An Invitation to Enter the Desert with Christ As we begin the Lenten season today, we are called to enter the desert with Christ; to turn away from sin and towards our God. Many of us realize that we are called to face difficult questions during this penitential season. The challenge we face is not only for us to ask those questions, […]
We are well into a new liturgical year and Lent is fast approaching! Isn’t it time that we have been diving deep into the mystery of God and His love for us? A necessary part of advancing in the spiritual life and forming a deeper relationship with God is to examine ourselves, praying that God will reveal to us our […]
“Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness; in your compassion blot out my offense. O wash me more and more from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin.” (Psalm 51:1-2) Nearly everyone loves conversion stories. Over the last couple of decades, the conversion stories of people who have entered the Catholic Church have exploded onto the scene in the […]
An oppressive darkness has settled upon the United States of America. Forty-eight years ago, on January 22, 1973, the Supreme Court of the United States “legalized” abortion on demand and this country has never recovered from the damage inflicted on our moral fiber as tens of millions of children have been sacrificed on the “altar of self” out of expediency […]
As the father of a 23-year-old son with high-functioning autism, I am sometimes challenged to give my oldest child the focus and patience he needs from me. I frequently feel inadequate when I advise and guide my 20-year-old son through the minefields of today’s culture. My loving wife should expect my best efforts as a husband, yet I often feel […]
And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4). Not long ago, one of our priests gave an excellent homily based on chapter five of Luke’s Gospel and the Call of Simon the Fisherman (before he became St. Peter). Although Father Steve never described […]
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 […]
Feeling let down by politicians and public figures who say they are Catholic, but their words and actions are often contrary to the teachings of the Church? Do we seek good examples for ourselves, our children or our grandchildren to emulate because we hope they will demonstrate in word and deed what it means to be authentically Catholic? Perhaps we […]
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Dr. Scott Hahn reflects on the Mass readings for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) Readings:Leviticus 13:1–2, 44–46Psalm 32:1–2, 5, 111 Corinthians 10:31–11:1Mark 1:40–45 In the Old Testament, leprosy is depicted as punishment for disobedience of God’s commands (see Numbers 12:12–15; 2 Kings 5:27; 15:5). Considered “unclean”—unfit to worship or live with the Israelites, lepers are considered “stillborn,” the living dead (see Numbers 12:12). Indeed, […]
Dr. Scott Hahn reflects on the Mass readings for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) Readings:1 Samuel 3:3–10, 19Psalm 40:2, 4, 7–101 Corinthians 6:13–15, 17–20John 1:35–42 In the call of Samuel and of the first Apostles, today’s readings shed light on our own calling to be followers of Christ. Notice in the Gospel today that John’s disciples are […]
Dr. Scott Hahn reflects on the Mass readings for the Third Sunday of Advent (Year B) Readings:Isaiah 61:1–2, 10–11Luke 1:46–50, 53–541 Thessalonians 5:16–24John 1:6–8, 19–28 The mysterious figure of John the Baptist, introduced in last week’s readings, comes into sharper focus today. Who he is, we see in today’s Gospel, is best understood by who he isn’t. He is not […]
During a time when parties and endless carols dull our spiritual senses, the message of Advent urges to wake up and be alert and vigilant. Our society is asleep spiritually. Here are some ideas to rouse ourselves, our famlies and our neighbors to a preparation for the Christmas holidays that is more life-giving and meaningful. Have you ever had one […]
This week’s poem in the Catholic Poetry Room is by Michael Carlton. Lonely Shades of Light Warmed with soft rays that glitter of gold, The longer his days with eyes that grow old. He wakes to the shadows of dawn’s early light, Escaped from the cold to the city’s dark night. Life on this bench seen alone in the park […]
This week’s poem in the Catholic Poetry Room is by Johanna Caton. The Roar of Waters I’ve tried to offer to my God my all. But this, if so, must always be inspired by him – for ego’s fallen imprints fall on sacrifice of self that self has styled. I’ve learned that God’s the one who sends the pain that […]
This week’s poem in the Catholic Poetry Room is by Philip Vassallo. What Do You Want? after John 1:38 If you find yourself on a deserted path with two men following, do not run, cry for help, or reach for whatever weapon you can find, as He did none of these. Turn to them and ask, “What do you want?” […]
This week’s poem in the Catholic Poetry Room is by Jeffrey Essmann. Presentation I sometimes fear, O Lord, I’ve not the scope of years or wisdom left to me to bear the growing burden of an active hope. The dark’ning world around me swirls with care. Its very skies are sighing with the pain of human lives adrift and […]
An Invitation to Enter the Desert with Christ As we begin the Lenten season today, we are called to enter the desert with Christ; to turn away from sin and towards our God. Many of us realize that we are called to face difficult questions during this penitential season. The challenge we face is not only for us to ask those questions, […]
“The first end I propose in our daily work is to do the will of God; secondly, to do it in the manner he wills it; and thirdly, to do it because it is his will.” (Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton) The Memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774 – 1821) is January 4. Please share on social media. Print this […]
“But he [Stephen], filled with the holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’ But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, […]
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered.” (Luke 2:4-6) Please share on […]