We live in an age of opinion writers telling us that we live in an age of [insert sweeping generalization here]. The hotter the take, the more attention it gets not only from readers who already agree but pundits eager to tear it down with their own scorching rebuttal.

Enter Christine Emba, an op-ed writer for The Washington Post, who traffics in nuance and explores the deeper questions beneath the latest outrage de jour. On topics from #MeToo movement and s***hole countries to Harry Potter and burritos, Christine has opinions worth reading. This week, we ask her about her vocation as an op-ed writer and what a successful column looks like. (Homilists would be wise to take notes.)

And in Signs of the Times, did you know the Winter Olympics were underway? Yeah, neither did we. Next: A German cardinal seems to (maybe) open the door to pastors blessing same-sex unions, fall out from Pope Francis’ handling of clerical sex abuse continues and we dive into a potential breakthrough for the Catholic Church in China. Finally, Lent begins next week on Valentine’s Day/Ash Wednesday—and PETA wants you to go vegan.

Tell us what you’re giving up (or #TakingUp) this Lent! Tweet us @jesuiticalshow or send us an email [email protected]. And please leave us a review on Apple podcasts and tell your friends, parents or children about the show.

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