by Monica | Dec 31, 2022 | TOBET Blog, by Monica Ashour
A special blog by Monica Ashour, honoring Pope Benedict XVI’s death and thus his entrance into eternal life. When my friend and colleague, Sheryl Collmer, texted me this morning, “Rest in eternal joy, dear Benedict,” I smiled and said, “Well done, good and faithful...
by Monica | Mar 21, 2022 | TOBET Blog, by Monica Ashour
My favorite day in Lent is March 25. No, it’s not my favorite since I can eat dessert because it is a solemnity (though that’s a bonus)! Rather, it is the day that “the body entered theology…through the main door” (TOB 23:4). What does Pope John Paul mean? And how...
by Monica | Feb 11, 2022 | TOBET Blog, by Monica Ashour
“I love you.” Those are powerful words—or they ought to be, if “luv” becomes love. What is “luv?” We all recognize “luv” as that attraction and infatuation for someone else and the intense feelings that come it. Now, I don’t mean to criticize “luv.” Not at all. In...
by Monica | Jan 12, 2022 | TOBET Blog, by Monica Ashour
One of my dearest friends knows that I try to grow in self-understanding by continuing to see my faults, weaknesses, and sins…and “walk away” from them toward the path of virtue and holiness. That’s why she sent me a gift called “Self-Authoring,” a guided reflection...
by Monica | Dec 8, 2021 | TOBET Blog, by Monica Ashour
As we begin the new Liturgical Year (which always points us to eternity), a central concept in the Theology of the Body comes to mind: Gift. “All of creation is to be received as a gift.” Notice the word received. Not just some things but everything is to be received...