Learning to be Quick to Listen

  The landscape of faith in the modern world is undeniably shifting, with a growing number of individuals identifying as " Nones "—those who claim no religious affiliation or inclination, even if they were raised Christian. For Catholics, this presents both a challenge and a profound opportunity for evangelization. It's crucial to remember that many "Nones" aren't actively hostile to faith, but rather disengaged, disillusioned, or simply haven't found a compelling reason to embrace organized religion. Our approach, therefore, must be one of genuine encounter , understanding, and witness, rooted in the transformative power of Christ. Reaching out to "Nones" often begins not with arguments or doctrines, but with authentic relationships . Many "Nones" value connection, community, and purpose, and these are areas where the Catholic faith, when lived authentically, truly shines. Catholics are called to " go out to the peripheries ,...

Catholic cemeteries hold a profound significance, serving as more than just burial grounds; they are tangible expressions of core Catholic beliefs. One crucial aspect is their role in memento mori , reminding us to "remember death." In an age where death is increasingly sanitized and out of sight, Catholic cemeteries stand as powerful visual reminders of life's inevitable end. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1007) states, "Death is the end of earthly life. Our lives are measured by time, in the course of which we change, grow old and, as with all living beings, the final bodily death appears as the normal end of life." Cemeteries, especially those once adjacent to parish churches, historically integrated the reality of death into daily life, making it a constant, unavoidable presence. This visibility challenges the modern tendency to compartmentalize and deny death, a tendency that can contribute to a "culture of death" where life is devalue...

For Catholics yearning for a more profound connection with Jesus, the profound wisdom of saints like Padre Pio offers invaluable guidance. Padre Pio , a Capuchin friar renowned for his deep spiritual life and mystical experiences, consistently emphasized two cornerstones for fostering an intimate relationship with Christ: the Eucharist and frequent confession. He ardently encouraged souls to receive Jesus in Holy Communion as often as possible, recognizing it as the most direct and profound union one can have with the Lord. Padre Pio frequently spoke of the Eucharist as "the source and summit of the Christian life," a tangible encounter with the living Christ that nourishes the soul and draws it ever closer to divine love. Beyond receiving Him in the Sacrament, Padre Pio stressed the transformative power of regular confession . For him, confession was far more than a mere ritual of absolution; it was a purification of the soul, a spiritual cleansing that prepared the heart t...

On Easter morning, two heartbroken disciples , possibly a husband and wife named Cleopas and Mary, were making the seven-mile journey from Jerusalem back to Emmaus. Their conversation was heavy with the recent events in Jerusalem, particularly the crucifixion of Jesus, a man they had hoped would redeem Israel. They recounted the confusing reports from women who had visited the tomb and found it empty, claiming to have seen angels who declared Jesus alive. As they walked and discussed, a stranger joined them, inquiring about their sorrow. Unbeknownst to them, this traveler was Jesus himself, though their eyes were "kept from recognizing him." He gently rebuked their lack of faith, explaining how the Christ had to suffer these things to enter into his glory, and then, beginning with Moses and the Prophets, interpreted to them the scriptures concerning himself. Upon arriving in Emmaus, the disciples, still unaware of their companion's true identity, invited him to stay and...

In his 2019 Apostolic Exhortation, Christus Vivit ("Christ is Alive"), Pope Francis addresses young people and the entire People of God, sharing his reflections on faith, the Church, and the role of youth in the world today. Emerging from the discussions of the 2018 Synod of Bishops on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment, this document is both an encouragement and a challenge. Pope Francis emphasizes that Christ is eternally youthful and offers hope and purpose to every generation, urging young people to embrace their unique gifts and contribute actively to the Church's mission. He acknowledges the complexities and struggles faced by contemporary youth, including social pressures, digital culture, and the search for meaning, while consistently pointing to Christ as the ultimate source of joy and liberation. Christus Vivit delves into several key themes, beginning with the biblical examples of young people who responded to God's call, highlighting fi...

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 ...