Fr. Charles Bouchard, OP, S.T.D., is senior director, theology and sponsorship at the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA). He counsels and assists sponsors and members of Catholic healthcare organizations in carrying out their canonical responsibilities for the health ministry of the Catholic Church and provides guidance for CEOs and boards regarding the distinctive roles of sponsorship and governance. He also works with Church leaders and bishops at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and at the Holy See on a range of issues involving health care, social justice, public policy and the Church.
Through the story of the Canaanite woman, discover how Jesus breaks through social, cultural, and religious barriers to show us that God's grace knows no limits.
Following Jesus comes at a cost. Take whatever sorrow you carry today—grief, sadness about the world, loss—and offer it intentionally to the Lord as part of this cost.
The Parable of the Wheat and Weeds shows how Jesus invites us into deeper participation in his mission—calling us to discern good from evil in our personal spiritual lives AND in our political choices.
While we celebrate our national freedom this 4th of July, Father Charlie reminds us that spiritual freedom often comes through a "necessary dependence" on God.