“Each of us makes decisions to close our eyes to a lot we prefer not to see,” which “puts us at risk as we participate in certain grand lies,” says Alice Camille about the Sunday gospel theme of spiritual blindness. A case of silent collusion and participation in a grand lie in professional cycling . . .

This Sunday’s first reading and psalm make clear that while exile left its mark on God’s people, divine restoration had an even greater effect. The story of a Japanese-American man, exiled to an internment camp during World War II and restored to freedom by volunteering to join the U.S. Army . . .

This Sunday’s reading from the Letter to the Hebrews makes the point that the office of high priest is not about seeking personal glory but about being chosen and entrusted by God to lead the people. Congregations hoping to share a similar message . . .

Israel rejoices in being restored to wholeness in Sunday’s first reading and psalm. But not all people are as pleased with modern-day Israel, and their displeasure sometimes crosses the line into hateful speech and even prayers for destruction . . .

“I am overjoyed. What mother wouldn't be after being told that her son is dead and then sees him alive.”

For the first time in polling history, a majority of Americans—52 percent—think the federal government should remain neutral on value issues, while 44 percent think it should promote "traditional values."