melodies of these tunes that helps the congregation remember them,” Maestro Colin Britt explains on the latest episode of “Hark!”
FaithFaith in Focus
You can have your Vegas heist movies, Hollywood; I will take the hustle in which a bunch of college guys end up secretly delivering gifts to freshmen every time.
Arts & CulturePodcasts
As odd as it sounds, the song’s uncertain quality is actually quite fitting. Unlike other popular carols, “Emmanuel” is a song not for Christmas but for Advent.
FaithAdvent Reflections
In this season of Advent, when we are trying to free our hearts for the Lord, perhaps we can put some of our own struggles with siblings into St. Andrew’s hands.
Arts & CultureTheater
Sondheim’s stories and lyrics always seemed to be addressing you personally. You couldn’t simply watch his musicals. Eventually you had to contend with them.