What is "Stewardship" ?
Remember the parable of the three servants who looked after the master's money while he was gone? The first two servants invested the money wisely, but the third was punished for having done nothing with what was given him. (See Matthew 25:14-30.) He was a poor steward of his master's goods. A steward is someone trusted to manage an employer's affairs and possessions. We have each been trusted with talents and strengths to use in God's service and to further his mission. He expects us to use these gifts to help others know him, love him, serve him, and be happy with him in Heaven.
Today, stewardship means committing the best portion of our time, talent, and treasure to the mission of the Church. Generous sharing of resources, including money, is central to caring for God's Church and his people. When you realize that everything you do is from God, then you want to give back to God in thanksgiving. That's modern day stewardship in action.
If Jesus paid for our sins, why is Confession necessary?
Jesus' sacrifice paid the price for our sins "once for all" (Hebrews 10:10), and made it possible for us to go to Heaven. It did not make us sinless. We retain the inclination to sin. Fortunately for us, God's mercy is greater than our sins. On Easter evening, Jesus gave to his Apostles the power to forgive (or not forgive) sins in his name. "He breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained'" (John 20:22-23). "Christ has willed that.......his whole Church should be the sign and instrument of the forgiveness and reconciliation that he acquired for us at the price of his blood" (CCC 1455).
In Confession, we receive God's loving mercy, his forgiveness, and the grace to make a fresh start. Although we experience Confession with the priest, he is acting in the person of Christ. Rather than deny the redeeming power of his sacrifice, the sacrament of Confession continues its effects.
What is the difference between feast days and solemnities?
Feasts and solemnities differ in terms of their importance.
Solemnities are the highest rank of celebration in the Church. Christmas, Easter, All Saints Day, the Ascension, Corpus Christi, and other celebrations of events in the life of Jesus are solemnities. There are fewer solemnities than feast days. These days are like Sundays but they aren't always Holy Days of Obligation. We say both the Gloria and the Creed on such days. "Thus recalling the mysteries of the redemption, (the Church) opens up to the faithful the riches of her Lord's powers and merits, so that these are in some way made present in every age" (CCC, #1163). Far from being "solemn," solemnities are joyful occasions to celebrate.
Feast days honor important saints or events from the lives of Jesus and Mary. The Catholic Church celebrates these feasts because they are snapshots in the history of the Church and of God's saving love for us. They call to mind sacred mysteries or events recorded in the history of our redemption.
Does Original Sin make us sin?
The effects of Original Sin are frustratingly familiar. For example, who hasn't had the temptation to ignore our conscience? That is always a red flag that something is a sin. Maybe it was because the temptation looked like fun, because it was easier than doing the right thing, or because someone cool was doing it. This desire to do things that are contrary to what our conscience tells us is called "concupiscence." St. Paul says it well: "For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want" (Romans 7:19).
The good news is that God's love is bigger than our sin. Christ set us free from the power of sin and death. Through his death and Resurrection, he healed humanity's broken relationship with God. "Just as through the disobedience of one person the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of one the many will be made righteous" (Romans 5:19). Fighting against the temptation to sin is hard, but not impossible.
Is Purgatory a real place?
Purgatory is imagined as a place, but it refers to the state and process by which a soul is purified before going to Heaven. Someone who dies in God's grace, but who still needs purification before he or she can see God is in Purgatory. "All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified.......... undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven" (CCC#1030).
Church tradition has described Purgatory as a purifying fire that purges us of any venial sin on our souls for which we have not repented. "If someone's work is burned up, that one will suffer loss; the person will be saved, but only as through fire" (1 Corinthians 3:15). Another comparison can be the pain of St. Peter's repentance after he denied our Lord. When we see God we will experience shame and remorse for having denied him in others. Only after this purifying pain will we be able to see God face to face.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
From Scripture
John 6:1-15; loaves and fishes.
Jesus' fame spread largely due to the healings and other signs he performed. People came from all over hoping to share in the material benefits he offered. With the famous miracle during which he multiplied a few loaves and fishes to feed thousands, Jesus met peoples' material need and introduced the eternal bread --- himself.
After witnessing the miracle, the crowd wanted to make Jesus king. They thought that this sign was proof that he was the "Prophet, the one who is to come into the world," in the final days" (Deuteronomy 18:15, 18). After all, the great prophet Moses fed people too. But Jesus wasn't fooled by their enthusiasm and left quickly. He knew that their zeal was not true faith in him.
The material for this miracle was provided by a boyan insignificant child. By choosing him, though, Jesus showed that nobody is insignificant when it comes to proclaiming the Gospel. So, what bread or fish can you offer to God? If you have true faith in the real Bread, your offering just might become a miracle, too.
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Clean hearts vs. clean hands
The religious leaders sent investigators to check up on Jesus and didn't like what they saw. Not only were Jesus and his followers ignoring some traditional rituals, Jesus scolded the leaders for being hypocrites when they did observe them. They were outwardly obedient so they could look holy instead of taking steps to actually be holy.
For example, devout Jews performed a cleansing ritual before each meal. The Pharisees liked to believe this ceremony kept them from being considered unclean. They were critical because Jesus' followers didn't perform this ceremony. Jesus told them that they were wrong to think being clean on the outside made them acceptable to God. God cares more about the state of our hearts than our hands.
Hypocrisy is when we pretend to be something we aren't and have no intention of becoming. Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites because they went through the motions of worshipping God so they could appear holy in the eyes of the Jews. We become hypocrites when we follow religious practices carefully but allow our hearts to remain distant from God.
Mark 9:38--48, Be ruthless with sin
The disciples were jealous of an unfamiliar man who healed in Jesus' name. It seemed that they were more concerned about losing the spotlight than in healing. Yet, we do the same thing when we refuse to participate in good works because the people are unfamiliar, those in charge don't do things the way we'd like, or we fear our efforts won't get recognized. Competitiveness and ego have no place in the Christian community.
Jesus was very clear; we must be ruthless in removing sin from our lives. Giving up a relationship, job, or habit that keeps us from God may seem just as painful as cutting off a hand, but the consequences of our choices last forever. Being lukewarm toward Jesus is not possible. "For whoever is not against us is for us." Not all of Jesus' followers resemble each other or belong to the same groups. But all who are on Jesus' side have the same goal to build up the kingdom of God. Our differences should never interfere with the work of the kingdom.
Mark 10:46-52, a blind man leads
Bartimaeus was a blind beggar who saw Jesus clearly. When he heard that Jesus was near he cried out, "Son of David," a title reserved for the Messiah. Although people tried to quiet him, Bartimaeus persisted until Jesus noticed him and called him over. Immediately, Bartimaeus threw off his cloak and ran to Jesus' side. Even the little he had was discarded to get to Jesus. Bartimaeus stood before Jesus humbly, but he was confident that Jesus had the power to do whatever he asked. The only person in Mark's gospel to call Jesus, "Master," Bartimaeus asked Jesus for his sight. When his prayers was answered, Bartimaeus followed Jesus as his disciple. It is this profound trust that Jesus wants to elicit from the crowd --- and from us. The difficulties of being Christian in a secular world can blind us to the joys of following Jesus. Try to approach Jesus with excitement and humble confidence. When we trust him as Bartimaeus did, we become true disciples who can tackle the difficult task of leading others down the road to God.
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36, the Advent of hope
The virtues of patience and perseverance aren't strengths for most of us. Often the concerns of daily life overshadow our pursuit of holiness. We can get lured into sin by the comforts and pleasures the world has to offer. We can forget our ultimate goal is Heaven. Knowing this, Jesus warned his followers about the end times, hoping to shake them (and us) out of "drowsy" complacency.
Imagine the terrifying scene Jesus described -- the shaking of the earth, sea, and sky and people dying of fright. In the midst of that terror, though, people living in God's friendship will have no reason to fear. The key is, he said, to stay on guard against sin and wordly pleasure.
Advent is a time of waiting for the coming of Christ. God has promised us that if we are faithful to him, we will be rewarded. This is a time when we must pray for patience and perseverance to keep us ready for the arrival of our Savior. Then we can hold our heads high and stand confident expecting our promised reward.
Jesus' fame spread largely due to the healings and other signs he performed. People came from all over hoping to share in the material benefits he offered. With the famous miracle during which he multiplied a few loaves and fishes to feed thousands, Jesus met peoples' material need and introduced the eternal bread --- himself.
After witnessing the miracle, the crowd wanted to make Jesus king. They thought that this sign was proof that he was the "Prophet, the one who is to come into the world," in the final days" (Deuteronomy 18:15, 18). After all, the great prophet Moses fed people too. But Jesus wasn't fooled by their enthusiasm and left quickly. He knew that their zeal was not true faith in him.
The material for this miracle was provided by a boyan insignificant child. By choosing him, though, Jesus showed that nobody is insignificant when it comes to proclaiming the Gospel. So, what bread or fish can you offer to God? If you have true faith in the real Bread, your offering just might become a miracle, too.
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Clean hearts vs. clean hands
The religious leaders sent investigators to check up on Jesus and didn't like what they saw. Not only were Jesus and his followers ignoring some traditional rituals, Jesus scolded the leaders for being hypocrites when they did observe them. They were outwardly obedient so they could look holy instead of taking steps to actually be holy.
For example, devout Jews performed a cleansing ritual before each meal. The Pharisees liked to believe this ceremony kept them from being considered unclean. They were critical because Jesus' followers didn't perform this ceremony. Jesus told them that they were wrong to think being clean on the outside made them acceptable to God. God cares more about the state of our hearts than our hands.
Hypocrisy is when we pretend to be something we aren't and have no intention of becoming. Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites because they went through the motions of worshipping God so they could appear holy in the eyes of the Jews. We become hypocrites when we follow religious practices carefully but allow our hearts to remain distant from God.
Mark 9:38--48, Be ruthless with sin
The disciples were jealous of an unfamiliar man who healed in Jesus' name. It seemed that they were more concerned about losing the spotlight than in healing. Yet, we do the same thing when we refuse to participate in good works because the people are unfamiliar, those in charge don't do things the way we'd like, or we fear our efforts won't get recognized. Competitiveness and ego have no place in the Christian community.
Jesus was very clear; we must be ruthless in removing sin from our lives. Giving up a relationship, job, or habit that keeps us from God may seem just as painful as cutting off a hand, but the consequences of our choices last forever. Being lukewarm toward Jesus is not possible. "For whoever is not against us is for us." Not all of Jesus' followers resemble each other or belong to the same groups. But all who are on Jesus' side have the same goal to build up the kingdom of God. Our differences should never interfere with the work of the kingdom.
Mark 10:46-52, a blind man leads
Bartimaeus was a blind beggar who saw Jesus clearly. When he heard that Jesus was near he cried out, "Son of David," a title reserved for the Messiah. Although people tried to quiet him, Bartimaeus persisted until Jesus noticed him and called him over. Immediately, Bartimaeus threw off his cloak and ran to Jesus' side. Even the little he had was discarded to get to Jesus. Bartimaeus stood before Jesus humbly, but he was confident that Jesus had the power to do whatever he asked. The only person in Mark's gospel to call Jesus, "Master," Bartimaeus asked Jesus for his sight. When his prayers was answered, Bartimaeus followed Jesus as his disciple. It is this profound trust that Jesus wants to elicit from the crowd --- and from us. The difficulties of being Christian in a secular world can blind us to the joys of following Jesus. Try to approach Jesus with excitement and humble confidence. When we trust him as Bartimaeus did, we become true disciples who can tackle the difficult task of leading others down the road to God.
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36, the Advent of hope
The virtues of patience and perseverance aren't strengths for most of us. Often the concerns of daily life overshadow our pursuit of holiness. We can get lured into sin by the comforts and pleasures the world has to offer. We can forget our ultimate goal is Heaven. Knowing this, Jesus warned his followers about the end times, hoping to shake them (and us) out of "drowsy" complacency.
Imagine the terrifying scene Jesus described -- the shaking of the earth, sea, and sky and people dying of fright. In the midst of that terror, though, people living in God's friendship will have no reason to fear. The key is, he said, to stay on guard against sin and wordly pleasure.
Advent is a time of waiting for the coming of Christ. God has promised us that if we are faithful to him, we will be rewarded. This is a time when we must pray for patience and perseverance to keep us ready for the arrival of our Savior. Then we can hold our heads high and stand confident expecting our promised reward.
Don't take a vacation from Mass
The lazy days of summer can make it tempting to be lazy on Sunday and stay home from Mass, but here are four reasons to fit Mass attendance into our summer schedules :
1. After Jesus' resurrection, his followers came together to keep his message alive and became the early Church. Every time we attend Mass, we help to keep Jesus' message alive --- but that can only happen in church.
2. At Sunday Mass, millions of people we don't know are praying for us and with us. Where else can we get that kind of help?
3. Attending Mass connects us to the Communion of Saints --- the saints in heaven, the souls in purgatory and believers on Earth. That's powerful company.
4. Mass is the way a Catholic fulfills the 3rd Commandment to keep holy the Sabbath day --- instructions straight from God. If God says to do something, we should do it.
Note : to find a Catholic Church or Mass time anywhere in the country, call 858-207-6277 or visit www.masstimes.org
1. After Jesus' resurrection, his followers came together to keep his message alive and became the early Church. Every time we attend Mass, we help to keep Jesus' message alive --- but that can only happen in church.
2. At Sunday Mass, millions of people we don't know are praying for us and with us. Where else can we get that kind of help?
3. Attending Mass connects us to the Communion of Saints --- the saints in heaven, the souls in purgatory and believers on Earth. That's powerful company.
4. Mass is the way a Catholic fulfills the 3rd Commandment to keep holy the Sabbath day --- instructions straight from God. If God says to do something, we should do it.
Note : to find a Catholic Church or Mass time anywhere in the country, call 858-207-6277 or visit www.masstimes.org
Why Do Catholics Do That ?
What is Anointing of the Sick ?
The Sacrament, "Anointing of the Sick," strengthens those suffering a serious illness or infirmity of age. Anointing can be received more than once in a lifetime. "Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint [him] with oil in the name of the Lord" (James 5:14).
This sacrament also has the effect of uniting the sick to the passion of Christ, giving peace and strength, and forgiving sins.
Why do Catholics gesture before the Gospel reading?
God created us to know him, to love him, and to serve him. In Mass, when we make the three Signs of the Cross on our foreheads, lips, and hearts before the Gospel reading, we are dedicating ourselves to God. We pray, "Lord, be on my mind, be on my lips, be in my heart." We ask God to be in us as we hear the Gospel, so that we can truly" love and serve the Lord" by our lives.
Why do Catholics only get baptized once?
The Catholic Church tells us that Baptism is the gateway to the Church, and the beginning of a lasting communion with God. At our Baptism, God adopted us as his children and "marked" us as his forever. This spiritual mark of Christ opens us to grace, helps us resist the temptation to sin, and inspires us to love God and neighbor more perfectly (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1121). This mark is permanent, so we are only baptized once.
Why do Catholics call the Church the "Body of Christ"?
On the first Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles and united them as one Body to continue Christ's saving work. "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body-Jews or Greeks, slaves or free-and all were made to drink of one Spirit" (Corinthians 12:13). The Church is made up of all God's people, united by Baptism, each with a unique role. We act as Christ's Body on Earth, with Christ as our head.
Why do Catholics pray the Rosary?
The Rosary is a simple prayer adapted from the complex set of prayers of medieval monks. It's a powerful prayer because in it, we ask Mary ---- whose prayers are never refused ---- to pray for us. In addition, through the mysteries of the Rosary, we meditate on the life of Jesus which always bears fruit. For example, the fruit of the mystery of the Annunciation is humility. Praying the Rosary opens us to graces that help us be more Christ-like.
The Sacrament, "Anointing of the Sick," strengthens those suffering a serious illness or infirmity of age. Anointing can be received more than once in a lifetime. "Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint [him] with oil in the name of the Lord" (James 5:14).
This sacrament also has the effect of uniting the sick to the passion of Christ, giving peace and strength, and forgiving sins.
Why do Catholics gesture before the Gospel reading?
God created us to know him, to love him, and to serve him. In Mass, when we make the three Signs of the Cross on our foreheads, lips, and hearts before the Gospel reading, we are dedicating ourselves to God. We pray, "Lord, be on my mind, be on my lips, be in my heart." We ask God to be in us as we hear the Gospel, so that we can truly" love and serve the Lord" by our lives.
Why do Catholics only get baptized once?
The Catholic Church tells us that Baptism is the gateway to the Church, and the beginning of a lasting communion with God. At our Baptism, God adopted us as his children and "marked" us as his forever. This spiritual mark of Christ opens us to grace, helps us resist the temptation to sin, and inspires us to love God and neighbor more perfectly (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1121). This mark is permanent, so we are only baptized once.
Why do Catholics call the Church the "Body of Christ"?
On the first Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles and united them as one Body to continue Christ's saving work. "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body-Jews or Greeks, slaves or free-and all were made to drink of one Spirit" (Corinthians 12:13). The Church is made up of all God's people, united by Baptism, each with a unique role. We act as Christ's Body on Earth, with Christ as our head.
Why do Catholics pray the Rosary?
The Rosary is a simple prayer adapted from the complex set of prayers of medieval monks. It's a powerful prayer because in it, we ask Mary ---- whose prayers are never refused ---- to pray for us. In addition, through the mysteries of the Rosary, we meditate on the life of Jesus which always bears fruit. For example, the fruit of the mystery of the Annunciation is humility. Praying the Rosary opens us to graces that help us be more Christ-like.
Are you a new creation ?
When sin first entered the world, God's perfect plan of creation went awry. Instead of being inclined to do good, humans now choose sin. This is not what God intended, so he gave us a chance to become new creations. "So whoever is in Christ is a new creation : the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come" (2 Corinthians 5:17). Are you ready to become something new?
Our new life begins now.
Jesus did not die on the Cross so that our new life could begin someday. Our new life begins now. We start by working to become a living, breathing example of the teachings of Jesus Christ. We start by trying to look like him.
Immediate perfection is not required.
It is important not to wait until we think we can get it completely right. All that matters is to make a start. God will help us with the rest.
Use the Lord's strength.
Jesus knew that once lost, we couldn't make it to Heaven on our own. We need his help so he left us supports such as the Sacraments where we can seek his grace. When we stumble and fall, Jesus will pick us up and help us get back on track. Trying again is what makes the difference between the old and the new.
Our new life begins now.
Jesus did not die on the Cross so that our new life could begin someday. Our new life begins now. We start by working to become a living, breathing example of the teachings of Jesus Christ. We start by trying to look like him.
Immediate perfection is not required.
It is important not to wait until we think we can get it completely right. All that matters is to make a start. God will help us with the rest.
Use the Lord's strength.
Jesus knew that once lost, we couldn't make it to Heaven on our own. We need his help so he left us supports such as the Sacraments where we can seek his grace. When we stumble and fall, Jesus will pick us up and help us get back on track. Trying again is what makes the difference between the old and the new.
One Minute Meditations
St. Mary Magdalene
St. Mary Magdalene had reason to be grateful to Jesus. He freed her from seven demons that oppressed her (Luke 8:2). In turn, St. Mary helped to support Jesus' ministry from her own money, followed him faithfully, and stood at the foot of the Cross with Jesus' mother. Often mistaken for the sinful woman in Luke 7:36-50, she was the one Jesus chose to inform the Apostles of his Resurrection. She is known as the "Apostle to the Apostles".
From Pope Francis
In his recent encyclical, Laudato Si, Pope Francis challenges all of us to change our lifestyles to be gentler to the environment, the poor, and each other. Remember creation is a gift. "Find happiness in simple things : get-togethers, helping others, honing a talent, enjoying art and music, praying."
"The Lord God then took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden, to cultivate and care for it"
(Genesis 2:15).
St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe
Ordained a priest at a young age, Maximilian Kolbe was determined to combat religious indifference in his native Poland (now Ukraine) and published a successful magazine to preach the Gospel. When the Nazis invaded in 1939, they noticed Fr. Kolbe and he was eventually imprisoned at Auschwitz. One day, ten men were chosen to die as punishment for a prisoner escape. Fr. Koble offered himself instead of a family man. The man saved, Francis Gajowniczek, was present at Fr. Kolbe's canonization.
Hospital for sinners
It can be disappointing when fellow Christians don't seem to act Christ-like. Yes, the Church is made up of imperfect people who may let us down occasionally. Still, the Catholic Church was founded by Jesus, safeguards the Sacraments and helps us grow in holiness. And Jesus never disappoints.
"If we really want to love we must learn how to forgive." --- Blessed Teresa of Calcutta
St. Robert Bellarmine
A Jesuit, Robert was a scholar devoted to studying and writing about church history, Scripture and the fathers of the Church. He taught against the divine right of kings and became unpopular. He worked to accurately record Church doctrine to explain and protect it from attack by Protestants. Although a cardinal and counselor to Pope Clement VIII, he lived and ate like the poor. He was canonized and declared a doctor of the Church.
Let go of the dream
Who wouldn't want to live the "good life?" Imagine having all the money you need, going on exotic vacations, and owning your dream home. Yet, people who have all the world can offer still say they don't have all they want. That's because the good life isn't here on Earth.
"We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).
St. Teresa of Avila
Born in 1515, Teresa joined the Carmelites ---- over family objections --- in 1534. Soon after, she became so ill that the sisters dug a grave for her. Teresa recovered and wrote a book on prayer called The Interior Castle, based on her suffering. In 1563, she founded a stricter order whose nuns wore rough brown habits and sandals instead of shoes. St. Teresa founded more than 17 convents of Discalced Carmelites and helped reform the Carmelite friars.
Love in Action
When we see others suffering, we might think, "The Church should do something." Yet as members of the Church, it's our job to take action and share Christ's love. We can be a listening ear, a helping hand, or an encouraging voice to someone in need. Whatever it is, the Church can always "do something."
"Faith does not remove us from the world, but draws us more deeply into it" Pope Francis
St. Martin de Porres
Martin was born in 1579 in Peru to a Spanish knight and a freed Negro slave. He worked as a barber before joining the Dominicans in 1594, in a time when people of African and Indian descent were barred from joining religious orders. Despite this, he founded an orphanage and cared for the poor and sick, regardless of color, race, or social class. He was also a mystic, gifted with miraculous knowledge, instantaneous cures, and flight.
God's timing
Sometimes it seems like no matter how much we pray, God doesn't hear us. It can be tempting to give up hope, but remember, God always answers prayer in his time. Each day, decide to trust God; his timing is perfect.
"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ" (Ephesians 2:4-5).
St. Mary Magdalene had reason to be grateful to Jesus. He freed her from seven demons that oppressed her (Luke 8:2). In turn, St. Mary helped to support Jesus' ministry from her own money, followed him faithfully, and stood at the foot of the Cross with Jesus' mother. Often mistaken for the sinful woman in Luke 7:36-50, she was the one Jesus chose to inform the Apostles of his Resurrection. She is known as the "Apostle to the Apostles".
From Pope Francis
In his recent encyclical, Laudato Si, Pope Francis challenges all of us to change our lifestyles to be gentler to the environment, the poor, and each other. Remember creation is a gift. "Find happiness in simple things : get-togethers, helping others, honing a talent, enjoying art and music, praying."
"The Lord God then took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden, to cultivate and care for it"
(Genesis 2:15).
St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe
Ordained a priest at a young age, Maximilian Kolbe was determined to combat religious indifference in his native Poland (now Ukraine) and published a successful magazine to preach the Gospel. When the Nazis invaded in 1939, they noticed Fr. Kolbe and he was eventually imprisoned at Auschwitz. One day, ten men were chosen to die as punishment for a prisoner escape. Fr. Koble offered himself instead of a family man. The man saved, Francis Gajowniczek, was present at Fr. Kolbe's canonization.
Hospital for sinners
It can be disappointing when fellow Christians don't seem to act Christ-like. Yes, the Church is made up of imperfect people who may let us down occasionally. Still, the Catholic Church was founded by Jesus, safeguards the Sacraments and helps us grow in holiness. And Jesus never disappoints.
"If we really want to love we must learn how to forgive." --- Blessed Teresa of Calcutta
St. Robert Bellarmine
A Jesuit, Robert was a scholar devoted to studying and writing about church history, Scripture and the fathers of the Church. He taught against the divine right of kings and became unpopular. He worked to accurately record Church doctrine to explain and protect it from attack by Protestants. Although a cardinal and counselor to Pope Clement VIII, he lived and ate like the poor. He was canonized and declared a doctor of the Church.
Let go of the dream
Who wouldn't want to live the "good life?" Imagine having all the money you need, going on exotic vacations, and owning your dream home. Yet, people who have all the world can offer still say they don't have all they want. That's because the good life isn't here on Earth.
"We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).
St. Teresa of Avila
Born in 1515, Teresa joined the Carmelites ---- over family objections --- in 1534. Soon after, she became so ill that the sisters dug a grave for her. Teresa recovered and wrote a book on prayer called The Interior Castle, based on her suffering. In 1563, she founded a stricter order whose nuns wore rough brown habits and sandals instead of shoes. St. Teresa founded more than 17 convents of Discalced Carmelites and helped reform the Carmelite friars.
Love in Action
When we see others suffering, we might think, "The Church should do something." Yet as members of the Church, it's our job to take action and share Christ's love. We can be a listening ear, a helping hand, or an encouraging voice to someone in need. Whatever it is, the Church can always "do something."
"Faith does not remove us from the world, but draws us more deeply into it" Pope Francis
St. Martin de Porres
Martin was born in 1579 in Peru to a Spanish knight and a freed Negro slave. He worked as a barber before joining the Dominicans in 1594, in a time when people of African and Indian descent were barred from joining religious orders. Despite this, he founded an orphanage and cared for the poor and sick, regardless of color, race, or social class. He was also a mystic, gifted with miraculous knowledge, instantaneous cures, and flight.
God's timing
Sometimes it seems like no matter how much we pray, God doesn't hear us. It can be tempting to give up hope, but remember, God always answers prayer in his time. Each day, decide to trust God; his timing is perfect.
"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ" (Ephesians 2:4-5).
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