The health crisis is testing not just our ability, but our willingness to keep our physical distance from other persons even while we reach out to support other people.

In my skeptical moments, of which there are far too many in recent times, I ask myself and others: Is my/your religion a tie that binds or blinds? Human history shows, time and again, that religion’s rhythm too easily flows between binding ties and blinding ties.

There is no single definition or even description of art, is there. But in a broad sense, art is a significant form of communication.

Try to imagine what Joseph and Mary felt as he laid the baby Jesus into the manger. They both knew what angels had told them about this newborn child. Their joy could have been overwhelmed with panic -- at the very least, bewilderment.

Do you find yourself dreading holiday seasons like Christmas because you don’t want your grieving memories to “ruin” the holiday? If I may be so bold: consider an alternative way of dealing with your grief this Christmas.

Each day between now and including Thanksgiving Day, be very conscious of the little things for which you are thankful – in your home, at work, with friends, even with strangers.