Today is the Feast of the Archangels, specifically Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, whose proper names are divinely revealed in the Sacred Scriptures. Happy Feast! Angels are beautiful. They are “spiritual, non-corporeal beings” whose existence is “a truth of faith” (CCC #328). They “have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection […]
The word selfless appears to be an oxymoron at first glance, a contradiction if you will. We are encouraged through Scripture in both the New and Old Testaments on numerous occasions that, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love yourself too much, and risk being an egomaniac and your neighbor is literally invisible much […]
The spate of natural disasters has opposing sides arguing: Global warming! No…chastisements! Is it the final battle where the earth rises up in a heated rage or one where God says enough and shows us that he means it? I am not interested in that debate. Both sides agree that we have messed up. Our […]
The World State Oh, how I love Humanity, With love so pure and pringlish, And how I hate the horrid French, Who never will be English! The International Idea, The largest and the clearest, Is welding all the nations now, Except the one that’s nearest. This compromise has long been known, This scheme of partial […]
Meditation and Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion Mass Readings: 1st Reading: Isaiah 55:6-9 Responsorial: Psalm 145: 2-3, 8-9, 17-18 2nd Reading: Philippians 1:20-24, 27 Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16 Understanding God’s Justice Compared to Our Human Sense of Justice I will give you what is just. (Matthew 20:4) Let’s talk about justice. The landowner in Jesus’ […]
The first-ever visit of the UN Pilgrim Statue of Fatima to the U.S. capital last week reminded Washingtonians that politics demands principles, and principled leaders. The United Nations Pilgrim Statue of Fatima spent two days at the Shrine of St. John Paul II, accompanied by the relics of two of the visionary children, newly canonized […]
Meditation and Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion Mass Readings: 1st Reading: Sirach 27:30–28:7 Responsorial: Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12 2nd Reading: Romans 14:7-9 Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35 Responding to God’s Boundless Mercy and Love How often must I forgive? (Matthew 18:21) In his very first Sunday homily as the Holy Father, Pope Francis proclaimed, “This is the […]
THE NUNCIO in Colombia described the Pope’s Sept. 6-10, 2017 trip to Colombia as “the visit of a friend.” That means, explained Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, that the Pope, “like all friends of the Colombians, will ask some searching questions: What are you doing with your life? Are you really happy? What is the meaning of […]
Meditation and Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion Mass Readings: 1st Reading: Jeremiah 20:7-9 Responsorial: Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9 2nd Reading: Romans 12:1-2 Gospel: Matthew 16:21-27 The Importance of Reasoning in Faith or Thinking as God Does You are thinking . . . (Matthew 16:23) Poor Peter! He had just confessed that Jesus was the “Messiah, […]
By Josue Villalón St. LOUIS HOSPITAL, run by the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition, is located in the city district of Ismailie, in the western part of Aleppo. It is one of the few medical facilities that was left standing in the northern Syrian metropolis after bomb attacks on the city came to […]
