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”
Category Archives: Prayer & Spiritual Growth
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”
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”
Turn to the Spirit
As I contemplate the world’s turmoil today and the increase of so many societal issues, it is undoubtedly due to our inability to listen to the third person of God, the Holy Spirit. Per the Greek for pneuma, the imagery of a gentle breath from God in the silence to give us new life andContinue reading “Turn to the Spirit”
Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.Body of Christ, save me.Blood of Christ, inebriate me.Water from the side of Christ, wash me.Passion of Christ, strengthen me.O Good Jesus, hear me.Within your wounds hide me.Permit me not to be separated from you.From the wicked foe, defend me.At the hour of my death, call meand bid me come toContinue reading “Anima Christi”
In His Love & Light
Have you ever received a Christmas card or other greeting card in the mail and not really paid attention to the message? Have you ever let those humble saints that walk among us pass you by without taking notice? After watching the recent Christmas special of The Chosen in “The Messengers” (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15772866/) and reflecting onContinue reading “In His Love & Light”
Advent Reflection – Preparing Our Hearts for the Lord
Oftentimes in life we are a society that is rushed for time. We let the secular calendar and anxiety of life creep up on us like a thief in the night, taking away our sense of purpose and belonging in this world as human beings created in His image. We are also an advanced humanContinue reading “Advent Reflection – Preparing Our Hearts for the Lord”
The Transfiguration of our Lord
Image retrieved from https://pilgrimcenterofhope.org/the-transfiguration-makes-a-way-for-the-cross/ Oftentimes in life we don’t have the full and complete picture and are oftentimes blinded by our human condition. I imagine that Peter, James and his brother John had no idea who Jesus really was as portrayed in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 9 verses 2-10 when being led up toContinue reading “The Transfiguration of our Lord”
When I am weak, then I am strong
The second letter to the Corinthians chapter 12 verses 7-10 today has a reflective image from St. Paul in which he acknowledges that God’s grace is sufficient for us despite our weaknesses and “beatings” from Satan. In a sense, on this sabbath day and remembrance of our independence as a Nation, we should strive forContinue reading “When I am weak, then I am strong”
Sacred Heart of Jesus
Image retrieved from: 5 Beautiful Prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Every Catholic Should Know | (churchpop.com) Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy Christ, have mercy Christ, have mercy Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy God our Father in heaven have mercy on us GodContinue reading “Sacred Heart of Jesus”
Good Shepherd Sunday: Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Easter
Today’s readings in the Catholic church during this Easter season are oftentimes known as “Good Shepherd” Sunday per the selection from sacred scripture. Today is also the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. We must always remember to pray for our men and women called by God that receive the spiritual call to imitate JesusContinue reading “Good Shepherd Sunday: Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Easter”
Good Friday: The Defeat of Sin and Fulfillment to New Life
Oftentimes, as I ponder over the meaning of Good Friday when reflecting on the mystery of the cross as our instrument of salvation, I can’t help but think about the two that were crucified alongside with our Lord and Savior on that hilltop known as Golgotha or “Place of the Skull” in Hebrew. Luke’s Gospel,Continue reading “Good Friday: The Defeat of Sin and Fulfillment to New Life”
Being Present for Others and Having the heart and mind of Christ in our world amidst violence, destruction and death
A great friend and fellow Knights of Columbus, “Sir Knight” Isaac, passed away recently from my home parish that I attend due to Covid-19 complications. I have a relative that is a Benedictine monk that resides at the Cistercian Abbey in Subiaco and thought to myself that a mass remembrance memorial seemed like the appropriateContinue reading “Being Present for Others and Having the heart and mind of Christ in our world amidst violence, destruction and death”
The Holy Hour: Keeping It Real and Living Authentic Christianity. 5th Sunday of Lent Reflection
Mt. 7:5
Cao Family St. Joseph Altar
St. Joseph, pray for us. May our domestic church at home be strengthened this day and this year. Amen!
Learning the Art of Receiving
Fr. Jacques Philippe wrote that “it is vitally important to learn to receive, to receive one’s very own self along with everything from God. To the extent we learn to receive everything from God, we can give to others the best of ourselves.”1 Indeed, it is written into the nature of being Christians that weContinue reading “Learning the Art of Receiving”
St. Patrick, the Trinity and the “Luck of the Irish”
On March 17, the Christian church recognizes the feast of St. Patrick whom was a 4th century bishop and missionary (slave that was captured and brought to the Irish isle) and brought his experience of Christianity to the Celtic peoples (see more about the life of Patrick: Who Was St. Patrick? – HISTORY) at theContinue reading “St. Patrick, the Trinity and the “Luck of the Irish””
Lumen Christi
The most profound statement in all of the Gospels and in Christian tradition can be summed up with the reading from John’s gospel today that proclaims “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so everyone who believes in him might have eternal life” (Jn. 3:16). The old testament reading from 2Continue reading “Lumen Christi”
Unite and Trust God
The Gospel reading from Luke chapter 11, verses 14-23 speaks of Jesus having cast out a demon from a mute man. Once the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke to the crowds and were amazed. Naysayers and skeptics who saw the miracle were puzzled and asked if it was by the power ofContinue reading “Unite and Trust God”
Righteous Anger & Temple Cleansing
In the Gospel of John of the second chapter, verses 13-25, we see a very human Jesus that is quite angry for the temple being used as a marketplace for the exorbitant sale of sacrificial offerings. In Leviticus 14:22 we see that a poorer person can purchase 2 turtledoves or pigeons which are more affordableContinue reading “Righteous Anger & Temple Cleansing”
The Cross Leads us to New Life
The cross is the great paradox of being a Christian disciple. It is through the cross, which is an instrument of suffering, pain and sacrifice that we will come to new life with a merciful and loving God. As Jesus proclaims in Matthew’s Gospel, anyone that wishes to follow Jesus “must deny himself, take upContinue reading “The Cross Leads us to New Life”
Prayer
Oftentimes, I find that if I don’t start my day in prayer, or include prayer in my day; the problems of the world and life in general can become quite messy. It is important to quiet ourselves when we pray and give all of our troubles and worries to God. Prayer will bring us joy,Continue reading “Prayer”
StreetEvangelist 