Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25) But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are […]
“In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.” Two days ago we remembered the victims of September 11, 2001 in our prayers as we marked the nineteenth anniversary of that tragic day. That is a day that I pray we never forget. However, our present year, 2020, is one of the darkest in recent memory. In the midst of a […]
Identity The things that we do tell us who we think we are. The truth is that who we are should determine what we do… yet the world behaves as if what we do defines the essence of who we are. You have heard the saying, “Actions speak louder than words.” We know this is very true. There are many […]
“Deacon Mike, why do we believe that it belongs to the Church to interpret the bible? Can’t we just read the bible for ourselves? The guys I do bible study with say that we (Catholics) add things that are not there.” A young man who participates in a “non-denominational” bible study asked me this question. This question comes up from time to […]
“Thou movest us to delight in praising Thee; for Thou hast formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee” (St. Augustine, Confessions). I think most writers are naturally introspective and reflective. While praying in preparation for Lent not long ago, I prayed for strength and courage to stay focused on the path Christ […]
Do you ever feel overwhelmed with all of the stress, responsibilities and challenges in your daily life? If I am honest with myself, the times I feel most anxious or stressed are usually caused by my lifelong tendency to overcomplicate things and an inclination towards “busyness”. I am grateful for the occasional insights I have into ways to address this […]
During a recent coffee meeting, a friend said, “You seem to have your act together on the fatherhood front. What’s your secret?” I was surprised and taken aback because I don’t think I have my act together at all. I don’t mean that out of false humility. I pray every day to be a better husband and father because I […]
I believe one of the greatest obstacles to evangelization and sharing our faith with others today is that many of us have forgotten how to be joyful. I know when the stresses of the world weigh me down, I struggle to maintain a joyful attitude in the presence of others. We are often so busy with our hectic schedules and […]
“Let us not waste the graces of this year.“ I have a calendar hanging on the wall of my kitchen. I buy the same one every year—one that features beautiful art each month that can be cut up at the end of the year and framed. As a result, it’s a bit of a splurge … so I wait until […]
“Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight.“ In one of his first homilies as Pope, Francis had some strong words for us. He said, “I think we [are] people who, on the one hand, want to listen to Jesus, but on the other hand, at times, like to find a stick to beat others with, […]
The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (September 8) is one of the most tender and natural feasts on the Church calendar. And although we date the liturgical feast to at least the sixth century, we can actually trace the celebration much farther back. After all, don’t you think Jesus celebrated Mary’s birthday? Join Him in the […]
Work is a gift. Perhaps it doesn’t seem that way when we’re growing tired of the monotony of our commute, when the stress of deadlines is threatening our peace, or when we struggle with our coworkers or our boss. But our work is one way we partner with God in our sanctification and the sanctification of the world around us. […]
Dr. Scott Hahn reflects on the Mass readings for the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A). Readings:Ezekiel 33:7–9Psalm 95:1–2, 6–9Romans 13:8–10Matthew 18:15–20 As Ezekiel is appointed watchman over the house of Israel in today’s first Reading, so Jesus in the Gospel today establishes His disciples as guardians of the new Israel of God, the Church (see Galatians 6:16). He also puts […]
Dr. Scott Hahn reflects on the Mass readings for the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A). Readings:Jeremiah 20:7–9Psalm 63:2–6, 8–9Romans 12:1–2Matthew 16:21–27 Today’s First Reading catches the prophet Jeremiah in a moment of weakness. His intimate lamentation contains some of the strongest language of doubt found in the Bible. Following God’s call, he feels abandoned. Preaching His Word has brought […]
No sooner does Jesus praise Peter’s confession at Caesarea Philippi and dub him “the Rock” than he rebukes him as the devil or Satan. Peter had confessed Jesus to be the Messiah. But his idea of what it meant to be the Christ left no room for suffering, sacrifice or the way of the cross as the cost of discipleship. […]
Dr. Scott Hahn reflects on the Mass readings for the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A). Readings:Isaiah 22:15, 19–23Psalm 138:1–3, 6, 8Romans 11:33–36Matthew 16:13–20 “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!” Paul exclaims in today’s Epistle. Today’s Psalm, too, takes up the triumphant note of joy and thanksgiving. Why? Because in the Gospel, the heavenly Father reveals […]
This week’s poem in the Catholic Poetry Room is by Karen D’Anselmi. The House on Kingston Avenue I had no curb appeal, no details to restore and they never could afford an addition or updates to my electrical system, or to tame rattling windows, soothe creaking floors. Yet I held them while they held their children: child rocking in […]
Empathy is the capacity to understand what another person is undergoing from within that person’s frame of reference. Much of August I could not help imagining myself in the situation of Father Matthew Hood of the Archdiocese of Detroit. On August 6, presumably after celebrating Mass on the Feast of the Lord’s transfiguration, Hood’s life was changed far more than […]
“Solitude is not an empty space, a void; it is an encounter with the God who loves us…” Dear Sister, What aspect of Carmelite Spirituality do you find most helpful for your prayer? Dear Friend, The short answer to your question is solitude. Here is the longer answer… Since all prayer begins with adoration, the environment surrounding my prayer must […]
This week’s poem in the Catholic Poetry Room is by Barnabas Ney. Northern Beauty I once did pack my bags and sally forth When I sought solitude and tranquility. I said, “I’ll sail up some inlet to the north.” I up-anchored and shouted excitedly, “The North! The North!” Past many treacherous shoals, rocks and isles, I sailed in unquiet peace […]
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 […]
“Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emman′u-el” (which means, God with us). (Matthew 1:23) 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 and other social media. Print this entry