Learning to be Quick to Listen

In a world that often feels fractured and filled with conflict, we are constantly faced with the shocking reality of senseless violence and murder. We see acts of hatred in our communities, on the news, and sometimes even in our own lives, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed, angry, or hopeless. Our natural human response is to demand justice, to seek revenge, or to build walls of protection. Yet, Jesus offers a radically different path , a call to love that seems impossible in the face of such profound evil. In Luke's Gospel , Jesus lays out a countercultural manifesto for how to live in a broken world. He says, “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” This isn't just a suggestion; it's a divine command that challenges us to move beyond our base instincts. It's a call to offer the other cheek, to give away more than is asked, and to be generous without expectation of return...

In a world that often feels fractured and overwhelming, the Corporal Works of Mercy , as outlined by Jesus in the Bible , offer a powerful pathway to a life of profound goodness and genuine freedom. These acts – feeding the hungry , giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless , visiting the sick, visiting prisoners, and burying the dead – are not mere suggestions, but invitations to participate actively in God's compassionate plan for humanity . By choosing to engage in these tangible acts of service, we step outside of ourselves and our own concerns, fostering a deeper connection with our neighbors and, in turn, with the divine. This outward focus, paradoxically, liberates us from the self-centeredness and anxieties that can often shackle our spirits, allowing us to experience the joy and fulfillment that come from living a life of purpose. Embracing the Corporal Works of Mercy also cultivates a sense of true freedom, not just for those we serve, but f...

There’s an ancient, and often forgotten, prayer that's been a source of comfort and strength for centuries. Known as the Jesus Prayer , its roots trace back to the fifth century , with early versions found etched in caves across the Egyptian desert . The prayer itself is a simple yet profound petition: " Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner ." It's a way to align our minds and hearts with the very name of Jesus, a name that St. Paul says is "above every name." This powerful repetition can become a deeply personal practice, one that aims to match the rhythm of our breathing, turning prayer from something we merely do into a part of who we are. This simple act of repetition can also be a quiet form of self-denial—a hidden martyrdom that helps us stay present and focused on God throughout our day. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through our phones at a red light, we can use that moment to breathe in the awareness of God’s presence. The ...

Today's Gospel from Luke offers a powerful glimpse into the "day in the life" of Jesus, a day filled not just with words, but with dynamic action. We find Jesus, fresh from a dramatic expulsion of a demon in the Capernaum synagogue, moving swiftly to the house of Simon. There, he cures Simon’s mother-in-law , a private act of compassion that quickly becomes a public spectacle as the entire town gathers at his door. Jesus, far from being just a teacher of ethics, spends the entire evening healing the sick, a profound demonstration of his divine power breaking through into the human world. This is the Jesus that the evangelist Luke presents: a healer, a " soter " or "savior," whose actions are a foretaste of the full health and wholeness God intends for us in the Kingdom . This image of a dynamic, healing Savior is a crucial counterpoint to the more rationalized portrayals of Jesus that emerged in later centuries. As Saint Pope John Paul II often emph...

When we feel called to share the good news of Jesus, it's easy to hope for a miracle—a dramatic sign or a powerful mystical experience to do the heavy lifting for us. But while we should always be open to the Holy Spirit's movement, our primary responsibility is to prepare. Just as you would for a job interview or a big presentation, we should equip ourselves to be effective messengers. This means knowing the four essential parts of the gospel message: God's love as our creator, our human tendency to fall short of His glory, Jesus's sacrifice to restore our relationship with God , and our response to accept and live out our faith. But simply knowing the message isn't enough; we have to make it our own. In 1975, on the tenth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI released a letter called Evangelii Nuntiandi , urging Catholics to embrace the mission of evangelization with renewed energy. He made it clear that the council's purpose was ...

A game of sorts unfolds in today’s Gospel as the Pharisees challenge Jesus with a familiar rabbinical exercise: "Which commandment in the law is the greatest?" They're looking for the central pillar, the one law that undergirds all the others. Jesus, the Word of God incarnate , responds with an answer that gets right to the heart of the matter. He tells them it’s all about love, echoing the words of the prophet Hosea who said, “I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” The greatest commandment, Jesus says, is to love the Lord our God with our whole being—heart, soul, and mind. The second, he adds, is to love our neighbor as ourselves. These aren’t two separate rules but two sides of the same coin. If our actions follow the letter of the law but lack love, we’re missing the point. We can’t truly love God while hating our neighbor, and we can’t truly love our neighbor without seeing the face of God in them. But why are t...

Thinking about talking to others about Jesus can feel overwhelming. You might imagine needing a bullhorn, a theology degree, or the charisma of a celebrity. The good news is, you don't need any of that. Forget the fiery speeches, the hand-painted signs, and the complex debates. You also don't need a saint's holiness or an iron-clad personality. The truth is, if you've met Jesus, received the sacraments, and are living a life of faith, you already have almost everything you need to share the good news . You are far more prepared than you think you are. The conversion of the Apostle Paul offers a powerful lesson. After a dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul was told to “get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” He didn’t have all the answers right away; he had to enter the Church community to receive instruction and formation. Like Paul, we have received Jesus and have the Church to guide us. This basic formation is what ...

Saint Joseph , the earthly father of Jesus, provides a timeless example for all fathers. He was given the immense responsibility of raising the Son of God and did so with unparalleled humility, courage, and faithfulness. Joseph didn't just teach Jesus a trade; he instilled in him the values of a righteous man. He provided a safe and stable home, protected his family from danger, and guided Jesus through his formative years. Joseph's silent strength and unwavering dedication to his family show us that true fatherhood is not about power or fame, but about self-giving love and service. In a world where the role of the father is often misunderstood, Joseph stands as a beacon of what it means to be a loving, protective, and faithful head of a family. One of the most profound lessons Joseph imparted to Jesus was a deep reverence for women . This respect was rooted in his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary , the Mother of God, whose unique dignity he honored and protected. The way...

St. Joseph stands in sacred Scripture not as a man of grandeur or earthly accolades, but as a quiet, steady presence—humble and deeply human. His imperfections, though never sinful, point to his full humanity. Unlike Mary, Joseph was not conceived without original sin. He experienced doubt, confusion, and fear—especially when he learned that Mary was with child (Matthew 1:19). Yet it is precisely in these moments that Joseph becomes most relatable to fathers today: imperfect, yet open to grace. According to Consecration to St. Joseph by Fr. Donald Calloway, Joseph’s greatness lies not in being perfect, but in his immediate obedience to God despite his limitations. His strength was in his surrender. Joseph’s transformation from uncertainty to unwavering trust is a pattern of holiness forged through responsiveness to divine direction. The Bible tells us that after the angel appeared to him in a dream, Joseph "did as the angel of the Lord commanded him" (Matthew 1:24), taking ...

Jesus' Parable of the Sower, a cornerstone of Gospel teachings, offers profound insights into our spiritual lives , particularly when we consider Jesus himself as the precious "seed" to be cultivated within us. In Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8, Jesus describes various types of soil, representing different receptivities to the Word of God. Yet, we can also interpret this parable as an invitation to nurture Jesus' presence in our hearts, allowing Him to take root and flourish. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes that "the Word of God is living and active" ( CCC 108 ), and this Word, embodied in Christ, seeks to transform us. Just as a farmer carefully prepares the soil, removing stones and thorns, we are called to prepare our hearts, clearing away distractions and sin, so that the seed of Christ can grow deep roots, drawing nourishment from prayer, the sacraments, and acts of charity. This cultivation is not a passive endeavor; it requires active...

  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 ,...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

In the Gospel parable of building on rock or sand, Jesus challenges us to consider the foundation of our lives. This foundation is not merely intellectual assent or outward adherence, but rather our deepest center—the heart. It is within this profound space, where we are most authentically ourselves, that our connection with God is forged. This spiritual anchoring provides the essential energy that supports every other facet of our existence: our physical well-being, psychological resilience, emotional stability, relational bonds, and overall spiritual journey. When our lives are truly rooted in God at this fundamental level, we align ourselves with His intentions and commands, establishing an unshakable core. This parable offers a crucial distinction: following God's commands does not promise an absence of storms. Both builders, the one rooted in God and the one who is not, inevitably face the symbolic rain and floods of life's trials, temptations, and difficulties. The wind...

Devotionals such as the Sacred Heart of Jesus offer profound avenues for cultivating a more intimate relationship with Christ and deepening our understanding of our need for salvation. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes, prayer is the living relationship of the children of God with their Father who is good beyond measure, with his Son Jesus Christ and with the  Holy Spirit (CCC 2565). Devotion to the Sacred Heart focuses our hearts on the immense love of Jesus for humanity, a love so profound that He willingly suffered and died for our redemption. Meditating on the pierced heart of Christ, a symbol of His sacrifice, allows us to grasp the enormity of our sinfulness and the boundless mercy offered through His saving act. These devotional practices move us beyond mere intellectual assent to the truths of our faith and engage our emotions and wills, fostering a deeper, more personal encounter with the living God. By consistently turning our hearts towards Jesus throug...

Our Savior, in the Gospel of Matthew, presents us with a profound choice: "Enter by the  narrow gate , for wide is the gate and broad the road leading to destruction, and many there are who go that route. But how narrow the gate and hemmed in is the road leading to life, and few there are who find it!" Saint Augustine  wisely unpacks this teaching, revealing two distinct paths before us: one wide and leading to death, the other narrow and leading to eternal life. It is a stark warning and a loving invitation. To choose the path of life means to actively turn away from the allure of the broad road, which, as Augustine explains, is "constantly traveled by swarms of people" indulging in vices and evil passions . This broad way, though seemingly offering many attractions and populated by the majority, ultimately leads to damnation. What then, defines this "roomy thoroughfare" of vice? It is the highway of shame and excess, frequented by multitudes who embrac...

The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has been a wellspring of spiritual growth and a powerful source of grace for countless Catholics throughout history, championed by numerous saints and popes. One of the most influential figures in its promotion was St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a Visitation nun to whom Jesus appeared in the 17th century, revealing His burning love for humanity and His desire for this devotion to be spread. Through her obedience and humility, the Church received the twelve promises associated with the Sacred Heart, including peace in families, aid in necessities, and blessings upon undertakings. Popes like Leo XIII, who consecrated the entire human race to the Sacred Heart in 1899, and Pius XII , who issued the encyclical Haurietis Aquas in 1956, further solidified the devotion's place within the Church, emphasizing its profound theological roots in Christ's incarnate love and redemptive sacrifice. Beyond these foundational figures, countless other sain...