emotion – Madison Catholic Herald Archive (2001-2025)


	This column is the bishop’s communication with the faithful of the Diocese of Madison. Any wider circulation reaches beyond the intention of the bishop.

Dear Friends,

The Gospel reading of this past weekend (Jn 8:1-11) provides a portrait of Jesus in the face of intense anger and hatred and it leaves us with two key points: 1) how we might react to diffuse such situations, and 2) the importance and the inseparable nature of mercy and repentance.

Out to get Jesus

Now, the Gospel really shows us the Pharisees and the Scribes at their worst. They are out to get Jesus.

Let’s recall the story — some people have begun to question whether Jesus is the Messiah and He has therefore begun to get the Scribes and the Pharisees pretty upset.

They are ready to be done with Him, but first they need to trip Him up so as either to give them an airtight case against Him, or to arouse the ire of the people, or both.

Separation and divorce affect children’s emotional life

Ask IPS

Question: “I’m currently going through a separation with my spouse and I’m concerned about my children. How could the separation affect them?”

Response: William McKenna, M.S., Clinical Extern at the IPS Center for Psychological Services

Good fathers plant eternal memories in our hearts

I remember how Dad liked to plant a garden. First, he plowed and harrowed God’s good earth. This made the soil more receptive to receive and nourish seeds.

Next, he skillfully tied a string between two stakes to help make the rows even. We children watched with awe as he reverently planted seeds in the garden’s rich soil. This was sacred time.

We waited patiently for plants to push through the soil. Finally, one memorable day we discovered a shoot that had risen from the earth. We joyfully raced to be first to share the good news. Now whenever I see a garden, I think of Dad.