Learning to be Quick to Listen

Today marks a momentous occasion for the Diocese of Baton Rouge as Deacons Huy Tran and Josh Zelden are ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of St. Joseph . This sacred Rite of Ordination is far more than a ceremonial event; it is a profound sacramental act, where, through the laying on of hands by the Bishop and the consecratory prayer, a gift of the Holy Spirit is conferred, enabling them to exercise a "sacred power" in the person of Christ the Head (CCC 1538, 1548). As the Catholic Ordination book describes, the liturgy itself is rich in symbolism, from the calling of the candidates and their public promises of obedience, to their humble prostration during the Litany of the Saints, signifying their complete surrender to God's will. This day is the culmination of years of formation, prayer, and discernment, preparing them to serve God's people in a unique and indispensable way. The priesthood, as described by St. Jean Vianney , the Curé of Ars, is a subl...

In the quiet corners of Nazareth, amidst the sawdust and the scent of freshly cut wood, Joseph , the earthly father of Jesus, played a pivotal role in the unfolding of salvation history . More than just a carpenter, he was a guardian, a protector, and a teacher. As Matthew 2:24 tells us, "When he awoke, Joseph did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife." This obedience, this willingness to embrace the daunting task of raising the Messiah, highlights Joseph's unwavering faith. By providing a safe haven, a stable home, he allowed Jesus to flourish, to grow in wisdom and stature, preparing him for the monumental ministry that lay ahead. Joseph's faithful protection shielded the young Jesus from Herod's wrath, ensuring the divine plan could unfold. Joseph's influence extended beyond physical protection . His hands, calloused from years of labor, taught Jesus the dignity of work, the value of honest toil. In the simple act of ...

In the quiet corners of the Gospel narratives, a figure of profound strength and unwavering faith emerges: St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and the chaste spouse of Mary. While his words are few, his actions speak volumes, revealing a man of extraordinary virtue and divine purpose. The Catholic Church recognizes St. Joseph as a powerful intercessor and a model for all believers. He is celebrated as the most chaste spouse of Mary, a testament to his profound respect and love for her and their shared mission. His purity of heart allowed him to fully embrace God's plan, becoming the guardian of the Holy Family. One particularly intriguing aspect of St. Joseph is the belief that he is the "Terror of Demons." Tradition holds that the devil fears Joseph most when he is sleeping, for it is in these moments of repose that Joseph is believed to be in deep communion with God, receiving divine guidance and interceding for the faithful. Imagine, the demons fear his dreams, ...

In his teachings, Pope Francis often warns Christians of the subtle temptation to slip toward worldliness and power, a temptation that leads many to seek Jesus only to fulfill material desires. This is not just a concern for the distant past—it is a daily temptation for all of us who make up the Church. The pope’s reflections on this issue are grounded in the Gospel account of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes (John 6:22-29), where the crowd seeks Jesus, not out of religious awe or devotion, but for their own material benefit. Pope Francis explains that, just like the people in the Gospel, many of us may be drawn to Jesus for the wrong reasons. We might be looking for solutions to our immediate problems, seeking His help in the hope of receiving material blessings or relief from our struggles. However, when we approach Jesus with such a mindset, we risk missing the deeper, transformative message of the Gospel. Seeking Jesus for Transformation, Not for Gain The pope warn...

St. Joseph holds a unique place in the history of the Church. Unlike other  revered saints  like St.  Francis  of Assisi or St.  Theres e of Lisieux, he is the Patron of the Universal Church. This title, bestowed over 150 years ago, highlights his extraordinary significance, even though the Church itself dates back to the first century. So, why did it take so long to formally recognize St. Joseph's pivotal role? Perhaps it stems from what I call "The St. Joseph Way." The Man of Few Words The Bible offers remarkably few direct quotes from St. Joseph. We can confidently assume he  spoke , but his words are largely absent from Scripture. This silence, while seemingly insignificant, has likely contributed to a lesser emphasis on his person throughout history. How do you write about or preach about a man who, for the most part, remains silent? This "quietude" is further exemplified by the fact that no pope has ever chosen the name Joseph. While this cou...

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,...