Learning to be Quick to Listen

In his teachings, Pope Francis often warns Christians of the subtle temptation to slip toward worldliness and power, a temptation that leads many to seek Jesus only to fulfill material desires. This is not just a concern for the distant past—it is a daily temptation for all of us who make up the Church. The pope’s reflections on this issue are grounded in the Gospel account of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes (John 6:22-29), where the crowd seeks Jesus, not out of religious awe or devotion, but for their own material benefit. Pope Francis explains that, just like the people in the Gospel, many of us may be drawn to Jesus for the wrong reasons. We might be looking for solutions to our immediate problems, seeking His help in the hope of receiving material blessings or relief from our struggles. However, when we approach Jesus with such a mindset, we risk missing the deeper, transformative message of the Gospel. Seeking Jesus for Transformation, Not for Gain The pope warn...

Blessed Benedetta Bianchi Porro was born in Dovadola, Italy , in 1936. She grew up in a devout family with five siblings, was a happy, beautiful child, loved reading, and was an outstanding student in school. But she also repeatedly suffered from health problems. Almost immediately after Benedetta's birth, her mother baptized her with water from Lourdes because she was so worried about the newborn's health. Only three months later, Benedetta contracted polio. Although she survived the potentially fatal disease, Benedetta suffered long-term side effects. One of her legs never grew as long as the other, and she was forced to wear a medical brace on her torso to support her curved spine. She was thirteen years old when she could no longer hear the teacher's questions in school and realized that she was losing her hearing. At the age of seventeen, Benedetta started college. She quickly discovered a love for the field of medicine. Believing the care of the sick to be her li...

On January 21st, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the life and martyrdom of Saint Agnes , a young woman who bravely chose faith over worldly desires. While the details of her life remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, her story has been passed down through centuries, inspiring countless believers. Born into a wealthy Roman family during the late third century, Agnes lived during a time of intense persecution of Christians under the Emperor Diocletian . Though initially tolerant, Diocletian issued a series of brutal edicts aimed at eradicating Christianity from the Roman Empire. Agnes, a woman of exceptional beauty and charm, had already dedicated her life to Christ, choosing celibacy for the sake of her faith. This decision, however, attracted the attention of powerful Roman suitors. When they failed to sway her, some, out of resentment or a desire to see her renounce her faith, reported her to the authorities. Faced with threats and the promise of horrific punishments, Agnes ...

St. Joseph holds a unique place in the history of the Church. Unlike other  revered saints  like St.  Francis  of Assisi or St.  Theres e of Lisieux, he is the Patron of the Universal Church. This title, bestowed over 150 years ago, highlights his extraordinary significance, even though the Church itself dates back to the first century. So, why did it take so long to formally recognize St. Joseph's pivotal role? Perhaps it stems from what I call "The St. Joseph Way." The Man of Few Words The Bible offers remarkably few direct quotes from St. Joseph. We can confidently assume he  spoke , but his words are largely absent from Scripture. This silence, while seemingly insignificant, has likely contributed to a lesser emphasis on his person throughout history. How do you write about or preach about a man who, for the most part, remains silent? This "quietude" is further exemplified by the fact that no pope has ever chosen the name Joseph. While this cou...

Pope Francis has lamented the decline of marriage in contemporary society in the past, noted that it is marked by skepticism, distrust, and hostility. He emphasized that a culture that undervalues the "stable and life-giving covenant between a man and woman" suffers a significant loss. He called for a renewed effort to honor marriage and the family while acknowledging the urgent need to restore respect and dignity to women, who are often exploited and objectified. The Pope's reflections align with the teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which emphasizes the profound significance of marriageas a sacrament instituted by God. It highlights the unique and complementary nature of man and woman, designed for a lifelong union of love and mutual support. The Book of Genesis offers a powerful illustration of this divine plan. God, after creating the heavens and the earth, created man in His image and likeness to care for and steward His creation. Yet, even as ...

The Sacrament of Reconciliation , often referred to as Confession, is a cornerstone of Catholic life. It offers a profound encounter with God's mercy and an opportunity for spiritual renewal. As Pope Saint John Paul II eloquently stated, "Reconciliation is not simply a human act; rather, it is an act of God himself, an act of his mercy." The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes that this sacrament is an integral part of the Church's mission of healing and reconciliation. It describes Confession as a "sacrament of conversion," where the sinner encounters the love and forgiveness of God through the ministry of the priest. Bishop Barron , in his insightful reflections, often highlights the transformative power of this sacrament. He emphasizes that true repentance involves not only acknowledging our sins but also experiencing a genuine sorrow for having offended God and others. This sorrow, coupled with a firm purpose of amendment, opens the door to ...

In our hyper-connected age, it's easy to feel lost in a  sea of distractions . Social media, constant notifications, and the relentless demands of daily life can leave us feeling fragmented and disconnected from what truly matters. In this noise, it's crucial to rediscover the profound peace and joy that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Call to Intimacy: The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes the profound nature of our relationship with God: "The vocation of the Christian is to live in communion with God." (CCC 1604) This isn't just about intellectual assent to doctrines; it's about a deep, personal encounter with the divine. It's about  cultivating a loving friendship  with the one who created us and loves us beyond measure. The Tools of Our Faith: Fortunately, we are not left to navigate this journey alone. The Catholic Church provides us with invaluable tools to deepen our relationship with Christ: ·          T...

We live in an age of unprecedented access to information. Google has become synonymous with knowledge, a vast ocean of data at our fingertips. Yet, despite this abundance, something crucial seems to be missing: wisdom. There's a profound difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is the accumulation of facts, figures, and theories.  Wisdom , on the other hand, is the application of knowledge to live a meaningful and virtuous life. It's about discerning truth, making sound judgments, and acting with compassion and integrity. Think of the Wise Men. They possessed limited knowledge about the Messiah. They knew one thing: follow the star. The chief priests, with their vast knowledge of scripture, failed to recognize and embrace the truth before them. Saint Basil the Great exemplifies the power of wisdom. He possessed immense knowledge, but his true legacy lies in how he lived. He applied his learning to address the pressing needs of his time, combating heresy and esta...

For Catholics and Christians alike, maintaining a vibrant spiritual life is an ongoing journey. In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the demands of daily life and allow our connection with God to fade. That's why attending a yearly spiritual retreat, like the Men of Immaculata  conference  at St. George Catholic Church in Baton Rouge on March 8, 2025, is so crucial. It allows you to take a day and be quiet so that you can hear what God is telling you. You might say that you do not have the time to do something like this, but I am telling you that it is a requirement if you are in need of renewal. The Catechism's Emphasis on Spiritual Growth The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes the importance of prayer, sacraments, and spiritual direction in nurturing our relationship with God. It highlights the need for regular times of retreat and recollection to deepen our faith and encounter Christ more profoundly. Bishop Barron's Insights o...