The Truth Will Set Us Free
The readings during Passiontide are accusatory of those who held positions of authority in the time of Christ. Over the years there have been allegations that these were attacks against the Jewish people. More accurately these statements are aimed at those who held positions of religious authority in that time. The Gospel’s words are not anti-anyone nor is it about stigmatizing any group. Instead, it interrogates our human nature and how we respond when we fear that we will lose our special position. It calls out the denial of truth and the reality. Even though we follow the ultimate Truth, we must also be vigilant about assuming that only we are the chosen ones in this day. Christ said that He would be with us until the end of time, specifically in the Eucharist, but the question to ask is this: will we remain with Him? Assuming that we are superior because we have been given the gift of Faith is taking a detour from the path Christ sent the disciples on, the same path that as baptized Catholics all of us are commanded to follow. Each of the apostles faced persecution and violence for his beliefs. Indeed, most of the first popes died as martyrs, happy to give their lives for the Faith.
Lent Calls Us to Selfless and Sacrificial Love
On February 14th we celebrated Valentines Day. The greeting card industry has enshrined this as the day when we emphasize romantic affection. It is beautiful to especially acknowledge spouses and those with whom we have a romantic connection. Love is in the air as they say, but true love can be better found when we explore and remember the saint after whom this day is named. St. Valentine was martyred for the Faith on February 14th, offering an act of pure love, not romantic love. I mean no disrespect to the industry that thrives on the promotion of these secular days. My father owned a gift and hobby shop when I was a child, and Hallmark cards were a big seller for him. Living in a committed marriage, however, brings the selfless love of sacrificial care together with the romantic in a lasting relationship. I find that my love for my wife has grown over the years as long-term care and common experiences define our relationship.
Lucia Gives Us a Pathway for Lent
Lent is a time for us to reflect on our relationship with God, repair those things that keep us from Him and turn back to Him if we have been away. Faith is the gift that allows us to trust in God and to follow His commandments as a sign of our love for Him. In her book, “Calls” from the Message of Fatima, which has been described as a “catechism of Fatima,” Sister Lucia gives us a pathway to meet God every day, but especially during penitential seasons.
The Lenten Lesson of Letting Go
The season of Lent, at first glance, appears to be a time solely of penitence and reparation. And, surely, it is. In increasing our dedication to prayer, fasting and almsgiving, we certainly seek to atone for our own sins and those of others, just as Our Lady of Fatima implored us to do. But if we dig further beneath the surface of these penitential acts, we find a beautiful purpose that is too often easily overlooked.
Politics and the Catholic Conscience
One month into his second term as President of the United States, Donald Trump has, as he promised, hit the ground running. A whirlwind of initiatives, executive orders and legislative presentations has put into motion a redefinition of the status quo. More accurately an attempted elimination of it. Most will agree that government needs to go on a diet as costs and bureaucratic choke points have exploded and are a burden to the economy and invasive to working class people. Some worry that needed programs will not survive. Some see the breakneck pace of these changes as onerous; others are applauding it.
St. Francisco: The Boy Who Died Smiling
by Barb Ernster – The holiness of St. Francisco is hidden in the stories of Fatima. Putting it together, one sees Francisco’s advancement in the spiritual life during his time on earth, primarily in his devotion to the “Hidden Jesus.” Francisco died the morning of April 4, 1919, after a six-month battle with the Spanish […]
Fatima’s Spirit of Sacrifice
Sacrifice as a Duty of Love As Lent continues it can be easy to lose that original spark of devotion and energy awakened in us on Ash Wednesday. Our daily sacrifices and resolutions start out strong, but keeping them becomes increasingly tiresome, a chore rather than a loving gift. It is therefore extremely important that […]
Lent Should Transform Us
Simon becomes Peter; Saul becomes Paul. The Cornerstones of Lent Prayer and sacrifice are the cornerstones of Lent. It is during this time that we re-evaluate our lives and strive for improvement. This should be our task every day of the year, but in this time, we are directed to a more focused effort to […]
Our Human Journey is One of Bumps and Bruises
by David M. Carollo – Holy Week is approaching fast. As we look back on this Lent, most of us will certainly feel that we have not fulfilled the promises made on Ash Wednesday, when we planned a perfect period of abstinence and made a commitment to attaining perfection. Oh well, I guess that we are imperfect […]
Joseph, the Silent Servant King of Israel
The Powerful Influence of Joseph in the Mission of his Son Jesus by Kevin Burke, LSW and Theresa Burke, Ph.D. – This Lenten season, the Church will once again honor Saint Joseph on his feast day, March 20 (moved from March 19 due to falling on a Lenten Sunday). Like the humble adoptive father of […]
