Learning to be Quick to Listen

Advent, the season of expectant waiting, is a time to prepare our hearts for the arrival of Christmas. This year, as we journey towards the Nativity, the words of Catholic Cardinal Father Raniero Cantalamessa offer profound insights into the true meaning of this sacred season. In his Advent sermons, Cardinal Cantalamessa emphasizes the importance of "the gate of charity" as the pathway to welcoming Christ into our lives. He reminds us that true charity is not merely about giving alms, but about opening our hearts to the needs of others, to their suffering, and to their joys. By embracing charity, we create space within ourselves for the love of God to dwell. This message resonates deeply with the Gospel reading for the Fourth Sunday of Advent (December 22nd), which recounts the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth . Zechariah, initially struck mute for doubting the angel's message, is filled with the Holy Spirit and bursts forth in praise. This powerful encounter highlig...

The Heart of Christmas The ancient pagans, as Aristotle articulated, conceived of God as a being whose power and influence were contingent upon human love and devotion. This notion, however, was radically challenged by the Christian revelation that God wants our love but He doesn't need our love to exist. The New Testament inverts Aristotle's paradigm, revealing that divine love precedes human love. God, in His infinite mercy, loved us first. "We love because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19). This truth lies at the heart of the Christmas message. It is what makes this time of the year perfect for forgiveness and reconciliation as we prepare for the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  The Gift of Divine Love Christmas offers us a unique opportunity to receive this infinite gift of God's love with amazement and gratitude. To fully embrace this gift, we must adopt a childlike faith, unburdened by the cynicism and caution that often accompany life'...

St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and husband of the Virgin Mary, is often called the "Silent Saint." Though he speaks few words in Scripture, his life is a testament to faith, obedience, and love. Foretold in the Old Testament, Joseph's story echoes that of his namesake, the son of Jacob. Both men endured trials and remained steadfast in their faith. The younger Joseph, however, faced a unique challenge: protecting the Holy Family. Guided by divine dreams, he fled to Egypt to safeguard the infant Jesus from Herod's murderous decree. As a carpenter, Joseph instilled in Jesus the skills and values of hard work. He also taught the young boy the Torah, laying the foundation for Jesus's profound knowledge of Scripture. This knowledge would later enable Jesus to engage in insightful theological debates with the learned elders. Joseph's role in the life of Christ is often overlooked, yet it is essential. He provided a stable and loving home for the Holy Family,...