The feast of Corpus Christi is a profession of faith that Jesus Christ is really and substantially present in the Holy Eucharist under the appearance of bread and wine. One cannot truly believe in Christ and set this truth aside. Real Catholic Faith is not just saying and believing this, but living it. The most important way to live this is to receive Him frequently, and doing so with great faith, deep devotion, and integral purity.
If we are to know God, we need to know the Father. He shows what all fathers, natural and spiritual, ought to be. The Father brings forth life and makes sure that His creatures have what they need to attain their perfection. He provides and protects. He disciplines us to keep us on the right path. He does all this because of love. Human fathers are called to give life, to maintain it, and to provide all their children need to attain their fulfillment This duty can be burdensome and fatiguing, but it is an obligation of love. Fathers: Have an [...]
The Holy Ghost is the spirit of truth, the giver of life and grace, and the power of divine love. Take a step in faith to acknowledge the importance of the octave days of Pentecost and spiritually benefit from them. The fact that these days pass Catholics without notice illustrates the weakness of our faith. Most of us do not sufficiently seek the help of the Holy Ghost. Yet unless we take specific steps in faith, our faith will not grow stronger.
Hearing Scripture is not enough. We need to understand it. That means we need a proper interpretation; we must study the Scriptures with the mind of the Church. For example, we believe in the Communion of Saints. We know this from our Creed, liturgy, and life of devotion. Moreover, the Holy Ghost –through St. Paul– calls us to study and imitate (follow) the saints so as to arrive in Heaven. Look at the three apostles Jesus chose so as to imitate them. Peter was passionate, fervent, and always wanted to be close to the Lord. James was bold, fearless, and would [...]
Pope Leo XIII presents the Church’s teaching on her divine purpose. The Church is to guard true doctrine and propagate it in its integrity and purity, to convert all nations, and to render unto God fitting and divine worship. By these means she alone offers the human race the means of salvation in accord with the ordinary counsels of providence. Hence the Church is mater et magistra, that is, mother [of the life of grace] and teacher [of the true doctrine]. Given the current grave crisis, the chief priority of every shepherd must be to restore –and be faithful to– the [...]
The Ascension focuses us on the mysteries of the Incarnate Word now in Heaven. He is forever our intercessor and mediator; here on earth He does so through the Mass. Jesus is crowned King of kings, has supreme authority over all creatures, and He will come again and judge the living and dead. Look to present Him with the beautiful fruits of your life and work (for example, your marriage). In all you do, raise your thoughts, eyes and desires to Heaven.
Pope Leo XIII teaches that the Church's raison d'être is to guard and propagate – in all its integrity and purity – both Christian doctrine and the fitting and devout worship of God. In faithfully doing this, the Church continues the mission of Our Savior and King, Jesus Christ. It is by true doctrine (lex orandi) and right worship (lex credendi) that the Church helps save men's souls. To further this end Christ established a hierarchy. A grave crisis exists today because so many in the hierarchy are not carrying out this mission. Every Catholic has the responsibility –within the scope [...]
The prayer from the sermon 'The Queenship of Mary' given on May 7, 2016 O Mother of my God, and my Lady Mary; as a beggar, all wounded and sore, presents himself before a great queen, so do I present myself before thee, who art the Queen of heaven and earth. From the lofty throne on which thou sittest, disdain not, I implore thee, to cast thine eyes on me, a poor sinner. God has made thee so rich that thou mightest assist the poor, and has constituted thee Queen of Mercy in order that thou mightest relieve the miserable. Behold [...]
God’s best and perfect gift is Jesus Christ, Whom God willed to give us through the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is God’s plan since before time began and it does not change. He manifested this truth at Bethlehem, then again at Fatima, and still at every Mass. Let us deepen this understanding by considering three of Our Lady’s titles and seven things she requested at Fatima.
Christians are made perfect in the bond of charity. We ought to have a constant mutual charity for one another. This comes about through grace in our souls and it unites us in the one Faith. Now charity for our neighbor must be based in God. It means desiring the best for another. It means we comfort and support one another. It necessarily involves prayer and sacrifice. Spouses, families, and parishes must be built upon this charity. We must strive hard against sins of the tongue - like complaining, criticizing, and murmuring - which destroy charity.
