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Stories

Agape et Shalom

From the turmoil of Vietnam and Kent State to a lifelong search for meaning and challenges of selfless love. This story traces the origins of Agape et Shalom and this website.

Stories

First Night Aboard Agape

Two young sailors begin a long voyage aboard a 27-foot sloop and learn, on the first night, that freedom at sea comes with humility, duty, and attention.

Stories

A Sailboat Named Agape in New York Waters

After the Erie Canal, a small sailboat named Agape meets Pete Seeger’s Clearwater, a generous crew, a night passage on the Hudson, and the disorienting wonder of New York City.

Stories

Anchor Away

Part 1 see part 2 "What are we Anchored To"

A young sailor recalls losing an anchor off Atlantic City and learning, over time, that what holds a life must be secured before the test comes.

Stories

What Are We Anchored To?

Part 2 see part 1 "Anchor Away"

A young sailor recalls losing an anchor off Atlantic City and learning, over time, that what holds a life must be secured before the test comes.

Stories

So I Wanted You

Part 1 see part 2 "The Four Loves and Freedom"

A college student discovers a piece of her mother’s past and begins to hear an old argument about freedom differently.

Stories

The Four Loves and Freedom

Part II see part 1 "So I wanted You"

What is the one thing worth ordering a life around? This reflection points beyond success, comfort, and romance toward agape: costly love that leads to shalom.

Hero lead story

Theology of the Body

A calm introduction to Theology of the Body, reflecting on the meaning of the human person, marriage, sexuality, self-gift, and love in God’s design.

Hero context story

Make My Love Real

A personal reflection on forgiveness, healing, fear, and the ongoing work of discipleship under the merciful gaze of Christ.

Secondary Dispatches

What is this site?

About the Student

A humble personal reflection on authorship, discipleship, aging, and learning to see one’s life through God’s mercy and the lives of others.

Agape News Lens

Democracy Cannot Survive on Contempt

A reflection on political violence, the sanctity of life, and the moral habits a free society needs in order to endure.

Return for measured reporting and faithful reflection that favors understanding over outrage.

Where do I go next?

Peter, the Rock, and the Cross

A reflection on Peter’s confession at Caesarea Philippi, the Catholic understanding of his mission, and the way the Cross purifies authority, faith, and discipleship.

Featured Personal Story

Personal Story

So I Wanted You

A college student discovers a piece of her mother’s past and begins to hear an old argument about freedom differently. *Part 1 of a two part article.

Featured Essays

Featured reflection

When Love Becomes a Moral Choice

A personal reflection on agape as chosen love: the moral will to seek another’s good, from ordinary acts of service to costly courage in family, community, and history.

The Fear That Makes Wars

A sober reflection on U.S.–China rivalry, the danger of fear-driven conflict, and the moral responsibility to pursue strength, restraint, and peace.

The One Thing

A reflection on Curly’s “one thing” from City Slickers, considering agape as the self-giving love that gives meaning, strength, and peace to life.

Clarity Index

Latest from Agape Lens

Anchor Away

A young sailor recalls losing an anchor off Atlantic City and learning, over time, that what holds a life must be secured before the test comes.

Recent Reflection

The One Bread and the Burning Heart

A reflection on John 6, Emmaus, and the Eucharist as Christ’s self-giving presence that opens our eyes, forms communion, and sends us in love.

Keep Reading

Why Catholics and Protestants Have Different Old Testaments

A calm explanation of why Catholic and Protestant Old Testament canons differ, with attention to the Septuagint, the deuterocanonical books, Augustine, and reading Scripture in Christ.