Learning to be Quick to Listen

Some Protestant critics claim that Catholics can't truly know what's in Sacred Tradition , arguing that it's a vague concept compared to the clear contents of Scripture. They believe that since we can no longer speak directly with the apostles, we can't be sure which traditions are truly apostolic . This line of reasoning, however, creates a problem for many Protestants, as they themselves rely on truths not explicitly found in the Bible. Many common Protestant beliefs, such as the cessation of public revelation or the specific books that make up the Bible, are accepted based on historical consensus and tradition, not solely on Scripture. This reveals a shared reliance on tradition, whether it's acknowledged or not. The Catholic Church, however, is not only able to identify these apostolic traditions, but it also has a clear, God-given method for doing so: the Magisterium. The Bible itself gives us a model for this process in Acts 15 , where the apostles gathered fo...

Many of us have heard the common Protestant critique against the Catholic use of images and statues. It’s a critique that often draws on early Christian sources to argue that venerating images is a practice not rooted in ancient Christianity. But when we examine these sources more closely, we see that the arguments against images are often rooted in a very different context. For example, some early Christian arguments against images are based on a Platonic worldview that saw physical art as a deceptive imitation of reality. This is a philosophical position, not a biblical one. In fact, this type of reasoning would even condemn the magnificent art of the Solomonic Temple , which was explicitly commanded by God. Therefore, when we encounter these arguments, we must remember their philosophical origins and not assume they reflect a timeless, divinely inspired condemnation of all religious art. Furthermore, some critics will point to sources where early Christian apologists argue that ...

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,...

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...

With gratitude to God and in joyful communion with the universal Church, we give thanks for the election of Pope Leo XIV . In this moment of grace, the Body of Christ rejoices at the new successor of Peter, chosen to shepherd the flock in a time of both great challenge and great hope. As he begins his sacred ministry, we invite all Eucharistic missionaries, parish leaders, and faithful across the United States to lift him up in prayer—offering personal Mass intentions, Holy Hours, and other devotions for our new Holy Father. In his first words from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica , Pope Leo XIV humbly introduced himself as “a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian .” This identity is more than biographical—it signals a deep spiritual heritage rooted in the search for God through community, humility, and love. The Augustinian Rule’s call to be “of one mind and one heart on the way to God” beautifully echoes the vision of the National Eucharistic Revival . As we prepare for our Euc...

Lent is a sacred season of renewal, repentance, and preparation for the  Paschal Mystery  of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we are invited to deepen our relationship with God, detach from worldly distractions, and practice charity. These pillars of Lent, deeply rooted in Scripture and Tradition, also align with Catholic Social Teaching, guiding us to live out our faith in justice and love. Prayer  is the foundation of the Lenten journey, allowing us to commune with God and align our will with His divine plan. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Prayer is the raising of one's mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God” (CCC 2559). Through prayer, we grow in humility, recognizing our dependence on God’s grace. Jesus Himself taught us how to pray, emphasizing sincerity over showmanship: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your...

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...

Friends, today's Gospel passage (Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8) compels us to consider evangelization – spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. But for many Catholics, the very idea sparks fear. This fear often stems from two anxieties: a lack of knowledge and the potential for social rejection. Fear #1: Not Knowing Enough We might worry we lack the theological expertise to effectively answer questions. But remember, evangelization isn't a religious quiz show. It's about sharing your own faith story – how Jesus has impacted your life and the joy you find in Catholicism. Think of St. Paul, the great evangelist. He constantly recounted his transformation from a Christian-hating Pharisee to the Apostle to the Gentiles. Your story may not be as dramatic, but it holds immense power. Living as a Catholic is inherently counter-cultural, and this will naturally pique curiosity. Sharing the reason for your joy becomes a beautiful opportunity to evangelize. Fear #2: Social R...

Pope Francis asked the new members of the College of Cardinals to cultivate a sense of prayer and closeness with God’s people, so they remain at the service of the church and their flocks. In a letter addressed to the 21 new cardinals, who will receive their red hats at a consistory Dec. 7, Pope Francis asked that they “make every effort as a Cardinal to embody the three attitudes with which an Argentinean poet — Francisco Luis Bernárdez — once characterized Saint John of the Cross,” namely: “eyes raised, hands joined, feet bare.” The cardinals must raise their eyes because “your service will require you to lengthen your gaze and broaden your heart, in order to see farther and to love more expansively and with greater fervor,” the pope wrote in the letter dated Oct. 6, the day he announced the new cardinals, and made public by the Vatican Oct. 12. He asked the new cardinals to have their hands joined in prayer “to be able to shepherd well the flock of Christ.” “Prayer is the realm of d...