Just like the disciples, every follower of Jesus needs a "mountain-top" experience of light and of closeness to the Lord to get them through life's difficult and painful moments, Pope Benedict XVI said. Celebrating a morning Mass March 4 at the Church of St. John Baptist de la Salle in a Rome suburb and reciting the Angelus at midday with visitors at the Vatican, Pope Benedict commented on the day's Gospel account of the Transfiguration. Jesus told his disciples that he would have to suffer and die, but they did not understand him and, in fact, they objected to the idea, the pope told the crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square for the Angelus. "For this reason, Jesus took three of them up the mountain and revealed his divine glory, the splendor of truth and love. Jesus wanted this light to illuminate their hearts when they would pass through the thick darkness of his passion and death, when the scandal of the cross would be insupportable for them," the pope said. "All of us need interior light to overcome the trials of life," he said. "This light comes from God, and it is Christ who gives it to us." If you have had a mountain top experience, you are armed with the tools to make a difference for others. Don't hide that experience but allow God to use you because of it. Share it with others, especially those who are hurting, depressed, or lonely. St. Paul tells us that we can plant and water but only God can grow. Are you planting the seeds of faith in others? Are you bringing people to God's church? Are you bringing people to God through your actions? Lent is always a good time to begin a new habit. I am praying that those with illuminated hearts will share the light with those who have not said yes to God yet.
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...
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