Tag: Holy Mass
Do you love me?
On many occasions I’ve heard non-Catholics object to the papacy. Often, they say something like this: “I just can’t believe that one man on earth, the Pope, is holier than everyone else.” So who ever said that being sinless is either a prerequisite or a consequence of being named Pope? For the Pope, the bishop [...]
What’s Mercy got to do with Easter?
Several years ago, the Catholic Church designated the Sunday after Easter as “Divine Mercy Sunday.” That raises two very important questions – what exactly is “mercy” anyway, and what does it have to do with the Easter season? Mercy is not just pity. Neither is it simply sparing someone the punishment that they deserve. No, [...]
Good Friday and the Victory of the Cross
The terror of crucifixion Terrorism is nothing new. It’s probably as old as the human race. In fact the cradle of civilization, now Iraq, was the home of the most infamous terrorists of antiquity, the Assyrians. Their goal was to conquer their neighbors in a way that would minimize initial resistance and subsequent rebellion. To [...]
How I Found Joy in Sorrow and Pain
The Cross is the great paradox of Christianity. More than a few people have asked me over the years why the Catholic Church focuses so prominently and persistently on the Crucifix. One inquirer even suggested that the Crucifix hanging above the Altar is too intense a reminder of the sorrow in the world and that [...]
Text of Homily Delivered by Pope Francis at Inaugural Mass
The following is the text of the homily (Vatican Radio translation) delivered by Pope Francis at the Papal Inaugural Mass on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, March 19, 2013. - Deacon Mike Dear Brothers and Sisters, I thank the Lord that I can celebrate this Holy Mass for the inauguration of my Petrine ministry on [...]
Ask a Carmelite: Getting More from Holy Mass
Dear Sister, I don’t get much out of Mass. Do you have any suggestions? Dear Friend, I suppose you have already heard a couple phrases that have become aphorisms on this ‘issue’: “Don’t come to get – come to give” and “You will only get out what you are willing to put in”. While it [...]
Raising Independent Catholic Kids in an Age of Conformity
Sexting, drugs, alcohol, cyber-bullying, teen suicide, rampant materialism, technology addiction, and me-first mindsets – the list of challenges to young people today can seem overwhelming. As parents of two boys under the age of 16, I feel like my wife and I are on the front lines of a never-ending war for the very souls of [...]
Because it is True
The only reason to believe something is because it is true. I am Catholic, not because it feels good to go to Mass on Sunday, or because it helps me cope with suffering in my life, or even because I was raised that way. I am Catholic because Catholicism is true. Unfortunately, my generation has [...]
The Miracle and Gift of the Eucharist
On the Second Sunday after Pentecost in the United States, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ – Corpus Christi. Jesus began to prepare us for this great gift of the True Presence of His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Most Holy Eucharist when He performed the miracle of the Multiplication of [...]
We Win!
What are Christians to think when thousands of atheists gather and make plans to mock and belittle them? There’s only one thing to think… We win! In an intellectual debate, logic and evidence are the stuff a winner relies on. For Christians, prayer and love are added in. But making fun of your opponent? That [...]
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