MSI Press Blog

  woundedness From Dr. Dennis Ortman, author of multiple award-winning books , including Anger Anonymous , Depression Anonymous , and Anxiety Anonymous . WOUNDEDNESS “By his wounds you were healed.” --I Peter 2: 24   My patients, who know that I had been a Catholic priest, occasionally ask me, “What happens to us after we die?” I respond, “I don’t really know. I suppose we return to where we came from before we were born.” The reality is that death is as much a mystery as life. However, the Scriptures give us a clue. When the risen Christ appeared after his death, his disciples did not immediately recognize him. They mistook him for a gardener, a fisherman, or a fellow traveler. In one instance, his identity became clear, inspiring the worship of a doubting Thomas. The risen Lord appeared in their locked room and showed his wounds. He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” (J

  LIGHT SHOW “ I am the light of the world. ” --Jesus of Nazareth   “ White Christmas, ” written by Irving Berlin in 1942 and sung by Bing Crosby, is the most popular Christmas song ever. That is surprising, since most of the world never experiences snow at the end of December. The southern hemisphere is bathed in summer warmth, while half of the land north of the equator only experiences a winter chill. LIGHT SHOW THEN Christmas, at its heart, is really a light show. History displays its meaning. We do not know precisely when Jesus was born in Bethlehem. It was not until the fourth century that December 25 th was established as its official date by the Church. That date was set to compete with the pagan feast of the “ Birth of the Invincible Sun. ” Christ was the rising “ Sun of Righteousness. ” December 25 th was four days after the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. The gradually increasing daylight signified light overcoming darkness. Today we celebrate Ch

photo by Stacey Gentry: Sula, parish cat at Old Mission/MSI Press "author" in the creche Shared by Dr. Dennis Ortman , author of a number of award-winning books -  CHRISTMAS STORY “ And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory. ” --John 1: 14   Even as a child, I knew that Christmas was about more than Santa Claus coming and getting gifts. The baby Jesus was born. In addition to the Christmas tree and outdoor lights, we set up a Nativity scene in our home. Our parents told us the story and introduced the characters. At school, we re-enacted the Christmas story. We all vied to play Mary or Joseph, but I ended up being a sheep. The nuns explained that the story was about the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, who came to save us from our sins. I wasn ’ t sure what that meant, but I knew it was a very happy occasion. We sang joyous Christmas carols at church and in the neighborhood. At home the family gathered to share a meal and exchange

  BODY OF CHRIST “The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?” --I Corinthians 10: 16)   When I left the priesthood many years ago, I was disillusioned with the Catholic Church. I was looking to belong to a loving family. In my distressed state of mind, I experienced the Church as a dysfunctional family. For a few years I was estranged from the Church, and from all institutional religion. However, I felt something missing. So, I went to churches of various denominations, looking for a home. Eventually, I found a Catholic parish that filled that need. I discovered that being a Catholic since childhood was in my bones. It was a truth about myself I could not deny. After leaving the ministry, I became a psychologist. A life of service still motivated me. My passion was, and still is, to understand the dynamics of personal transformation and to accompany my patients on their journeys toward healing and growth. I have come to believe there are thr

  HOSPITALITY “ I mean to stay at your house today.” --Luke 19: 5   How would you react if you received a personal call from some celebrity, such as the Pope or the President, asking you to have a private dinner with him at your home. Your initial reaction would likely be shock. “ Why me?” you would ask, thinking you are not worthy of such an honored guest. Then, panic, “ How can I prepare for such a guest?” As reality sets in, you begin scrambling to put your house in perfect order. All the clutter would be thrown out. You would clean until the place was spotless. You would likely obsess about what to serve for dinner, trying to guess what your guest would like most. You would set the table with your finest linen, plates, and silverware. And you would cook up a storm. How privileged you would feel to entertain such an important person. DIVINE HOST When people ask me what happens after we die, I answer, “ We return to where we were before we were born.” Ultimately, we do no