Learning to be Quick to Listen

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 ...

The Immaculate Heart of Mary is a devotion rooted deeply in Catholic tradition, recognizing the singular purity and profound love of the Blessed Virgin Mary for God and for humanity. As the Mother of God, Mary's heart was uniquely receptive to the grace of the Holy Spirit, preserved from all stain of original sin from the moment of her conception. This " immaculateness " is not merely a state of sinlessness, but an active orientation of her entire being towards God's will, a perfect mirroring of Christ's own Sacred Heart. The Catechism of the Catholic Church highlights Mary's preeminent role in the mystery of Christ and the Church, emphasizing her "immaculate conception and glorious ever-virginity " as signs of God's gracious initiative towards humanity (CCC 490-493). Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary has been further encouraged by numerous Popes throughout history, recognizing it as a pathway to deeper communion with Christ. Pope Pius X...

For Catholics, a devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus offers profound spiritual benefits, drawing us closer to the very core of divine love and mercy. This devotion isn't just about a physical organ, but rather a symbolic representation of Christ's boundless love for humanity, a love so immense it led Him to suffer and die for our salvation. Through it, we contemplate the depths of His compassion, His patience, and His willingness to embrace our suffering. It provides a powerful antidote to a world often lacking in authentic love, helping us to understand God as infinitely good and merciful, rather than solely a judging authority. Embracing this devotion can lead to a deepening of our own charity, a greater capacity for forgiveness, and a renewed sense of hope and peace in our daily lives. To practically deepen your devotion to the Sacred Heart, consider the practice of making a "Holy Hour" of prayer. Inspired by Jesus' request to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque to ...

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus offers a profound path to spiritual transformation, deeply rooted in the revelations to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and championed by modern pontiffs like Pope Saint John Paul II. At its core, this devotion invites us to contemplate the immense love of God, symbolized by the pierced heart of Christ – a heart "aglow with love" as St. Margaret Mary described it. Embracing this devotion means recognizing the personal and infinite love Jesus has for each of us, a love that suffered and sacrificed for our salvation. It calls us to respond to this love with our own, fostering a deeper intimacy with Christ and a desire to make amends for the indifference and ingratitude shown to Him. The promises made to St. Margaret Mary for those who practice this devotion are extraordinary, including peace in their families, blessings in their undertakings, consolation in their troubles, and even the grace of final perseverance. Pope Saint John Paul II frequ...