Father Jeffrey F. Kirby, Author at Crux

Father Jeffrey F. Kirby

CRUX_CONTRIBUTOR

Father Jeff Kirby is a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina. He holds a doctorate in moral theology from the Holy Cross University in Rome and has authored several books, including Lord, Teach Us to Pray (St. Benedict Press, 2014) and Doors of Mercy: A Journey Through Salvation History (St. Benedict Press, 2016).

Fr. Kirby seeks to live and exercise his priestly ministry in such a way as to exemplify the positive role religion can play in society, as well as to highlight the mutual service that both Church and State can render to one another. In this effort, Father Kirby works to apply and teach the spiritual patrimony of the Catholic Church and the overall contribution of the human spirit to the human narrative.

As such efforts have led to the formation of consciences and development of leadership in the public forum, Father Kirby was recognized by Governor Nikki Haley and granted the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Fr. Kirby is a friend to Catholic media, and has been on EWTN, CatholicTV, and Salt and Light. He has also been on the BBC, NPR, and ABC to discuss various issues relating to the Church. Fr. Working with St. Benedict Press and Catholic Scripture Study International, Father Kirby was the Host of the national Christian formation program Doors of Mercy and was one of the co- instructors of Luke: The Gospel of Mercy. Both programs presented the Gospel message through a creative use of videography, lay-out design, and live-streaming.

More information on Father Kirby can be found at frkirby.com, and he can be followed on Twitter @fatherkirby.

Spiritually speaking, ‘Ordinary Time’ is anything but

Ordinary Time exemplifies the old Jesuit motto: Age quod agis, “Do what you’re doing.” Namely, we are told, don’t worry about tomorrow, or yesterday. Don’t worry about this afternoon or this morning. It stresses God as the Eternal Now, humbling us with the lesson that we are most with God when we are in the present moment.

Corpus Christi is a hopeful, joy-filled celebration

The communion we are called to have with God and with each other is a powerful reality that can help us crown any joy and persevere through any suffering or tribulation. The knowledge of God’s presence with us and the active help of his grace, and the awareness of our communion with one another, can heal a hurting soul, mend a broken heart, reconcile relationships, invigorate hope, grant glimpses into eternity, and bring peace to any situation that wants it.

Homilists may cringe, but the Feast of the Holy Trinity matters

Many people today are overwhelmed with life’s struggles and sufferings and aren’t encouraged by the necessary-but-unhelpful historical formulations of the Trinitarian mystery. On this Solemnity of the Holy Trinity, the Divine Family can be preached and taught and believers can see anew the intimacy, approachability, and love that God has for each of us.

Pentecost, its teachings and context, can still inspire believers today

Pentecost is an invitation to the believer to “fan into flame” the gifts she has received. And in seeking to be revitalized in the life of the Spirit, believers will find the fruits of such a life seeking to be nurtured within them. It can also be an encouraging signpost, as the person of good will can choose to let Pentecost be an affirmation to her own benevolence and an inspiration to kindness.

Recovering the importance and the lessons of the Ascension

The Easter season begins to conclude with the Ascension of the Lord. Even though in many places the feast day is now moved from its traditional Thursday observance to a Sunday, it’s easy for it to pass without any notice or attention. This is a sad situation, since the Ascension is such an intimate and essential event in Christ’s earthly ministry and in the observance of the Easter season.

Spiritual lessons from the mania over fidget spinners

Believe it or not, the mania among young people these days over the fidget spinner can be an odd but very real call to prayer. As the person sees the need for mental rest and solitude and finds a portion of these from a popular gadget, she can realize there are other broader and deeper resources for such renewal and rejuvenation.