(A place to put them)
St Thomas, In Psalmum 48, 4-5:
quicumque docet, aut docet res aut docet verba. quando praedicamus fidem et mores, docemus res; quando exponimus scripturam, docemus verba.
Now, whoever teaches, either teaches things or teaches words. When we preach faith and morals, we teach things; when we expound Scripture, we teach words.
Ahora bien, quien enseña, o enseña cosas o enseña palabras. Cuando predicamos la fe y la moral, enseñamos cosas; cuando explicamos las Escrituras, enseñamos palabras.
- Una meditación sin puntuación solo espacios sobre el Nacimiento y el comodín en la baraja (26 December 2025)Una meditación sin puntuación solo espacios sobre el Nacimiento y el comodín en la baraja Dulce ironía que un jefe de soldados le dijo a Jesús que tenía hombres bajo su autoridad y mostrándole la eficacia de su palabra diciendo le digo a uno que se vaya y se va a otro que venga y no tarda pues por buena voluntad lo dijo saludando la autoridad de la palabra que Jesús pronunciaba porque desde lejosSigue leyendo «Una meditación sin puntuación solo espacios sobre el Nacimiento y el comodín en la baraja (26 December 2025)»
- TRYING TO SAY GOD: A meditative essay in three parts (June, 2017)TRYING TO SAY GOD: A meditative essay in three parts June 22-24, 2017, I attended and gave the following plenary address at a gathering of Catholic writers and artists at the University of Notre Dame, under the auspices of the Institute for Scholarship in the Liberal Arts. The three day conference was entitled Trying to Say «God»: Reenchanting the Catholic Literary Imagination. It was a grace to be in the company of such gifted presentersSigue leyendo «TRYING TO SAY GOD: A meditative essay in three parts (June, 2017)»
- Homilies for The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 2025
- Belonging to the Crucified: The Beauty of the Church in Image and Reality (October 2016)I gave the following lecture (really a series of meditations) on October 18, 2016 at the University of Notre Dame on the occasion of a Pastoral Symposium sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, designed to help bishops reflect and pray about the topic of «Reclaiming the Church for the Catholic Imagination». Bishops do not have many occasions to think aloud about the challenges the Church faces in our time. My thanks toSigue leyendo «Belonging to the Crucified: The Beauty of the Church in Image and Reality (October 2016)»
- ¿Qué tipo de Rey? (November 2025)¿Qué tipo de Rey tolera los insultos de un condenado? ¿Y qué tipo de hombre insulta a quien comparte su inmoble estado? Los dos son nuestros, ese Rey y ese insultando. ¿Y que tipo de hombre pide compartir el reino de un Rey condenado? Pues ahí está el Rey, y ahí nosotros que en estas condiciones nos ha hallado. ¿Cómo cruzar de una cruz a la otra si no es agarrando aquellos brazos que sostienenSigue leyendo «¿Qué tipo de Rey? (November 2025)»
- Immigration as a Theological Paradigm (February 2015)Immigration as a Theological Paradigm (Hispanic Innovators of the Faith Lecture Series, Catholic University of America) 24 February 2015 First of all, I am somewhat daunted by the invitation to speak at a lecture series dedicated to Hispanic Innovators of the Faith, daunted by the expectations that such a title might conjure in the hearers, as if I were invited here because I have something novel to say about the Gospel and the mission thatSigue leyendo «Immigration as a Theological Paradigm (February 2015)»
- The Synthetic Impulse in Catholic Life (The Hildegard Lecture, University of Mary, Bismarck, North Dakota; 24 February, 2017)The synthetic impulse in Catholic Life (The Hildegard Lecture, University of Mary, Bismarck, North Dakota: Being a brief journey of the mind engaging St Hildegard, Saint Thomas, the metaphysics of universals and relations, social justice, Charity and why we should listen to children, farmers and poets.) Saint Hildegard was a woman of intense prayer, immense energy, great practicality and extraordinary imagination. As an abbess, she directed her community, and at the direction of the PopeSigue leyendo «The Synthetic Impulse in Catholic Life (The Hildegard Lecture, University of Mary, Bismarck, North Dakota; 24 February, 2017)»
- Homily for the XXXIII Sunday, 16 November 2025 (on immigration in the light of the Gospel)XXXIII Sunday, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Brownsville, Texas -On the message of the US Bishops on immigration in light of the Gospel today: Bearing witness to the Lord; being given what to say.-Sobre el mensaje de los obispos EEUU sobre la inmigración a la luz del Evangelio de hoy: Dando testimonio del Señor. https://youtu.be/mFT3LUruWuI?feature=shared
- The Translated Word (November 2025)(Or, if you prefer, “What conversion looks like”, or perhaps “a lecture in praise of the Charity of Jerome and Augustine”) The Translated Word. (Living Tradition Lecture, Center for Ethics and Culture: University of Notre Dame, 14 November, 2025) Behind this lecture is a desire to share with you my love for words, and my sense of both their efficacy and limitations. And also to sketch my conviction that if we open the door toSigue leyendo «The Translated Word (November 2025)»
- Notes on a more synodal parish Life:(October 25, 2025): (Below are notes to guide discussion of the seminars on synodality and parish life parented at the Jubilee for Synod Teams held in Rome, October 25, 2025. After the seminars, I hope to add notations from suggestions, contributions, and questions offered by seminar participants.) How style is always a matter of substance. Viewing Synodal style as an important aspect of the pastor’s leadership. Intro: The danger of leading, and then discovering thereSigue leyendo «Notes on a more synodal parish Life:»
- Thomas on the Literalness of Christ and the Interpretation of Scripture (January 2019)Aquinas Day Lecture, Thomas Aquinas College, Santa Paula California, 28 January 2019 [It is true what Paschal says: The last thing one settles in writing a work is what one should put in first.[i]] I would like to dedicate this time together to exploring some aspects of Saint Thomas’ work as a commentator on Scripture. This is not a topic often broached in courses on Saint Thomas’s thought. And if it is discussed it isSigue leyendo «Thomas on the Literalness of Christ and the Interpretation of Scripture (January 2019)»
- San Felipe de Jesús, Two verses, each a translation of the other (Sometime in 2016)A couple of verses I wrote sometime in 2016. Dios me ha dado una devoción al joven mártir. Me da consuelo. Jamás imaginaste cuando a México intentaste A un obispo encontrar, Que el viento se levantase Y el Pastor te invitase A Japón sin regresar. Tempestad no existe que la gracia no tranquilice con la patria recordar. Japón recibiste Y con lágrimas te dirigiste A la blanca Cruz señal. Ser sacerdote no alcanzaste Pero elSigue leyendo «San Felipe de Jesús, Two verses, each a translation of the other (Sometime in 2016)»
- Hunger, Poverty and the Eucharist (February 2024)I gave this talk to students at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, in February, 2024, as part of a seminar series Dr John Cavadini had organized to help celebrate the Eucharistic Year in the United States. Hunger, Poverty and the Eucharist (Reflections as from different mirrors) +Daniel E. Flores, STD Bishop of Brownsville The question. What to give to the person who has everything? This is something sometimes asked in jest. The QueenSigue leyendo «Hunger, Poverty and the Eucharist (February 2024)»
- The Politics of Human Dignity: Catholics and Immigration (March 2017)It was Dr Greg Hillis who in 2016 asked me to give the Fr Vernon Robertson Lecture, at Bellarmine University. Greg very much wanted me to address the topic of immigration, and I was happy to do so. I traveled to Ballarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky, on 28 March, 2017, to give a lecture entitled “The Politics of Human Dignity: Catholics and Immigration” . While I was in Louisville, Greg showed me the University, tookSigue leyendo «The Politics of Human Dignity: Catholics and Immigration (March 2017)»
- Anima Christi IV, Florianiyoutu.be/HKi3vP2Nqr0
- A few translated lines suitable for considerationSaint Augustine, Tractate 96 on John: Isto enim modo vos docebit Spiritus sanctus omnem veritatem, cum magis magisque diffundet in cordibus vestris caritatem. «En efecto, de ese modo os enseñará el Espíritu Santo toda la verdad, cuando derrame más y más en vuestros corazones la caridad.» «Indeed, in this way the Holy Spirit will teach you all truth, as he pours charity more and more into your hearts.» San Juan de Ávila, “Audi Fila etSigue leyendo «A few translated lines suitable for consideration»
- Homily for XXV Sunday of the Year: Lk 16,1-13XXV Sunday: Lk 16,1-13On money,the priorities for its use in the Gospel and in the Diocese;on having someone to speak for us on judgment day.-El amor de la Iglesia debe de extenderse a los necesitados, y así reflejar el amor de Cristo en el mundo.https://youtu.be/9SpqMp8S4oU?feature=shared
- Comunicado de los obispos de la Frontera entre Texas y México / agosto 31, 2025(The English iteration follows the Spanish text) Reunión de Obispos de la Frontera entre Texas y México 29 al 31 de agosto del 2025 Piedras Negras, Coahuila En el nombre de Jesucristo, los obispos de la frontera sur de Texas y norte de México saludamos al pueblo de Dios que peregrina en nuestras Diócesis y en esta Diócesis de Piedras Negras. Fuimos recibidos por Monseñor Alfonso Miranda Guardiola, quien recientemente sucedió a Monseñor Alonso GarzaSigue leyendo «Comunicado de los obispos de la Frontera entre Texas y México / agosto 31, 2025»
- Homily for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, 2025Feast of the Holy Cross, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, BrownsvilleTX -On looking to the Cross of Christ for light and direction in angry times.-Sobre mirar la Cruz de Cristo en busca de luz y dirección en tiempos de ira. youtu.be/iu4bTjNBh6k?fe…
- A couple of lines translated from Isaac of Stella, Sermon 11.From the Roman Office of Readings for Friday Week XXIII, Isaac of Stella, Sermon 11: … quæ retro erat sub pédibus, assúmpsit ad latus. De látere enim eius éxiit,.. She who was behind him, at his feet, he raised up to his (wounded) side. From his side she came forth.. A ella, que estaba detrás de él, a sus pies, la levantó hacia su costado herido. De su costado ella brotó… ~~~ Nihil potest Ecclésia,Sigue leyendo «A couple of lines translated from Isaac of Stella, Sermon 11.»
- A couple of lines Translated from Pope St Leo the Great, Sermon 95San León Magno, sermo 95, 6-8 quóniam nihil áliud est dilígere Deum quam amáre iustítiam. Dénique sicut illi dilectióni Dei próximi cura subiúngitur, ita et huic desidério iustítiæ virtus misericórdiæ copulátur.. Amar la justicia no es otra cosa que amar a Dios. Y como este amor a Dios siempre está ligado al amor que se preocupa por el bien del prójimo, el anhelo de justicia se une a la virtud de la misericordia. To loveSigue leyendo «A couple of lines Translated from Pope St Leo the Great, Sermon 95»
- Homily for the XV Sunday of the YearI gave this homily some few weeks ago, on the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the immigration situation in our community.
- Inviting Nicaea to Speak (September 2025)I was invited to give The Pallium Lecture, in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, as part of a larger conference entitled “Synods, Councils and Creeds”. The Conference was designed to help celebrate the 1700 anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. The text of the lecture is given below, entitled “Inviting Nicaea to Speak.” I am grateful for the gracious welcome I received from the people of the Archdiocese. (The references cited in the talk are listedSigue leyendo «Inviting Nicaea to Speak (September 2025)»
- XXI Sunday per annum; On the Opening Prayer of the Mass and the Narrow Gate / Sobre la oración colecta de hoy y la puerta angosta
- Dei Verbum: Christ, Scripture and the Life of the Church (September 2018)In September, 2018, I gave a lecture to a conference for «Young Theologians» in Washington DC. Conferences of this kind are held every few years, sponsored by the Doctrine Committee of the USCCB, as part of an ongoing effort to encourage conversation and dialogue between bishops and theologians for the good of the Church. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to participate in the conversations engendered during the conference. There is such aSigue leyendo «Dei Verbum: Christ, Scripture and the Life of the Church (September 2018)»
- Compendium of the Four Reports I have given on Synodality to the US Conference of Bishops: June 2023- November 2024Pope Francis announced in 2020 the beginning of worldwide synodal consultations in the local churches in preparation for two Synod of Bishop assembles in Rome. These took place in October, 2023 and October, 2024. I was asked by Archbishop José Gomez, then President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, to help guide the process of consultation in the United States. As part of my responsibilities, I gave reports to the bishops of theSigue leyendo «Compendium of the Four Reports I have given on Synodality to the US Conference of Bishops: June 2023- November 2024»
- Sobre las fuentes de la sinodalidad en el sacrificio de Cristo / On the Sources of Synodality in the Sacrifice of ChristI put this piece together in readable form based on notes I have used at various gatherings over the last couple of years dedicated to the topic of synodality. Some of my notes are in Spanish, some are in English. So I prepared both a Spanish and an English versión. The English follows below after the Spanish versión. Después del texto en Español sigue la versión en Inglés. +df Sobre las fuentes de la sinodalidadSigue leyendo «Sobre las fuentes de la sinodalidad en el sacrificio de Cristo / On the Sources of Synodality in the Sacrifice of Christ»
- Homily for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, 22 June 2025youtube.com/watch
- A short talk on the Christian Humanism of Pope Francis (March 2025)I gave this reflection on Pope Francis at Fordham University on March 13, 2025, about a month before the Holy Father died. I was part of a panel of theologians more distinguished than I. I publish it now, because it seems the right time. The occasion was an opportunity for me, briefly, to pull some things together from my mind and heart. I shall always be grateful to God for the gift of Pope Francis,Sigue leyendo «A short talk on the Christian Humanism of Pope Francis (March 2025)»
- Sobre la evangelización, la pobreza, y la caridad de Cristo, (Septiembre 2019)Meditaciones sobre la evangelización, la caridad de Cristo, y el Pobre que nos podría salvar +Daniel E. Flores, STD Obispo de Brownsville (Conferencia Escobedo, Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, Texas, 26 septiembre 2019) Prólogo No pretendo ofrecer un esquema completo de la evangelización, ni siquiera un argumento sobre un aspecto en particular. Ofrezco unos dibujos en palabras. Les invito a considerar con calma ya sea un punto, un texto citado, o una imagen provocada.Sigue leyendo «Sobre la evangelización, la pobreza, y la caridad de Cristo, (Septiembre 2019)»
- Belonging to the WORD made Flesh (November 2017)Address to the American Catholic Philosophical Association, Baylor University. I gave this lecture in November 2017. As I reread it for purposes of placing it on this site (because it really is aimed at putting scattered stuff in one place), I am struck by how long it is. I really do need a good editor. I’m grateful for the patience of those who heard it. Despite its flaws, I think it still manages to saySigue leyendo «Belonging to the WORD made Flesh (November 2017)»
- A Verse in Two Languages about a priest and a stranger at the Church door (Sometime in 2013)Something I wrote in 2013, below is a play on words in two languages. If you find the quick switch from one language to the other disconcerting, that is not necessarily a bad thing. Understanding someone else is never easy, and we deceive ourselves if we think it is. It takes effort and love. This could be entitled «The Passion in the Translation,» Algo que escribí en 2013, lo que sigue es un juego deSigue leyendo «A Verse in Two Languages about a priest and a stranger at the Church door (Sometime in 2013)»
- “Calico Joe”, Baseball, and ForgivenessJohn Grisham wrote a book that I read some time back. The book is entitled “Calico Joe,” a well told baseball story. I like baseball stories. Some of the most enjoyable novels I have read have had a baseball backdrop. The sport lends itself to a rhythmic narrative that punctuates the pace of life. Like the game itself, novels set in the context of baseball games fall naturally into a pattern of action, followed by interludesSigue leyendo «“Calico Joe”, Baseball, and Forgiveness»
- St Cyprian of Carthage, on the Will of GodSaint Cyprian of Carthage offers this brief and clear text on what constitutes the will of God the Father. When I was in college taking a course in Patristic Latin, Father Placid O.Cist., often extolled the reserved beauty of St Cyprian’s Latin prose. His style reflects the “reserve in speaking» he mentions in the passage below.. The excerpt is from the reading that occurs every year in the Liturgy of the Hours, Wednesday, XI weekSigue leyendo «St Cyprian of Carthage, on the Will of God»
- The Sign that is Christ, Evangelization, and the Poor (May 2025)Address to the Graduates of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception, Dominican House of Studies, Washington DC 16 May 2025 The Sign that is Christ, Evangelization, and the Poor At the outset this evening Í would like to evoke for your memory’s retrieval the scene in the Acts of the Apostles (chapter 8) wherein Philip encounters the Ethiopian eunuch on his way home from Jerusalem. Í will not read it to you, Í justSigue leyendo «The Sign that is Christ, Evangelization, and the Poor (May 2025)»
Words and Things 