Category Archives: Prayer & Spiritual Growth

Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Ruega por Nosotros

Recently, Holy Mother Church recalled the Patroness of The Immaculate Conception on December 8. On December 12 we recognize Mary’s appearance to Aztec Native American, Cuauhtlatohuac, who was later christened Juan Diego. Such a day commemorate Mary’s apparition to Juan on Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City. La Virgen del Tepeyac is Queen of Mexico andContinue reading “Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Ruega por Nosotros”

1st Week of Advent: The King Is Coming, Be Awake

The second reading from Paul’s Epistle to the Romans for the beginning of the new Church year in Advent reminds us to stay awake. We are urged not to give in to the desires of the flesh but to remain ready, awake, and alert. At baptism, we put on the white garment that symbolizes ourContinue reading “1st Week of Advent: The King Is Coming, Be Awake”

An Attitude of Gratitude In The Christian Life

It’s that time of year again where many in the United States will prepare to gather around table with family & loved ones commemorating different traditions of displaying a day of thanksgiving. Such a day recalls the thankfulness from those early pilgrim people settlers for being blessed with the hospitality of the Wampanoag tribe forContinue reading “An Attitude of Gratitude In The Christian Life”

When the King Draws Near: Pondering the Closing of the Liturgical Year (33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Four Horsemen of Apocalypse (1887) Glinka National Museum Consortium of Music Culture, Moscow by Viktor Vasnetsov from the public domain The Church stands again at the threshold of endings and beginnings. A quiet hush settles over the liturgical year, as if creation itself pauses, listening for the footfall of the coming King. The readings echoContinue reading “When the King Draws Near: Pondering the Closing of the Liturgical Year (33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time)”

The Stillness That Speaks

Our world and modern society are always on the go. Stillness is often mistaken for complacency, and silence can feel uncomfortable in an age of constant motion. My own tendency toward restlessness has, through the years, been tempered by grace. God continues to teach me to stop and smell the roses, to recognize that HisContinue reading “The Stillness That Speaks”

All Saints & All Souls

All Saints Dear holy saints of God,we join our prayers of praise to yours this day.With you, we sing of God’s goodness,rejoice in God’s mercy,and celebrate God’s incredible love.Teach us to live as you lived –always thinking of others,always recognizing your weaknesses,always rejoicing in God’s gifts,always following Jesus. Blessed are you, happy are you,all holyContinue reading “All Saints & All Souls”

23rd Sunday In Ordinary Time Reflection – Take Up Your Cross To Be A Disciple

“Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple (Lk. 14:27). I saw a quote awhile back – “anyone can wear one, but who can bear one” as it relates to the cross. We wear crosses as jewelry and as a symbol of our faith, but how often doContinue reading “23rd Sunday In Ordinary Time Reflection – Take Up Your Cross To Be A Disciple”

The Dignity of Labor

In the United States of America, Labor Day is acknowledged as a national holiday in which President Grover Cleveland signed the act into law in 1894 (https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history). The painting, the Angelus by Millet captures the lowly farmers in the field hearing the bells from the nearby church and giving praise to God after a longContinue reading “The Dignity of Labor”

Faith & Trust in God’s Will

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, faith is defined as the following: 1814 Faith is the theological virtue by which we believe in God and believe all that he has said and revealed to us, and that Holy Church proposes for our belief, because he is truth itself. By faith “man freely commitsContinue reading “Faith & Trust in God’s Will”

Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled

Jn. 14:1-12 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a placeContinue reading “Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled”

Solemnity of Corpus Christi

I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord; whoever eats this bread will live forever. (Jn. 6:51). Today’s Solemnity of the Body of Christ reminds us that we are never alone. Through the Eucharist, Jesus offers Himself as nourishment for our earthly journey, inviting us to receive Him with faith andContinue reading “Solemnity of Corpus Christi”

Feast of Pentecost

Veni Sancte Spiritus! As the Gospel of John reminds us today, at the beginning of the Church’s foundation, Jesus assures us that we are not alone. We are sustained by grace and consoled by the Advocate, the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is present in our participation in the sacraments, instilling in us the courageContinue reading “Feast of Pentecost”

Ascension Of Our Lord

From a Sermon by Saint Leo the Great, Pope And so our Redeemer’s visible presence has passed into the sacraments. Our faith is nobler and stronger because sight has been replaced by a doctrine whose authority is accepted by believing hearts, enlightened from on high. This faith was increased by the Lord’s ascension and strengthenedContinue reading “Ascension Of Our Lord”

Jesus Christ is Risen Today – Alleluia!

Today, we celebrate the fullness of the Paschal Mystery, remembering that Jesus, Our Lord and Savior, is the conqueror of death. Sin and its consequences, which arise from our turning away from God’s love and mercy, hold no power over us. Jesus desires to roll away the stone of our own tombs, if only weContinue reading “Jesus Christ is Risen Today – Alleluia!”

Holy Week Reflection

The Church ushers in the holiest time of the year with Palm Sunday. From the joyful cries of Hosanna in the highest to the haunting shouts of Crucify Him, we are invited to reflect on the Paschal Mystery. Our King, Jesus, came to dwell among us, taking on human flesh so that He might become the perfect offering,Continue reading “Holy Week Reflection”

Annunciation

“Behold, the Lord’s handmaiden; may it be done to me according to your word.” My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things forContinue reading “Annunciation”

2nd Sunday Of Lent Reflection

The 2nd Sunday of Lent offers an opportunity to reflect on our spiritual journey. We are invited to deepen our relationship with God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, aligning ourselves with the sacrifices of Christ as He made His way toward the Cross. We, too, are called to journey with our Lord along the WayContinue reading “2nd Sunday Of Lent Reflection”

Removing the Log & Seeing Christ In Others – 8th Sunday of Ordinary Time Reflection

Sirach 27:4-7 Psalm 92 1st Corinthians 15:54-58 Gospel of Luke 6:39-45 When I was a fifth-grade teacher at a Catholic school, I had a poster in our classroom titled “The Many Faces of Jesus.” This artwork served as a reminder that we are all called to reflect Christ’s love to others, regardless of our culturalContinue reading “Removing the Log & Seeing Christ In Others – 8th Sunday of Ordinary Time Reflection”

The Presentation of the Lord

Simeon’s words from the Gospel today: (Lk. 2:22-40) “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” May we allContinue reading “The Presentation of the Lord”

The Baptism of Christ Jesus

From a homily excerpt from St. Gregory Nazianzen: Christ is bathed in light; let us also be bathed in light. Christ is baptized; let us also go down with him, and rise with him. John is baptizing when Jesus draws near. Perhaps he comes to sanctify his baptizer; certainly he comes to bury sinful humanityContinue reading “The Baptism of Christ Jesus”

The Epiphany of Our Lord

The 12th Day of Christmas, on which we celebrate the Magi bearing gifts to the infant Christ, is more than just a revelation that He is the chosen Light of the World. It serves as a reminder that we, too, are called to seek out this revelation, to search for the Christ child in ourContinue reading “The Epiphany of Our Lord”

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Theotokos)

Today, we honor Mary as the Theotokos, or “God-Bearer.” The Council of Ephesus formally proclaimed her this title, recognizing her unique role in salvation history. Mary holds a special place as the mother of Jesus, God’s only begotten Son, conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit. As adopted children of God, we share aContinue reading “Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Theotokos)”

J+M+J: Holy Family, Pray For Us

Readings: 1 Samuel 1, or Sirach 3, Psalm 84, 1 John 3 or 3 Colossians, Luke 2:41–52 Today, within the Octave of Christmas, we reflect on the Holy Family. The initials J+M+J—Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—serve as a reminder of God’s plan of salvation. This simple yet profound model reveals how God’s love was made manifestContinue reading “J+M+J: Holy Family, Pray For Us”

Merry Christmas!

Rejoice! Today in Bethlehem, a Savior is born—Christ the Lord. As I reflect on this glorious season of the Incarnation of Christ Jesus, I am reminded, as a history major, of the unfolding timeline of salvation history. God’s unconditional love for humanity is revealed through the generations of covenants—from Abraham to Noah, Moses, David, andContinue reading “Merry Christmas!”

Finding Holiday Cheer & Inner Peace

For many, the consumerism of the holiday season and the pressure to buy gifts can create stress. For others, this time of year is filled with grief and desolation. Not everyone experiences holiday cheer or finds inner peace during this season. It’s worth reflecting on the true nature of the season—where the simple pleasures ofContinue reading “Finding Holiday Cheer & Inner Peace”

Advent – Making Room Within The Inn of Our Hearts for the Christ child Jesus

As many Christians prepare to think about shopping for Christmas gifts, decorating with lights and the secular push to conform with society, it’s good to ponder the seasons of life. Let us await with gentle patience the coming of Jesus, the Christ child. Making room within the inn of our hearts during the penitential timeContinue reading “Advent – Making Room Within The Inn of Our Hearts for the Christ child Jesus”

Give Thanks To The Lord

Our very life and the source of all goodness and mercy come from the Lord God. As Psalm 107:1 reminds us, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” Saint Paul also calls us to gratitude, urging us to offer thanksgiving for all that we have in Christ Jesus: “AndContinue reading “Give Thanks To The Lord”

The Solemnity of Jesus Christ the King of the Universe

Book of Daniel 7:13-14 Psalm 93:1 Book of Revelation 1:5-8 Gospel of John 18:33b-37 Today, the Catholic Church honors Jesus Christ as the Lord and King of the Universe, reigning over both earth and heaven. This solemnity was first instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925, originally celebrated in late October. Later, Pope St. PaulContinue reading “The Solemnity of Jesus Christ the King of the Universe”

Continuing To Live Out The Gospel Message Post Election Season

The Gospel from Matthew (22:15-22) reminds us of our call as Christians. The Pharisees wish to entrap Jesus along with the followers of Herod by asking Jesus if it is lawful to pay a tax with a pagan image of Cesar in which the Romans worshipped their emperor as a god/deity. Jesus’s response reminds usContinue reading “Continuing To Live Out The Gospel Message Post Election Season”

All Hallow’s Eve & Recalling Our Christian Call to be Saints

All Hallow’s Eve is a special day that has become secularized over the years in which we have lost the meaning and sacredness of the day. The day before All Saints asks us to contemplate the four last tenets of our eschatological and ontological journey. We will die. We will face judgment. There will beContinue reading “All Hallow’s Eve & Recalling Our Christian Call to be Saints”

Overcoming Our Blindness: Come, See & Follow Jesus (30th Sunday Ordinary Time Reflection)

Reproduction from Harold Copping of Copping’s Bible Illustrations in the public domain retrieved at Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Harold_Copping_-Bartimaeus-_(MeisterDrucke-52938).jpg Jeremiah 31:7-9, Psalm 126, Heb. 5:1-6, Mark 10:46-52 The first reading from the prophet Jeremiah reminds us that the Lord God will gather together the blind and lame from the ends of the earth. If we are trulyContinue reading “Overcoming Our Blindness: Come, See & Follow Jesus (30th Sunday Ordinary Time Reflection)”

28th Sunday Ordinary Time – What Must I Do To Inherit Eternal Life With Jesus?

Today’s Gospel reading from Mark’s Gospel chapter 10 has us contemplating the meaning of life. “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mk. 10:17). The parable of the rich man is an example that can include our life as well. While we don’t necessarily have to sell off all of our possessions to followContinue reading “28th Sunday Ordinary Time – What Must I Do To Inherit Eternal Life With Jesus?”

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

From the entrance antiphon: We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection, through whom we are saved and delivered. A discourse of St. Andrew of Crete (from the Office of Readings): We are celebrating the feast of the cross which drove away darkness andContinue reading “The Exaltation of the Holy Cross”

The Most Holy Name of Mary

What is in a name? As baptized & Confirmed Christians we receive the indelible spiritual mark from the Holy Spirit in which we belong to Christ (CCC 1272). The ancient Greek philosopher & theologian Dionysius the Areopagite wrote of The Divine Names. It would make sense that Mary, Queen of Saints, & Mother of God’sContinue reading “The Most Holy Name of Mary”

Saint Augustine, Pray For Us

Today the Church commemorates the solemnity of Saint Augustine of Hippo. Yesterday we recognized Saint Augustine’s mother who wept and prayed fervently for her son’s conversion experience. As a Bishop and Doctor of the Church, Saint Augustine is influential in setting the foundational theological principles of the early church in which topics of predestination, grace,Continue reading “Saint Augustine, Pray For Us”

To Whom Shall We Go? The Word Of Eternal Life (21st Sunday Ordinary Time, B)

(Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b Psalms 34 Ephesians 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32 John 6:60-69) Today’s Gospel from John Chapter six has his followers questioning Jesus. Jesus reminds us that the Spirit gives life while the flesh is weak in describing his ascension. Our embodied souls long for more. Some of Jesus’s followers turned away from JesusContinue reading “To Whom Shall We Go? The Word Of Eternal Life (21st Sunday Ordinary Time, B)”

The Transfiguration of Jesus, Our Lord

Mk. 9:2-10 Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John, and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus.Continue reading “The Transfiguration of Jesus, Our Lord”

The Rise of True Christian Nationalism for The Church Militant

There has been some discussion of the topic of Christian Nationalism as the United States finds itself in another political divide with election season in full swing. I would posit to my fellow Christians that true Christian Nationalism includes being a witness and portraying the love of Christ regardless of thy neighbor’s belief system. AsContinue reading “The Rise of True Christian Nationalism for The Church Militant”

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Pray For Us

Today the Church commemorates the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, patroness of the Carmelite Order in which she appeared to St. Simon Stock, and bestowed upon him the brown scapular in 1251. According to The Sisters of Carmel, Our Lady bestowed the following promise to those wearing the scapular: “This shall be aContinue reading “Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Pray For Us”

The Sacred Heart of Jesus

During the month of June and after the octave of the Feast of Corpus Christi, the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus becomes popular for us Catholics. Such a devotion reminds us that we must come to the Lord in prayer and humility to the divine heart that is on fire for His creation.Continue reading “The Sacred Heart of Jesus”

The Journey to Emmaus: Finding The Risen Lord in our Midst

I recently attended an ACTS (https://www.actsmissions.org/about) retreat that rekindled my relationship with our Lord. It is good for us as Christians to periodically disconnect from the world and go out on a spiritual pilgrimage to let the flame of the Holy Spirit burn bright in us. Interestingly enough, the readings from this 3rd Sunday inContinue reading “The Journey to Emmaus: Finding The Risen Lord in our Midst”

What Will You Gain This Lenten Season?

As we prepare for another Lenten journey, we may be pondering about what it is we will give up in order to walk alongside our Lord during these next 40 days. While we may fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and on Fridays with one meal and two light meals, the church doesn’tContinue reading “What Will You Gain This Lenten Season?”

Prayerful Worship & The Liturgy of The Word & The Eucharist – 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Reflection

This Sunday evening for the 29th Sunday of ordinary time, my family and I had an amazing encounter with the Holy Spirit. Typically, as with most of our fellow Catholics, we usually sit in the middle section or back of church out of sight and do tend to go through the motions. Instead, we venturedContinue reading “Prayerful Worship & The Liturgy of The Word & The Eucharist – 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Reflection”