Learning to be Quick to Listen

Jesus' call to " the little ones " is a central theme in the Gospels, and Pope Benedict XVI often spoke of its profound meaning, particularly for children and young people. He noted how Jesus identifies with children, saying, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me” (Mk 9:33-37). For Benedict, children are a model of the humility and openness needed to enter the Kingdom of God . Their simple trust and ability to love without calculation are precisely the qualities that allow them to receive the Lord and his message. This isn't just a sentimental idea; it's a fundamental truth of discipleship. By becoming "small," we open ourselves to God's grace and learn to rely not on our own strength, but on His. In a world that often prizes power and self-sufficiency, Jesus' invitation to become like a child is a radical call to freedom and true life. While the call to be like a child is for everyone, young people face a unique challenge tod...

In a world that often feels fractured and filled with conflict, we are constantly faced with the shocking reality of senseless violence and murder. We see acts of hatred in our communities, on the news, and sometimes even in our own lives, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed, angry, or hopeless. Our natural human response is to demand justice, to seek revenge, or to build walls of protection. Yet, Jesus offers a radically different path , a call to love that seems impossible in the face of such profound evil. In Luke's Gospel , Jesus lays out a countercultural manifesto for how to live in a broken world. He says, “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” This isn't just a suggestion; it's a divine command that challenges us to move beyond our base instincts. It's a call to offer the other cheek, to give away more than is asked, and to be generous without expectation of return...

On August 28, 2025, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful address in French to a delegation of officials from France's Diocese of Créteil . In his remarks, the Holy Father directly challenged the false notion that faith and public life should be separate. He emphasized that the salvation of Christ encompasses all aspects of human existence, including culture, politics, and the economy. Citing the Church's social doctrine, Pope Leo insisted that charity, a gift from God, can transform structures, legal systems, and social organizations from within. For the pope, a Christian’s faith is not a private matter to be left at home when they enter the public sphere; it must inform every aspect of their being and work. Pope Leo XIV told the politicians that there is no separation in their personality—they are not one person as a politician and another as a Christian. Instead, they must live out their political responsibilities in a Christian manner , guided by their conscience and fa...

In a world that often feels fractured and overwhelming, the Corporal Works of Mercy , as outlined by Jesus in the Bible , offer a powerful pathway to a life of profound goodness and genuine freedom. These acts – feeding the hungry , giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless , visiting the sick, visiting prisoners, and burying the dead – are not mere suggestions, but invitations to participate actively in God's compassionate plan for humanity . By choosing to engage in these tangible acts of service, we step outside of ourselves and our own concerns, fostering a deeper connection with our neighbors and, in turn, with the divine. This outward focus, paradoxically, liberates us from the self-centeredness and anxieties that can often shackle our spirits, allowing us to experience the joy and fulfillment that come from living a life of purpose. Embracing the Corporal Works of Mercy also cultivates a sense of true freedom, not just for those we serve, but f...

From a Catholic perspective , social media and texting can be a great gift. It has made communication easier and faster. We can quickly share information or ask and answer questions with a simple text. It also allows people to express their thoughts in writing, which for some is easier than speaking in person. The ability to connect with people far away or to keep in touch with friends and family has never been more accessible, allowing us to build up our communities even when we're not physically together. While there are many positive aspects of social media, we also need to be mindful of its downsides. Digital communication can miss essential non-verbal cues like tone and body language. This can lead to misunderstandings, even when the person sending the message has good intentions. The written word can be easily misinterpreted, and once a message is sent, it can be saved forever. Receiving a text message can also activate a hit of dopamine , which may explain why a generation o...

It's an exciting time for the Church as the Vatican recently announced the approval for the canonization of two remarkable young figures: Blessed  Carlo Acutis and Blessed  Pier Giorgio Frassati . This momentous news recognizes their profound impact and enduring witness to Christ. Carlo Acutis, the "patron of the internet," used his passion for technology to document Eucharistic miracles before his untimely death at 15. Pier Giorgio Frassati, who died at 24, was a vibrant social activist and outdoorsman, dedicating his life to serving the poor and living out the Beatitudes with joyful abandon. Both, in their own unique ways, demonstrate that holiness is accessible and compelling for every generation. Pope Francis has frequently pointed to figures like Carlo and Pier Giorgio as models for young people today. In his apostolic exhortation Christus Vivit , Pope Francis specifically praised Carlo Acutis, noting that he "knew how to use the new communication technologi...