Richard John Neuhaus, who died 10 years ago this week, was a master of words who was mastered by the Word. Whether he was speaking at anti-war rallies alongside Joan Baez, preaching to his congregation (Lutheran before his conversion, Catholic after), or holding forth at the table, he used his eloquence to point men toward God.
I will never forget walking into his apartment at age 22 and being asked, “So, Matthew, what is it you intend to do?”, as he cocked his head and held his cigar. Neuhaus drew you out. He wanted to know what you had to say. He wanted you to write it up. He promised to review your first book.
