Sin is a fact of life for all of us in our fallen world. We have sinned in the past, and unfortunately we will sin again in the future. This is the reality of our human concupiscence: “Concupiscence stems from the disobedience of the first sin. It unsettles man’s moral faculties and, without being in itself an offense, inclines man to commit sins” (CCC 2515). We might ask, “What’s the use of trying if we’re…
In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells His disciples that they are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5: 13-14). Part of the role of a disciple of Christ is to make the world better for everyone. The places where we live and work should be more peaceful and happy as a result of the salt and light that we bring to them. Salt is a seasoning that brings…
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Most Catholics have heard of offering up our sufferings for Christ. But how exactly can we do this? In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, Simeon told Mary that she would share in Christ’s sufferings: “and you yourself a sword will pierce” (Luke 2:35). Mary knew Isaiah’s prophecy of the suffering servant (Isaiah 53). She was aware that suffering was a key part of her Son’s mission, and she knew…
Think back to a time that you walked in the dark. Maybe you had to move slowly so you didn’t run into anything or fumble around to find a light. If you were somewhere unfamiliar, it might have even been a little frightening to not be able to see your surroundings. You needed something to light your way so that you would know where to go without hurting yourself or getting lost. Now remember a…
At your Baptism, you were washed and reborn as a child of God, set apart from the world as members of Christ’s Church, and anointed to be a light to the whole world. On the day of your baptism, you were “born of water and Spirit” (John 3:5). Imagine: the priest poured holy water over you to wash you from original sin; he anointed you with sacred chrism oil, signifying the gift of the Holy…
“We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage” (Mt 2:2). There’s been much debate on the origin of the Christmas Star. Some think it was a comet or supernova. Others think it was a conjunction of planets. Planetariums even have “Star of Bethlehem” shows to explore all the theories. Whatever the cosmic origin, the star was from God. He placed it in the sky for a purpose: to guide…
On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of peace on our Advent wreaths. Notice that we continue to light each of the other candles, representing hope, faith, and joy. None of these virtues are extinguished as we progress toward Christmas; they all work together in our hearts and build upon one another. For joy and peace are fruits of the Holy Spirit; they spring forth from faith, hope, and charity. When we…
This is Gaudete Sunday, the day when we focus on rejoicing in the coming of Christ. In our first reading, Isaiah tells us that in the presence of the Lord, even the desert will “bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice in joyful song” (Is 35:2). But let’s be honest, do you feel more like you’re in a dry desert than an oasis right now? Is it hard to be truly joyful in this moment? If…
A voice proclaims: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! Every valley shall be lifted up, every mountain and hill made low; The rugged land shall be a plain, the rough country, a broad valley. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. ~Isaiah 40:3-5 Jesus, prepare my heart for Your coming. Show me the…
It’s late in the calendar year. The darkness increases as we draw nearer to winter, but on this first day of Advent—the very first day of our Church year—we are called to wake up early, while it is still dark. “It is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw…