-
I have received a number of positive comments about Fr. David's responses to the seven questions survey. I knew it would be impactful. When I first read it, I found myself drawn to his answers. Especially his response to why bad things happen to good people. I am reading the Book of Daniel at the present and that is an exercise in bad things happening to good people. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon certainly exercised his free will and imposed his decisions on everyone. But the image of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego standing among the flames of the fire set to kill them is something that I cannot shake. Azariah's prayer is astounding, profound, and emboldening. He had the audacity to believe in God. He never wavered and said that God would either save him and his colleagues or use them for another purpose. That is faith! I pray that I have the stamina and fortitude to withstand the devil and his helpers as Azariah did. I hunger for the conviction of Azariah. It was not serendipity that Fr. David's words were validated by the Book of Daniel. That is why we are called to read the Bible. It is the Word of God. It is one of the many ways He talks to us. I thank God for the examples of Azariah and Fr. David and I encourage you to reread yesterday's entry and then read the Book of Daniel. The message that God is in control and he will never let us down is crystal clear and definitely something we need to hear in the present.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Doctrinal Clarity, Not Change: Unpacking the Note on Marian Titles

-
Image
The release of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith’s note, Mater Populi Fidelis , on November 4, 2025, seems to have sparked some immediate and widespread confusion, driven largely by sensationalist headlines from secular sources. In response to requests, particularly surrounding a potential Fifth Marian Dogma of Spiritual Maternity , the DDF addressed the usage of titles like Co-redemptrix and Mediatrix. Unfortunately, this has led to a large contingent online and in the media claiming that the Church has "tossed out" centuries of doctrine, with some outside the Church even proclaiming a "victory" over Catholic teaching (This may be the saddest part of it all, that we as Christians, are "competing" with each other). It is essential to understand that this doctrinal note is fundamentally about titles and clarity, not doctrine and change according to the Vatican News. The true teachings regarding Mary's unique role in salvation remain inviolabl...
Read more

Finding St Anthony Among the Lost Items

-
Image
Saint Anthony of Padua, though often associated with finding lost articles, was primarily known in his lifetime as a powerful and eloquent preacher. Originally a Canon Regular of St. Augustine, he was inspired to join the newly formed Franciscan order after witnessing the martyrdom of the first Franciscan missionaries in Morocco. His conversion to the mendicant life under St. Francis of Assisi transformed him, deepening his commitment to poverty, humility, and evangelical preaching. Gifted with profound theological knowledge and a captivating speaking style, he traveled across Italy and France, drawing immense crowds with his clear and passionate sermons, converting many and combating heresy with his unwavering faith and intellectual rigor. Beyond his public ministry, St. Anthony was a mystic who enjoyed profound spiritual experiences, most notably a vision of the Infant Jesus. This intimate connection with the Christ Child is a hallmark of his iconography, often depicting him c...
Read more
-
Kurt Hilgefort, is a Catholic father of six who publishes his thoughts on his blog Shadows of Augustine . He responded to my seven question survey with the following answers. Kurt is the first layperson to respond to the seven question survey and I think that his experience is extremely relevant to me personally and I hope that you are inspired by his thoughts as well. If you would like to respond, please send an email to fellmananthony@gmail.com with your thoughts and I will be happy to publish them as well. 1. What is the biggest challenge to your faith that you have faced so far? The biggest challenge for me has been the whole dying to self thing. On an intellectual level, there are no barriers. It comes down to a matter of accepting the authority of the Church that Christ founded upon Peter. My challenge is not in the intellect, but rather in the will. The challenge for me has always been to continually seek conversion. I want to be transformed, but I want it to be over all ...
Read more