Category Archives: theological reflection

The Tourniquet Psalm: A Gothic Lamentation by Evanescence

Posted on March 11, 2013 by jdgonzo73

Contemporary spirituality or prayer life does not seem to offer much space for the idea of complaining to God or demanding some form of divine accountability for injustices that we witness or suffer ourselves. We may reverently ask God for … Continue reading →

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“Reading the Bible in Spanish”

Posted on January 27, 2013 by jdgonzo73

In his book Mañana Latino theologian and historian Justo Gonzalez suggest that the Hispanic community can offer a significant contribution to American religiosity by “reading the bible in Spanish.” In using this phrase he does not literally suggest that we can contribute by literally reading the sacred … Continue reading →

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Hell: Fire and Brimstone… or not

Posted on January 26, 2013 by jdgonzo73

Most of my theological reflection tend to consider moral and social issues but when I offer a retreat or teach a theology class one of the topics that tend to enliven the conversation is the concept of Hell and the … Continue reading →

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Transforming a Parish Community affected by Natural Disasters

Posted on January 25, 2013 by jdgonzo73

I am offering this presentation as a program Church leaders who wish to engage with their parishioners affected by natural disasters. The purpose is to promote a communal reflection and analysis on issues related to what they experienced as a … Continue reading →

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Reflecting on the 2013 World Day of Peace Message and Reaffirming our “Option for the Poor” in the New Year.

Posted on January 2, 2013 by jdgonzo73

The “Option for the Poor and Vulnerable” is a principle of our Catholic social teaching. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) reminds us that this principle is firmly rooted in scripture and in our tradition. In its social … Continue reading →

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Blessed are the Peacemakers: Reflecting on the 2013 World Day of Peace Message in light of the Connecticut massacre

Posted on December 20, 2012 by jdgonzo73

As I consider the hope that we celebrate with the birth of the one we call Emmanuel, “God among us,” I am led to reflect on Matthew’s telling of the massacre of the Holy Innocents. Christ Jesus is the Prince … Continue reading →

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Praxic Theodicy: A process for responding to tragedy

Posted on November 26, 2012 by jdgonzo73

In my own experience of Hurricane Sandy I witnessed and experienced a moment that theologian Jon Sobrino  calls “countercultural goodness.” A moment where in the midst of tragic suffering people are driven to give of themselves in order to help the … Continue reading →

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Hurricane and Natural Catastrophes, “Where is God in All this?”

Posted on November 7, 2012 by jdgonzo73

Practical or (within the Hispanic context) popular theology places an emphasis on the lived experience of the faithful community. I offer my experience of Hurricane Sandy in a recent post as the setting for a theological investigation on how our … Continue reading →

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“New Evangelization” with a Commitment towards Praxis

Posted on October 27, 2012 by jdgonzo73

In her article “Pastoral Theology or Practical Theology” Kathleen Calahan reminds us that practical theology is not associated with the actions of the Church, “rather it is the determination theologically of the Church’s ‘principles and prescriptions for the Church’s present … Continue reading →

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