Commentary

Douglass told the audience at Corinthian Hall in Rochester, New York, on July 5, 1852, that for a free black like himself, being expected to celebrate American independence was akin to the Judean captives being mockingly coerced to perform songs in praise of Jerusalem.

Peace is mentioned in many Bible verses. Here are just two, but with these two and others we can search out the word for peace in over 2000 languages.

In the book, "Grace Will Lead Us Home: The Charleston Church Massacre and the Hard, Inspiring Journal to Forgiveness," the subtitle is misleading because it implies widespread forgiveness, which is not the whole story. Many relatives and friends expressed hatred and hoped that Roof would be executed.

My friend shared the picture of you, Angie Valeria, and your father, Óscar Alberto Martínez Ramírez, in death’s embrace on the banks of the Rio Grande on Facebook.

Refugees cross imposing physical barriers, like the Rio Grande River; I crossed a mountain range. I don’t know what it’s like to live as a persecuted minority, but now I have some appreciation for what someone must endure to take on such a challenging journey.

Catholics don't attend Mass and receive Communion primarily to “get to heaven.”