Learning to be Quick to Listen

The stigmata, a phenomenon where individuals bear the wounds of Christ's Passion , are intrinsically linked to the brutal reality of Jesus's crucifixion. Far exceeding any cinematic portrayal, the actual Roman crucifixion was an event of indescribable violence and degradation. This barbaric practice, widespread throughout the Roman Empire, was designed not only to inflict unimaginable physical torment but also to strip the victim of all dignity, often being the ultimate punishment for slaves. The intentional dehumanization inherent in Roman crucifixion — a process involving scourging, carrying the cross, and ultimately being nailed to it — provides a crucial backdrop for understanding the profound mystery of the stigmata. The sheer savagery of Christ's suffering, which led to specific wounds in his hands, feet, side, and head, forms the archetypal blueprint for these mystical manifestations in certain saints. Saints who have received the stigmata are seen as participating ...

The Solemnity of the Ascension of our Lord , often overshadowed by its transfer to a Sunday later in the Easter season, holds profound significance for understanding humanity's destiny. This pivotal event, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us (CCC 659-667), marks the completion of Christ’s earthly mission and his glorification at the right hand of the Father. Far from a mere spatial departure, the Ascension is a " transhistorical reality," an event that opens a window into the ultimate purpose of human existence. It signifies that human nature, assumed by Christ at the Incarnation and glorified in his Resurrection, is now incorporated into the very life of the Triune God. As the Church Fathers consistently taught, what Christ accomplished in his humanity, He accomplished for all humanity, offering us the hope of sharing in His divine life. The importance of the Ascension is amplified in our current cultural moment, which grapples with a crisis in the very ...

St. Vincent de Paul- Des Moines is making a profound difference in the lives of former prisoners through its Immersion Program, offering a holistic approach to reentry that embodies the core tenets of Catholic social teaching. Recognizing that nearly one-third of the individuals they serve have been incarcerated, the program provides crucial wraparound services focused on mental well-being, socio-economic stability, employability, and healthy relationships. Through initiatives like "Back2Work," participants receive tailored training, financial literacy education, and job placement assistance, fostering not just employment but a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. This proactive engagement, including pre-release access to individuals in the Polk County Jail, builds vital trust and facilitates a smoother transition back into the community, addressing systemic barriers to reintegration. This impactful work directly mirrors the profound call to action found in Jesus' ...

The relationship between faith and works in the journey to salvation is a cornerstone of Christian teaching, often debated yet consistently illuminated by Scripture. While James 2:24 famously declares we are "justified by works and not by faith alone," this truth is echoed throughout the New Testament with remarkable clarity. Consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:43-45: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven." The Greek "hópos genésthe" signifies a purpose clause, directly linking the action of loving enemies and praying for persecutors to the ultimate goal of becoming "sons of your Father." This isn't merely a suggestion; it's a prerequisite for reaching our final destiny in heaven, as evident from the entirety of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus' profound "how to get to heaven" discourse. Pope Benedict XVI consistently emphasized that faith is no...

The call to priesthood, a divine invitation to a life consecrated to God, echoes through the ages, remarkably mirroring the immediate and radical "yes" offered by Peter and the apostles to Jesus. When Christ walked by the Sea of Galilee and called out, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men," Simon Peter and Andrew "immediately left their nets and followed him" (Matthew 4:19-20). This decisive abandonment of their former lives for an unknown future with the Messiah serves as a profound archetype for every man discerning and ultimately embracing a priestly vocation . As Bishop Robert Barron often illuminates, this is not merely a career choice but a reorientation of one's entire being towards Christ, a willingness to drop everything that hinders the pursuit of God's will. This immediate and unreserved response is deeply rooted in the very nature of divine calling, as understood in the Catholic tradition. The Catechism of the Catholic Churc...

It’s easy to feel like the challenges we face today are utterly unique, products of our unprecedented technological advancements and rapidly shifting social landscapes. Yet, a closer look at history reveals a striking parallel between some of our most contemporary struggles and the ancient conflicts that have “plagued people for centuries.” Consider the ancient Gnostics , who believed the physical world was a wicked creation and salvation lay in escaping the material "prison" of the body to achieve a secret, higher knowledge. This echoes surprisingly with modern sentiments that prioritize self-definition and subjective truth, often seeking to transcend perceived biological or natural limitations through technology and personal will. The yearning for a " redeeming enlightenment " found through individual intellect or inclination is not new; it's a persistent human desire to make our own understanding supreme. In the second century, a towering figure named Irena...

When the name Simon Peter comes to mind, a common image is that of an impulsive, outspoken man, prone to missteps and even denying Jesus. Recent interpretations have often painted him as financially inept, struggling with taxes, and generally a bumbling figure. However, a closer look at the Gospels, particularly the Gospel of Mark, reveals a different picture—that of an astute businessman and respected community leader, chosen by Jesus to be the very foundation of the Church. Jesus, with his keen insight, saw not just a "diamond in the rough" but a man with the entrepreneurial spirit and leadership qualities necessary to build an enduring institution. Peter's relocation from Bethsaida to Capernaum speaks volumes about his business acumen. While Bethsaida was a fishing town, Peter recognized the strategic advantage of Capernaum. Situated on the Via Maris, a major trade route, Capernaum was closer to the fish processing hub of Magdala, offering significant tax advantages ...

St. Teresa of Avila, a mystic and Doctor of the Church, often spoke of the profound reality of hell, not as an abstract theological concept, but as a terrifying consequence of a life lived apart from God's grace. While she didn't dwell on the specific question of the blessed's knowledge of the damned, her writings emphasize the overwhelming love of God and the sorrow of rejecting that love, a sorrow that finds its ultimate expression in hell. She understood hell as the definitive absence of God, a state of unimaginable suffering. This perspective aligns with the Church's teaching that at the Last Judgment, "the truth of each man’s relationship with God will be laid bare" ( CCC 1039 ), implying a full understanding of eternal destinies. For Teresa, the fear of hell was not meant to paralyze but to ignite a fervent pursuit of holiness and an unwavering commitment to God's will, driven by profound gratitude for His mercy. The apparent paradox of the blessed...

In his spiritual classic, " Abandonment to Divine Providence ," Jean-Pierre de Caussade offers profound insights into a path of surrender and trust in God's will. Written originally for a community of nuns, this timeless work transcends its initial audience, providing guidance for anyone seeking a deeper connection with the divine. De Caussade's central message revolves around finding God in the present moment, embracing whatever comes our way as an expression of His loving providence. It's a call to let go of our own desires and plans, and instead, to find peace and purpose in the unfolding of God's perfect design for our lives. Father de Caussade provides practical advice for cultivating this attitude of abandonment . Firstly, he encourages the nuns, and by extension all of us, to embrace the "sacrament of the present moment." This means recognizing that every event, every task, every person we encounter, is a divinely appointed opportunity for...

In the Gospel parable of building on rock or sand, Jesus challenges us to consider the foundation of our lives. This foundation is not merely intellectual assent or outward adherence, but rather our deepest center—the heart. It is within this profound space, where we are most authentically ourselves, that our connection with God is forged. This spiritual anchoring provides the essential energy that supports every other facet of our existence: our physical well-being, psychological resilience, emotional stability, relational bonds, and overall spiritual journey. When our lives are truly rooted in God at this fundamental level, we align ourselves with His intentions and commands, establishing an unshakable core. This parable offers a crucial distinction: following God's commands does not promise an absence of storms. Both builders, the one rooted in God and the one who is not, inevitably face the symbolic rain and floods of life's trials, temptations, and difficulties. The wind...

Our Christian calling is deeply rooted in the commandment to love our neighbor. This isn't merely a suggestion, but a fundamental pillar of our faith, echoing Christ's own teachings and the very heart of the Gospel. In a world often characterized by individualism, the Church consistently reminds us that our spiritual well-being is intrinsically linked to how we treat those around us. This commitment extends beyond our immediate circles, urging us to recognize the face of Christ in every person, especially those most in need. When we extend a hand in charity, offer a word of comfort, or advocate for justice, we are not just performing good deeds; we are actively participating in God's redemptive work in the world, building up the Kingdom of Heaven here on Earth. But who exactly is our neighbor? The parable of the Good Samaritan, found in Luke 10:29-37, profoundly expands our understanding. It shatters any preconceived notions that our neighbor is limited to those who shar...

In the rich tapestry of Catholic tradition, devotion to the Body and Blood of Christ through Eucharistic Adoration has a profound history, rooted in the early thirteenth century. This spiritual practice blossomed from the reservation of the Eucharist, which naturally inspired deeper reverence. A pivotal moment occurred when St. Juliana, an Augustinian nun, experienced a vision revealing the absence of a dedicated feast for the Eucharist. Her tireless efforts led to the local institution of this feast by the Bishop of Liège, a celebration that eventually gained widespread recognition. Pope Urban IV officially extended this Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ , known as Corpus Christi , to the entire Church, strategically placing it on a Thursday to honor the day of the Eucharist's institution. This separate feast provided a distinct focus on the Eucharist as a sacrament, complementing the solemnity of Holy Thursday. Following the establishment of Corpus Christi, the adorat...

One of the most significant hurdles people face when engaging with Scripture lies in the interpretation of prophecy. It's a common misconception that prophetic passages inherently refer to future events, leading many to overlook their immediate context. A crucial starting point for understanding prophecy is to first look for its fulfillment in the time period closest to the prophet. Only after considering this contemporary application should we then explore the possibility of more distant or future fulfillments. This foundational principle helps to ground our understanding and prevent misinterpretations that can arise from solely focusing on what's to come. Beyond the tendency to project all prophecy into the future, another pervasive error is adopting an "egocentric" interpretation, where individuals believe biblical prophecy is primarily about them. While extreme examples involve figures like Charles Manson or David Koresh claiming to be prophesied individuals, a ...

In an increasingly secular world, and especially when Catholics face persecution for their faith, the feasts of Corpus Christi and the Sacred Heart of Jesus offer profound guidance on how to engage with society. Corpus Christi , celebrating the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, reminds us that our faith is not a private matter but a tangible reality meant to be shared. The processions and public veneration associated with this feast traditionally serve as a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating our unwavering belief in Christ's physical presence among us. Even when overt public displays are challenging or even dangerous, the very act of receiving the Eucharist strengthens us internally, allowing us to carry Christ's presence into every interaction, transforming secular spaces through our witness of charity, integrity, and peace, rather than retreating in fear. The Sacred Heart of Jesus, with its emphasis on Christ's boundless love , mercy, and compassion,...

The Feast of Corpus Christi , celebrated this weekend, holds profound significance in the Catholic Church, inviting us to contemplate the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, "The mode of Christ's presence under the Eucharistic species is unique. It raises the Eucharist above all the sacraments as 'the perfection of the spiritual life and the end of all the sacraments'" (CCC 1374). This solemnity is not merely a historical commemoration but a vibrant, ongoing encounter with the living Lord . It is a time for the faithful to deepen their understanding and appreciation for this wondrous sacrament, which is the "source and summit of the Christian life" (CCC 1324), nourishing us with divine grace and uniting us intimately with Christ and one another in His mystical body. Pope Saint John Paul II frequently emphasized the centrality of the Eucharist in the life of the Church. In his encyclical Ecclesi...

For many contemplating Catholicism , understanding its true nature can be a hurdle. Individuals may grapple with specific doctrines, liturgical practices, or even the painful reality of clergy sex abuse scandals. Personal anxieties, such as the fear of anonymity in a large parish or the sacrament of reconciliation , can also create barriers. In an age of declining trust in institutions and a prevailing emphasis on "inclusion," the Catholic Church's unique claims about itself can seem counterintuitive, even unjust, to those who view it as simply one spiritual option among many, with arbitrary standards for membership. However, the Catholic Church's official self-understanding profoundly rejects these popular presumptions. It is emphatically not just a denomination , a club, an ideology, or merely an institution in the conventional sense. The Church does not define itself as something it aspires to become in the future, nor is it a temporary refuge for those disillus...

Today's Mass readings call us to a profound understanding of love, particularly as articulated by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount : the radical command to love our enemies. This teaching is illuminated by the ultimate test of love: laying down one's life for another, as Jesus himself demonstrated. While the deepest expression of love is often seen in selfless acts for friends, an even more challenging and revealing test lies in loving those who offer nothing in return, or even actively seek our harm. The Passion of Christ provides the perfect example, as Jesus willingly offers his life for those who betrayed, denied, and condemned him, including his own disciples and those who orchestrated his crucifixion. This divine example of love culminates in Jesus' post-resurrection greeting of " Shalom " – peace – to those very individuals who contributed to his suffering and death. This act of forgiveness and reconciliation reveals the true nature of God's love f...

Devotionals such as the Sacred Heart of Jesus offer profound avenues for cultivating a more intimate relationship with Christ and deepening our understanding of our need for salvation. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes, prayer is the living relationship of the children of God with their Father who is good beyond measure, with his Son Jesus Christ and with the  Holy Spirit (CCC 2565). Devotion to the Sacred Heart focuses our hearts on the immense love of Jesus for humanity, a love so profound that He willingly suffered and died for our redemption. Meditating on the pierced heart of Christ, a symbol of His sacrifice, allows us to grasp the enormity of our sinfulness and the boundless mercy offered through His saving act. These devotional practices move us beyond mere intellectual assent to the truths of our faith and engage our emotions and wills, fostering a deeper, more personal encounter with the living God. By consistently turning our hearts towards Jesus throug...