If we lose our focus on the Lord, neither his coming in past history, nor his coming at the end of time will have much meaning for us. We will be like the people who Isaiah describes, “There is no one that calls upon thy name, that bestirs himself to take hold of thee” (Isaiah 64:7). “Take heed, watch and pray…” […]
“As I have loved you, so you also should love one another” (John 13:34). In John 14:15, Jesus tells his apostles, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” In this passage, Jesus is preparing His Apostles for His departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit. After three long years with them, these are among His final words […]
Are you at peace or is your heart troubled? “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare […]
Solemnity of All Saints Today is the Solemnity of All Saints, a celebration of those who have died and attained Heaven. We will remember those who are undergoing purgation tomorrow on All Souls Day. Today, I would like to look at the Catholic practice of asking the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints in heaven to intercede for us. I […]
“When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” (G. K. Chesterton) I remember at a very young age the constant urging of my parents to always say “thank you” in response to any kindness or friendly words shared in my direction. For many years, I saw this advice […]
We are all likely familiar with the “walk to Emmaus” (Luke 24:13-35) by two of Christ’s disciples the evening of the Resurrection in Luke’s Gospel. These two men, overcome with hopelessness and discouragement, were talking about the incredible events they had witnessed over the previous few days as they were walking to their home village of Emmaus outside of Jerusalem. […]
One of the biggest obstacles for me in the early days of my faith journey was the lack of a prayer life. I knew I needed to pray, but I couldn’t ever remember sincerely praying about anything. I was struggling with the typical male challenge of asking for help, especially asking God for help! I rationalized this by thinking, “Who […]
Do you ever feel numb or helpless because of all the problems the world faces each day? One only has to watch the news or follow the events of the day online to feel completely overwhelmed. Some of the challenges facing the world include ever-increasing threats to our Catholic faith. The Church is being accosted on all sides and the culture […]
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“Does He reign over my mind, will, and heart?” For those of us who call the United States of America our home, Christ the King might not be the image of Jesus that resonates with us the most. We have been raised on stories of the American Revolution more often than those of Sts. Henry II, Louis IX, or […]
“At the end of our lives, He will ask what we did with what we were given.” This Sunday’s Gospel is one of my favorite parables of Jesus – the parable of the talents. It’s a multifaceted parable that can be read on many levels, and I think it’s a good examination of conscience for Christians in their work of […]
“All He asks is that we have the faith to cry out.” I have been feeling in a funk lately, and I imagine many of you reading right now are internally nodding in agreement. While we all have our individual, unique crosses during this time, we share ones too. In the midst of the funk, I decided to go back […]
Dr. Scott Hahn reflects on the Mass readings for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) Readings:Exodus 22:20–26Psalm 18:2–4, 47, 511 Thessalonians 1:5–10Matthew 22:34–40 Jesus came not to abolish the Old Testament law but to fulfill it (see Matthew 5:17). And in today’s Gospel, He reveals that love—of God and of neighbor—is the fulfillment of the whole of the […]
Dr. Scott Hahn reflects on the Mass readings for the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) Readings:Isaiah 45:1,4–6Psalm 96:1,3–5, 7–101 Thessalonians 1:1–5Matthew 22:15–21 The Lord is king over all the earth, as we sing in today’s Psalm. Governments rise and fall by His permission, with no authority but that given from above (see John 19:11; Romans 13:1). In effect, God says […]
Dr. Scott Hahn reflects on the Mass readings for the Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) Isaiah 25:6–10Psalm 23:1–6Philippians 4:12–14, 19–20Matthew 22:1–14 Visit the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology website to listen to an audio recording of this reflection from Dr. Scott Hahn and to subscribe to receive his Sunday Mass Reflections via email. We encourage you to support […]
Dr. Scott Hahn reflects on the Mass readings for the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A). Visit the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology website to listen to an audio recording of this reflection from Dr. Scott Hahn and to subscribe to receive his Sunday Mass Reflections via email. We encourage you to support his work. Please share on […]
This week’s poem in the Catholic Poetry Room is by Mary R. Finnegan. To Etch the Stars It is a day without form, dark as night, a dirty rain falls. Still, I walk out, into the chaos, see the cosmos as it was before: a sea in storm, everything waiting for the breath of God to tame the wild […]
Looking for a good read? I recommend Brendan Hodge’s new work, If You Can Get It (Ignatius Press). If You Can Get It is a well written, engaging novel that intelligently explores living meaningfully in today’s superficial world. An educated Catholic friend recommended it to me. The title lodged Gershwin’s song in my head, so I picked up the book […]
This week’s poem in the Catholic Poetry Room is by John Darretta. Molten Glass Soft colors slowly shift along the ancient chancel wall, trails of light beaming through a tinted window at my back, as from without, above the whir of traffic and stir of life, burning sun pierces the glass, suffusing hues in trails of light, streaming them […]
As we continue to move in unknown spaces and times of uncertainty, REMEMBER your blessings and use your TIME well. Rest in the knowledge of God’s faithfulness. Be the saint you are called to be. Our world needs saints today. Our world needs you. In my book, time is an elusive thing. So is the memory. Both are hard to […]
A Daily Quote to Inspire Your Catholic Faith “Christian optimism is not a sugary optimism; nor is it a mere human confidence that everything will turn out all right. “It is an optimism that sinks its roots in an awareness of our freedom, and in the sure knowledge of the power of grace. It is an optimism which leads us […]
A Daily Quote to Inspire Your Catholic Faith “Dear young men and women! Do not be surprised at this: the mystery of the Cross teaches people to live and work in a way that is different from the spirit of this world… “For all this to happen, prayer, intimate dialogue with the One who is calling you to be his […]
“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 Encountering the Word is your source for daily inspiration, encouragement, and guidance from God’s Holy Word in the Bible. Help spread the Gospel. Share on Facebook […]
A Daily Quote to Inspire Your Catholic Faith “Through Eve, the beautiful and desirable glory of men was extinguished; but it has revived through Mary.” (St. Ephrem the Syrian, Deacon and Doctor of the Church) The Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary is August 22. The Optional Memorial of St. Ephrem, Deacon and Doctor of the Church […]