Learning to be Quick to Listen

The affliction of wounds is an inescapable part of the human experience. We often try to hide them, deny their existence, or even parade them as a defining feature of our identity. Yet, these extremes only serve to deepen our suffering. In his insightful book, Cistercian monk Varden, drawing upon the medieval poem of Arnulf of Leuven, guides us towards a profound understanding of wounds, not as isolated afflictions, but as points of connection with the wounds of Christ. He gently encourages us to move beyond a superficial understanding, urging us to consider how our own wounds can be transformed through Christ's sacrifice, leading to a path of healing and flourishing. Varden challenges us to shift our perspective, asking how we can experience Christ’s wounds not merely as a juridical act of redemption, but as a living source of healing. He emphasizes the contextual nature of wounds, reminding us that they feed on what was once whole. This understanding allows us to see our own wo...

The season of Lent, a time of reflection and renewal, draws near. It is a sacred opportunity to turn our hearts towards God, to examine our lives, and to prepare for the glorious celebration of Easter. This preparation is not merely a ritual, but a profound journey of spiritual transformation, a pilgrimage towards eternal life with our Lord. Now is the time to begin, to ask God to illuminate the areas in our lives that need change, not just for temporal comfort, but for the sake of our eternal souls. Lent calls us to contemplate the immense sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. His suffering and death were the ultimate act of love, a victory over sin and death, opening the gates of Heaven for us. As we journey through these forty days, we must fix our gaze on the cross, meditating on the depth of His love and the magnitude of His sacrifice. This contemplation should stir within us a desire to align our lives with His, to abandon the fleeting pleasures of the world and embrace the e...

The majestic Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, perched atop Mount St. Alban in Washington D.C., is often referred to as the "Washington National Cathedral." While its grandeur certainly lends itself to such a title, the reality is far more nuanced, and frankly, more diocesan. Let's cut to the core: there is no such thing as a "national cathedral" in the way many people assume. To understand why, we need to understand what a cathedral is . A cathedral is the seat of a bishop within a diocese . Notre-Dame in Paris is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Paris, St. Paul's in London is the cathedral of the Diocese of London. These are diocesan, not national, landmarks. The Washington Cathedral, despite its grand name, is the seat of the Episcopal Bishop of Washington and the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States. However, the Presiding Bishop is not a "national bishop," and the Episcopal Church is not the "nati...

Henri de Lubac , a prominent 20th-century theologian, offered profound insights into the mystery of Christ, particularly through his retrieval of the patristic concept of the "tri-form body of Christ." This notion illuminates the multifaceted presence of Christ in the world, encompassing three inseparable dimensions: the incarnate Christ, the Eucharistic Christ, and the ecclesial Christ. First, there is the historical Jesus, the Word of God incarnate, whose life, death, resurrection, and ascension form the foundation of our faith. This is the primary and originating meaning of the "body of Christ." This singular event of God becoming human is the wellspring from which all else flows. Secondly, Christ's presence continues through the Eucharist, his Eucharistic body. This is not merely a symbolic representation, but a real and substantial presence, nourishing the Church and building it up as Christ's own mystical body. De Lubac’s famous phrase, "the ...

The Bible. It's the most popular book in the history of the world, a cornerstone of Western civilization, and a vital treasure for Jesus's Catholic Church. Yet, many Catholics find themselves surprisingly unfamiliar with its depths. This needs to change. Too often, our experience of the Bible is limited to the Sunday Mass readings. While these are essential, they offer only glimpses into the vast tapestry of God's plan. Homilies, while well-intentioned, often lack the in-depth biblical explanations we crave, leaving us without a clear understanding of the context, authorship, and application of the scriptures to our daily lives. We need to understand: ·          Who wrote the text? ·          What was their intention? ·          How does this passage connect to the bigger picture of salvation history? ·          What do...

Pope Benedict XVI, through his writings and teachings, offered profound insights into the person of Jesus Christ and how we can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him. His trilogy of books, "Jesus of Nazareth," along with other published works, reveal a man deeply in love with Christ, whose life and writings can serve as a roadmap for our own spiritual growth. A Personal Encounter with Jesus Benedict's works emphasize the importance of a personal encounter with Jesus. He didn't just see Jesus as a historical figure or a theological concept, but as a living person with whom he had a deep, intimate relationship. This personal connection is evident in his writings, where he speaks of Jesus with warmth, reverence, and love. We can model our spiritual life after Benedict by seeking our own personal encounter with Jesus. This can be done through prayer, reading the Gospels, and reflecting on His teachings. Like Benedict, we should strive to know Jesus not just intel...

One of the most moving moments during the ordination Mass of a deacon is the moment he kneels before the bishop. The bishop, in a powerful gesture, places the Book of the Gospels in his hands, saying: “Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach.” This simple act encapsulates the profound responsibility entrusted to the deacon: to be a messenger, a herald, of Christ himself. Deacons serve the Church through a threefold ministry : word, liturgy, and charity, always working in close communion with their bishop. While many are familiar with their liturgical roles and their dedication to charitable works, the ministry of the word, the deacon as "herald," deserves deeper reflection. How do deacons fulfill this vital role? Mass Is Only The Beginning While proclaiming the Gospel and, in some cases, preaching the homily at Mass is a significant part of a deacon's ministry of the word, ...