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Humble Yourself, Be a Child
By: Anne Mendis
Tags: Faith and Life, Grace, Faith, Christian, Catholic

“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven!” — Matthew 18:4

I will humble myself to the Lord Jesus Christ always!

I am your humble servant

Let me do your will in every aspect of my life

Let me bring you heavenly way into my earthly being

I will humble myself to be like a child

In front of you God I will rejoice, cry, and laugh

Like a child lost in their love for you

So unconditional, no condition, and free

My Freedom lies with him
#4 Come, Let Us Worship
By: Vic Alcuaz
Tags: Christmas, Church Leadership, Church History, Catholic

Art Series

#4 Come, Let Us Worship

Masterpieces from the Vatican Collection accompanied by comments from the words of the Popes

Niccolò di Tommaso, St. Bridget of Sweden’s Vision of the Nativity, Tempera on poplar, gilding, after 1372, Vatican Museums, © Musei Vaticani

Vatican Museum and Vatican News present this continuing art series — #4

“The depiction of Jesus’ birth is itself a simple and joyful proclamation of the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God.” These words of Pope Francis recall how the birth of Jesus has inspired generations of artists throughout history to evangelize through beauty.

Every week the Vatican Museums and Vatican News offer a masterpiece from the pontifical collections, which are accompanied with a reflection from the Popes. This painting depicts the amazing vision which Saint Bridget of Sweden had during her pilgrimage to Bethlehem: the miraculous, virginal birth of the Son of God. She saw Mary deep in prayer, as she prepared the swaddle, took off her mantle and shoes, and gave birth without pain. The Child, from whom an intense light shines forth, is placed on the ground with Mary kneeling in adoration. The birth of Christ was no longer a painful event. St. Bridget was mother to 8 children and knew the pangs of childbirth. In her writings she highlighted this prodigious aspect of the birth of the Son of God.

Photo courtesy of CNS/Joe Rimkus Jr/Alchetron

“Look upon us, eternal Son of God, who took flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary! All humanity, with its burden of trials and troubles, stands in need of you. Stay with us, living Bread which came down from heaven for our salvation! Stay with us forever!”

(Under the direction of Paolo Ondarza

#BeautyThatUnites

Instagram: @vaticanmuseums @VaticanNews

Facebook: @vaticannews)

Ave Maria!
Be Vigilant Always
By: Xavier Woon
Tags: Christian Living, Leadership, Parenting, Family, Catholic

Being caught off-guard could ruin you

Photo by Rúben Marques on Unsplash

Reflection Mark 13:33–37

With Jesus’ warning about the disasters that would befall Jerusalem, the Jews were frightened when these events would come to pass. Naturally, they wanted to know if these were going to happen soon. Jesus said that it sufficed to know that these would happen, but no one knew when. Instead, He advised the Jews to be spiritually alert and watchful. Despite their daily routine and struggles, they are to pray. They should not be distracted. Neither should they be lulled into indulgences or indifference. When the day came for God’s judgment, it would be sudden.

Corporate Leadership

Most Jews were in agriculture in Jesus’ time. Others worked as carpenters, blacksmiths, fishermen, and many more. Since they were concerned with their daily challenges, most Jews would not be involved in politics, religion, or the military. These were usually left to the elites of society. They controlled the livelihood of the Jews. As such, the Jews were usually not aware of events until it was too late. Hence, Jesus warned them to be vigilant. Likewise, in a company, most workers do not concern themselves with the politics of management. Yet, they have to keep abreast of policy changes and take an active role because decisions made by the management do affect them. A good leader keeps his staff informed of policy changes so that they can make informed choices should the need arises. Else, the staff will feel neglected that their welfare is not taken care of. Elie Wiesel, Nobel Laureate and Holocaust survivor wrote, “Because of indifference, one dies before one actually dies.” — XW

Family Leadership

Parents want their children to succeed and do their best in school. When steady progress is made, teachers give children praises and encouragement. However, it is important that parents do not praise their children’s intellectual abilities alone. Doing so usually leads to overconfidence and a loss of desire to improve. Jesus warned the people to guard against complacency. Be watchful! Likewise, parents should caution their children if they think they are too smart for their own good. Instead of praising children for their intelligence, praise them for the character quality of diligence and perseverance. This way, children are more likely to continue striving for improvement. They should realize that, whatever they have achieved in the past, there is another challenge ahead to overcome. Tahar Ben Jelloun, a Moroccan author wrote, “Be vigilant, for nothing one achieves lasts forever.” — XW

Next: Expect Excellence Everyday
Pope: 100 Nativity Scenes Exhibition ‘Great Catechesis in Our Faith’
By: Vic Alcuaz
Tags: Church History, Christmas, Jesus, Pope Francis, Catholic

Devin Watkins of Vatican News reports

Pope Francis invites pilgrims in Rome to visit the “100 Nativity Scenes” exhibition, and prays for maritime personnel who are stuck at sea due to the pandemic.

Following the recitation of the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis prayed for the numerous seafarers who are unable to return home due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said there are around 400,000 maritime personnel currently stuck at sea around the world, despite their work contracts not having been renewed.

“I ask the Virgin Mary, Star of the Sea, to comfort these persons and all those who are facing difficult situations,” said the Pope, “and I exhort governments to do all in their power to return them to their loved ones.”

Living crèche

Pope Francis also invited everyone to take the time to prepare spiritually for Christmas.

We can do so, he noted, by paying attention to those around us who suffer and by contemplating the Nativity scene.

“The brother who suffers, wherever he may be, is one of us. He is Jesus in the manger: the one who suffers is Jesus.,” said the Pope. “There, in the brother in need, is the Nativity to which we must go in solidarity.”

100 Nativity Scenes exhibition

He also invited pilgrims in Rome to visit the “100 Nativity Scenes” exhibition, which has been placed this year under the colonnade of St. Peter’s Square.

“I invite you to visit the Nativity scenes under the colonnade, in order to understand how people seek through art to show how Jesus was born,” he said. “The crèches under the colonnade are a great catechesis in our faith.”

The Vatican’s exhibition of “100 Nativity Scenes” is open daily from 10AM to 8PM under the colonnade in St. Peter’s Square.

Visitors can behold the exhibition from 13 December until 10 January 2021.
Welcome to Third Culture Catholic!
By: T. Lorenzo Chong
Tags: Catholic Church, Third Culture Kids, Catholicism, Catholic

Welcome to Third Culture Catholic!

Welcome to Third Culture Catholic, where perspectives on the American Catholic Church are given by a TCK — Third Culture Kid.

Disclaimer: I’m not a kid anymore, and not a TCK in the “traditional” sense — not the child of expats, of military parents, or of diplomats — yet still very much raised in the mileu of a mixed faith 1.5 Gen Chinese-Malaysian-Filipino family in the States. You can call me an honorary TCK if you’d like.

Wikipedia makes this point about TCKs:

“They typically are exposed to a greater volume and variety of cultural influences than those who grow up in one particular cultural setting.”

And this exposure, I think, has been a key reason why I’ve found it so frustrating working in and for the Church here in America. Knowing what life could be and is like for many people not involved in Catholic America, I see time and time again how our infighting alienates so many from coming to know and love Jesus.

I don’t want this blog to turn into a bitter space where I simply air my grievances. So I’ll just say this at the get-go: so many people and families are dealing with problems bigger and more meaningful than what we as a Church are dedicating our energy to.

“Culture wars.”

“What-about-isms.”

“We’re being persecuted.”

“Racism doesn’t exist; you’re being racist by talking about race.”

“Masks are an affront to our freedom!”

It’s difficult to fight this cacophony because American Catholics are very good at being loud, exerting force and control. It’s easy to be steamrolled in this arena.

So that’s why I’m taking to Medium. I don’t think it’s a space co-opted by radicalized frenetic Catholics (yet), unlike Twitter, Facebook, or Wordpress. I just need space to breathe and share honest thoughts and musings on being a disciple of Jesus, as part of his Church.

And I’m hoping that this seed grows into something neat, encouraging, and healing for the Church at large.

-TLC
Life Before & After Christ
By: Anne Mendis
Tags: Gods Presence, God, Faith, Advent, Catholic

Recently I attended a unique preaching where the priest when to say that we have life “before Christ” and “after Christ”. That we are “born again” through Christ and our belief in Him. When I heard the words “born again” I heavily rolled by eyes as I thought he was referring to a branch of Christianity that seems to be extremist in their values. However, I was utterly shocked and I admitted I was wrong because I failed to realize that this phrase is more than just a particular sect of Christianity.

To be “be born” again as per the preaching of the priest was that once we believe our lives are never the same. Once we acknowledge the unconditional love of God, Jesus’s message/teaching, and the Holy Spirit as our guide that our lives are saved from our spiritual birth. This sentiment brought me to tears as I realized that Christ, My Lord Jesus has saved me so many times.

He has given me a new life with Him when I accept and believe. To believe with child-like faith is what has driven me to be my best self always. There is life before Christ and a life after Christ and I am immersed in my belief in the Lord my Savior who saved me from my sin and who allows me to live by grace and good will.
St Dominic de Silos
By: Vic Alcuaz
Tags: Church Leadership, Saints Angels, Inspiration, Catholic

St Dominic de Silos

It’s not the founder of the Dominicans we honor today, but there’s a poignant story that connects both Dominics.

Our saint today, Dominic of Silos, was born in Spain around the year 1000 into a peasant family. As a young boy he spent time in the fields, where he welcomed the solitude. He became a Benedictine priest and served in numerous leadership positions.

Following a dispute with the king over property, Dominic and two other monks were exiled. They established a new monastery in what at first seemed an unpromising location. Under Dominic’s leadership, however, it became one of the most famous houses in Spain. Many healings were reported there.

About 100 years after Dominic’s death, a young woman who experienced difficult pregnancies made a pilgrimage to his tomb. There Dominic of Silos appeared to her and assured her that she would bear another son. The woman was Joan of Aza, and the son she bore grew up to be the “other” Dominic — Dominic Guzman, the one who founded the Dominicans.

For hundreds of years thereafter, the staff used by Saint Dominic of Silos was brought to the royal palace whenever a queen of Spain was in labor. That practice ended in 1931.

Reflection

Saint Dominic of Silos’ connection with the Saint Dominic who founded the Dominican Order brings to mind the film Six Degrees of Separation: We are all connected it seems. God’s providential care can bring people together in mysterious ways, but it all points to his love for each of us.
Going to the Bethlehem
By: Anne Mendis
Tags: Christmas, Jesus, God, Faith, Catholic

I am going to Bethlehem

Just like the three magi who became

Three Wise Men

I am going to Bethlehem

Just like joseph a carpenter who became

A Father to Jesus

I am going to Bethlehem

Just like mary a innocent women who became

The Mother of God

I am going to Bethlehem

In search of my God

In search of that message

That saves me not only Christmas Day

but everyday, every hour, and every second

of my life
When the Saints Go Arting In: Peter of Verona
By: Jo Thornely
Tags: Art, Catholic

Today I learned about St Peter of Verona who, because of his beliefs, was attacked by two assassins. One of the assassins stabbed him in the heart, and the other one chopped a massive gash in his skull with a very big knife. Unfazed, and filled with that superhuman strength only displayed by those fuelled with religious fervour or crystal meth, he kept chatting about God with the blade in his head, even transcribing some of his words on the ground in his own blood.

You know those ads for over-the-counter pain killers that feature people who are too busy to slow down for a headache? They should absolutely have used St Peter of Verona in those ads.

The art. Of course. Is insane.

Alonso Berruguete depicts Ol’ Machete Head as just a chill guy calmly showing you where he’s up to in his book, which he holds to one side so that he doesn’t stain the pages with the end of the knife sticking out of his ribcage. Just a normal day, might fold laundry later.

Here Lorenzo Lotto shows us an equally calm but slightly less bloody man who is trying to draw our attention to something in the lower right corner of the canvas. He is — due primarily to the fact that he has a cleaver in his skull — unsuccessful.

In this one, Fra Angelico has done St Peter the courtesy of removing one of the two murder weapons, leaving only a small blade and a bit of warm, salty blood flowing from his head and shoulder. He raises a hand to his mouth and shooshes us, but we will not shoosh. We will shout BUDDY YOU NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR.

But still, Peter works. He preaches. He bleeds. He holds a big palm frond. He gives the cleaning staff at this Mexican church a glare that says “don’t”.

I mean, this guy doesn’t even stop visiting his friends’ new babies while he has a chopper in his nugget. What’s your excuse?

I suppose in some paintings he does look a little bit distressed, but it might not be because he’s about to die from two extremely big and sudden holes in his body. He might just be annoyed that even with all of these blades near his head, he’s still ended up with this haircut.

Carlo Crivelli gives us some insight into how irritating it can be to carry a machete around in your skull. It’s like his mum has just asked him to take the garbage out just as he was about to start playing Mario Kart.

What’s that Pete? you dropped something? A bit of your brain, perhaps?

Actually, you know that thing where you get the stares and you just kind of zone out for a bit? I bet I know the part of the brain that controls it.

Anyway, that’s Saint Peter of Verona, who has a cleaver in his head. Or a small axe. Or a machete. Look, I don’t want to split hairs.

Sorry.
Let me have my own beliefs
By: Sophia Elle
Tags: Identity, Christian, Schools, Christian School, Catholic

Believe me when I say that Christian school can change you, and not always positively. When you grow up in an environment being told what is absolutely wrong and sinful and what is right you start to believe what you are told, in fear of facing an infinite life in hell. Abortion is wrong, don’t support it. Make sure to read the Bible everyday, don’t forget to highlight. Don’t dye your hair, you’re vain. Makeup must be natural, you are a slut. Don’t wear that, the boys will get distracted. Don’t be gay, it’s a sin. Don’t lie, Jesus knows. For 6 years of my life, I believed what I was told. Trying my very hardest to stay pure. Not to sin. In 7th grade religion class, my teacher spent a whole month talking about how Christianity was the only right religion, and how every other religion was wrong and invalid. I believed it. In 8th grade my teacher spent the whole class period teaching us about the wrongs of abortion, offering only one side to the story. I believed it. In high school, I learned that it was my job to force others to believe what I had to. I thought to myself that one must be so brave to share their religion.What a great person they must be. Every summer in high school we could pay to go on a summer retreat, where we would pray, sing and reflect. I witnessed people crying, consumed with the guilt of “sin” they had committed. And one wouldn’t dare to form their own beliefs. Junior year rolled by and I started thinking. I started to wonder why I’ve always believed one thing when I had no idea how complex the issue was. I started to do my own research. I formed my own opinions that swayed far from the “norms” of my religion. I knew who I was. I formed my identity. An identity I would have never known if I kept believing what they had told me.I would have never supported what I support now, and I would have never really known who I was because in a religion, you must be one thing. So hear me when I plea, that it is my right to form my own opinions. Don’t tell me what I have to be. Let me decide. Let other young girls find their true selves. There is never only one side to the story, so make sure you understand both.
17 December 1936 — Pope Francis Birthdate
By: Vic Alcuaz
Tags: Church History, Birthday, Anniversary, Pope Francis, Catholic

17 December 1936 — Pope Francis Birthdate

Vatican News reports

Birthday wishes are pouring in for Pope Francis, as he celebrates his 84th year.

Amongst those who have sent their Best Wishes to Pope Francis on his 84th birthday is Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who wrote the Pope a letter of greetings and goodwill in which he also thanks him for the “participation and solidarity” he has shown the Italian people in this year of uncertainty and fear.

Ecumenical greetings have come in as well, with Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, the primary leader of the Anglican Communion, tweeting, “Happy birthday to my friend and dear brother in Christ, Pope Francis. Thank you for your joyful and humble leadership that bears witness to the love of Jesus Christ.”

Birthday spent in charity and simplicity

Responding to a question put to him by Vatican News, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, said the Pope is spending a quiet and simple day in prayer, sharing his meals as he always does with other residents at the Casa Santa Marta.

Bruni also said that through the papal almoner, the poor of the city of Rome have sent sunflowers to adorn the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament at Casa Santa Marta, “as a reminder of the need to always turn our gaze towards the Lord who is present in the weakest.”

He added that today the Pope sent a gift of four respirators to Venezuela in a sign of closeness to children with lung diseases.
Singapore Church Marks 200 Years of Evangelization
By: Vic Alcuaz
Tags: Saints Angels, Culture, History, Singapore, Catholic

The theme for the bicentenary celebrations, “Ignite and Shine with Faith”, invites all Catholics to join hands in forming a more vibrant, evangelizing and missionary Church.

The Catholic Church of Singapore is marking its 200 years by inviting all its faithful to renew their faith and relaunch their missionary zeal. The yearlong jubilee celebration, dubbed Catholic200SG, officially kicked off on Sunday, December 13, with a virtual Mass by Archbishop William Goh of Singapore. The inauguration included the launch of the jubilee website and the logo, and the screening of a documentary on the social impact of the Catholic Church in the smallest South-east Asian nation.

Ignite and Shine with Faith

The theme for the jubilee year, “Ignite and Shine with Faith”, is in line with the pastoral vision of the Archdiocese of Singapore to shape a more vibrant, evangelizing and missionary Church. Several events during the year will focus on renewing the faith of the Catholic community through four main actions: deepening, discerning, witnessing and celebrating. The celebrations will end on Dec. 11, 2021, with a Mass celebrated simultaneously in all of Singapore’s parishes.

With a population of about 5.6 million, Singapore is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation. The Chinese are the largest ethnic group making up over 76 percent the population, followed by Malays (15 percent) and ethnic Indians (7.4 percent). While most Chinese are Buddhists, most Malays are Muslims. Among other religions are Taoism and Hinduism. Christians comprise about 15 percent of the population. The Archdiocese of Singapore has 360,000 Catholics spread across 32 parishes.

Origins

British statesman and diplomat Sir Stamford Raffles is credited with founding modern Singapore in 1819 as a trading post of the British Empire. Two years later, Father Laurent Ilbert, a French Catholic priest of the Paris Foreign Missions Society (MEP), set foot on its shore on Dec. 11, 1821. This marked the beginning of Catholic Church in the port city.

He was martyred on September 21, 1839, in Saenamteo, Korea, for refusing to reveal the whereabouts of other foreign missionaries during a time of Christian persecution in the country. He was among the 103 Korean martyrs that Saint Pope John Paul II canonized in Seoul, Korea, on May 6, 1984.

Looking at past, present and future
Imagine being a queer tourist at the Vatican, heart of the beast of homophobia and transphobia.
By: James Finn
Tags: Equality, Art, Religion, LGBTQ, Catholic

Imagine being a queer tourist at the Vatican, heart of the beast of homophobia and transphobia. Imagine walking through gilded halls filled with glorious art, knowing you are physically safe but that you stand at the epicenter of worldwide hatred of LGBTQ people, at the origin of countless hate crimes committed against people like you and those you love.

Now imagine in the distance, walking toward you with pride and confidence, you spy two men holding hands.

What do you think? How do you feel?

Let Sean Bennett take you there. It happened to him.
#3 Come, Let Us Worship
By: Vic Alcuaz
Tags: Christmas, Art, Culture, Jesus, Catholic

“The depiction of Jesus’ birth is itself a simple and joyful proclamation of the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God.”

These words of Pope Francis recall how the birth of Jesus has inspired generations of artists throughout history to evangelize through beauty. Every week the Vatican Museums and Vatican News offer a masterpiece from the pontifical collections, which are accompanied with a reflection from the Popes.

Several events are depicted in this scene: the preparation of a bath for the Christ Child, the Annunciation to the shepherds, and the Journey of the Magi. As in traditional nativity scenes, a young girl carries water in a jar, and an elderly lady holds a spindle. The tub for Jesus’ bath is in the form of a baptismal font. An angel announces the joyful news to shepherds, and shows the path to the Magi who are without crowns and who travel with their entourage from the three castles in the background.

Legend holds that the three lived distant from one another and, guided by the star, met up only right before arriving at the place where the Child Jesus lay.
REFLECTIONS #1064: “The Way to God” December 15, 2020. Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent
By: Marga Mary
Tags: Roman Catholicism, Catholicism, Gospel, Faith, Catholic

REFLECTIONS #1064: “The Way to God”





December 15, 2020. Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent

Gospel



Mt 21:28-32



John came and sinners believed in him.





A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew





Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people:



“What is your opinion?



A man had two sons.



He came to the first and said,



‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’



The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’



but afterwards he changed his mind and went.



The man came to the other son and gave the same order.



He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go.



Which of the two did his father’s will?”



They answered, “The first.”



Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you,



tax collectors and prostitutes



are entering the Kingdom of God before you.



When John came to you in the way of righteousness,



you did not believe him;



but tax collectors and prostitutes did.



Yet even when you saw that,



you did not later change your minds and believe him.”







At the end of the Gospel, the Deacon, or the Priest, acclaims:







The Gospel of the Lord.







All reply:







Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.







Reflections:





A blessed Tuesday to all of us! It does not matter to God whatever wrong you have done in the past. What matters to Him is that you change and eventually abandon the old ways. Then, we will be new people again. Other people are judgmental. Public offenders such as the tax collectors who cheat on their collections or prostitutes are rejected by society in the time of Jesus. In the Gospel, they are representatives of sinners who are despised by people. But God affirms that He embraces them all back to Him, on the way to the right path. God wants all sinners to change and this will happen with our acceptance and mercy.

True acceptance and mercy do not mean you agree with their lives. Like Jesus, you do not have to approve of their sin. Instead, you know it is wrong, so it will be right to pray for them all the more and work to help them get turn back from sin. That is true mercy. Not allowing wrongdoing is real mercy and compassion for the sake of their salvation. So now that Christmas is coming, may we try to avoid judging others. Let us accept that we are all sinners and use it to have mercy on them and lead them on the path to the Lord. May we be courageous to tread the right path. Not allowing wrong but persistently fighting for it gently yet firmly out of true mercy that is rooted in truth. Amen. +





May we reflect on this. Amen. +





God bless you!





Reflections by Frances Mary Margaret D.J.





© Gospel Readings: iBreviary App. Download for free.
Many of You Will Witness the Joyous Return of My Son — Blessed Virgin Mary
By: Vic Alcuaz
Tags: Prophecy, Bible, Gospel, Blessed Virgin Mary, Catholic

My children, come to me now. Send your hearts to me as little children. Run to me. I throw my arms about you. I give you all kisses of great joy.

The Rosary today was most beautiful, my children, especially your consecration. Your voices together in unity raise the spirits of heaven. Continue in this way. Do you see your hearts, my children, around me? They are the innocent little children you once were. I love you all so dearly.

You are my little army of joy and love. You are beginning to shine. You will shine so that the whole world will see. Rest peacefully in my arms, my children. The love you share with one another you must take with you always.

The enemy is always near. He incites rebellion and jealousy. He incites division and confusion. When you are together in my arms, his weakness is evident. As I comfort you, smile and rejoice. His time is ending. His time is coming to a close. You all know, and you’ve seen the suffering he has caused. You’ve seen the suffering that the rebellion of man has caused.

What is this rebellion, my children? Can you feel this rebellion? It is a lack of love for the Father, a love for the Creator, a love that is manifest by obeying His Word and His Law. How many say they love the Father or they love my Son, but do not heed Their words?

For these children, we all must pray, because they truly are children. They are in the dark . . . they are in the dark, my children. You all remember, as children, the fear of the dark, the desire for light. This is in all of you; this is in all of your hearts. Woe to those who don’t seek the light, who purposely avoid the light, whose souls cling to despair and to shadow.

There are many lost children, like these, who will not know the joy of being in my arms. For all these lost children, pray, because many will be saved. Those who truly search, those who truly look with their hearts for my Son, in the end, will be found . . .will be saved. My Son is truly the Good Shepherd.
Put Love Into Everything You Do
By: Anne Mendis
Tags: Abundance, Happy, God, Love, Catholic

I was baking cookies and brownie over the weekend and really felt the phrase, “Cooking is a labor of love”. Although, I could have used a whisk to lessen the time it took to beat the sugar, eggs, or flour, it was worth it to beat it by hand. The laughs shared in the kitchen are like sounds of delicate piano keys before a wonderful song. There is so much joy in those moments in making something which can bring a smile to someone’s face. I realize more and more as I get older that success means nothing without love.

Anything in this life is meaningless without love. A genuine love towards life for the good and bad times is what makes a difference. Baking is just one of the reminders, but the smiles share with my parents on a videocall, or a call from a old friend all show me love is abundant, accepting, and everywhere. The more we appreciate life for the love that is always present rather than searching we tend to find a lot more of love and its beauty. Put love into everything you do you will find so many answers to questions and paths to people, places, and situations that you did not know were possible.
Capital Punishment
By: Aaron John Marek
Tags: Poetry, Christian, Catholic

This is the tree of the

knowledge of mortality,

hewn down and stripped

of its garments. We refrain

from beating this one

to a pulp for fear an

immortal word might

be printed to paper and

sent out to the world

as a sheep among

wolves, upright between

thieves, only to have

one ask while you

are dying, born with

no room in the inn, if

there’s room in paradise

for lil’ ol’ me, I was just trying

to get by, feed my family,

& city, & country, & planet

with two loaves of bread.

You made us lie down

in green pastures until the

gunfire ceased, saying fear

not for the Lord will provide,

will create a creation to kill

the creator, build a crucifix

for your God to die upon,

point to the ram in the

thicket with only seconds

to spare, an angel screaming

for you to reconsider the

blade’s cold steel aborting

it’s journey across my

neck, born again for the

kingdom is falling through

a nail sized hole in my hand.
TIMES HAVE CHANGED by Steve Savage “King of the Beasts”
By: Steve Savage
Tags: Catholic

TIMES HAVE CHANGED

by Steve Savage “King of the Beasts”

Once upon a time, if one were a Catholic and attempted to run for POTUS, that person would be in very serious danger as evidenced by the assassination of JFK, the Catholic candidate whom Nixon claimed, “rigged the election,” after winning by late discovered votes.

The often violent opposition feared that a Catholic POTUS would be a puppet of the Pope and the Vatican.

We now have a second Catholic in the personage of Joe Biden who may, absent divine intervention, become the 46th POTUS.

Fortunately for Joe and Nancy, the Church is no longer the Church it was in the Kennedy era where someone, such as they, would be excommunicated for their contrarian beliefs.

After the 1978 murder of Albino Luciani, Pope Paul 1, there was a Papal succession of a Communist Salesman, Paul II, who sold Zyklon B to the Nazis to kill Jews, and next, a real-life Nazi Brown Shirt, Benedict XVI, who has been supplanted and sequestered in a Vatican oubliette by the duplicate Pope, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Francis the Socialist, extender of abortion forgiveness.

It isn’t really decided yet who is the actual Pope or who is the actual POTUS, for that matter.
Rhetorical Eucharist
By: Aaron John Marek
Tags: Philosophy, Poetry, Catholic

What etiquette

shall we observe

when eating God,

dissolving infinity

on our most sinful

muscle, killing and

creating with the

same motion,

embracing the creator

on dirty creation,

calloused with

toil for disobedient

kin. Do we lift our eyes

to the unattainable

goal, our pinkies as

a symbol of our

shortcomings,

careful not to let

crumbs of God

fall to the earth

like a rebellious

angel, preferring

they fall onto a

saucer of gold

like the severed

head of one

crying out in the

wilderness.
3rd Sunday of Advent — Gaudate Sunday
By: Vic Alcuaz
Tags: Bible, The Sacraments, Gospel, Advent, Catholic

3rd Sunday of Advent — Gaudate Sunday

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’

And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’

He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness,

“Make straight the way of the Lord” ’,

as the prophet Isaiah said.

Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.

They asked him, ‘Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?’

John answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’

This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.
5 Decades, 1 Rosary, Endless Prayer
By: Anne Mendis
Tags: Rosary Beads, Mother Mary, God, Rosary, Catholic

5 Decades, 5 Mysteries, 7 Day a Week

The first thing every morning or the last thing every evening

I call onto my God and his mother, I call to the very person

Who we call our own mother

1 Rosary, 1 God, 1 Mother

My thoughts begin to clear and my mind is calm

Each utterance when I call out to you

In my anger, frustration, and anxiety

In my joy, peace, and smiles

You are there lifting me and guiding me always

Endless Prayer, Endless life, Endless love

You are my God, You are my mother

Your love unconditional, Your love pure

10 decades, 1 Rosary, Endless Prayer
Who is Mother Mary?
By: Anne Mendis
Tags: Faith and Life, Mother Mary, God, Faith, Catholic

The priest asked asked who is Mother Mary. Everyone’s response was similar being, “The mother of God/Lord/Jesus”.

He said, “Isn’t that powerful!”.

When it comes to actors, singers, great men and women we use lengthy descriptions of their greatness, but Mother Mary’s greatness is said in just one sentence.

Full or grace and devotion to the Lord the priest proclaimed how Mother Mary is symbol of great love and dedication to God.

We cannot love God if we do not love Mary. We cannot be close with her motherly love. On the days where I feel I am my loneliest I know that I always have God, Jesus, and Mother Mary.

When the tears and terror try to come a comforting voice and warmth tell me that everything is going to be okay. That’s Mother Mary, she is my mother too.
Happy Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe: “The appearance of Mary to the native Juan Diego on the hill…
By: Joseph Serwach
Tags: Christianity, Religion, Mary, Miracles, Catholic

Happy Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe: “The appearance of Mary to the native Juan Diego on the hill of Tepeyac in 1531 had a decisive effect on evangelization,’’ — St. John Paul the Great.

The first time Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared in North America in 1531, nearly nine million Native Americans, close to the entire population of Mexico at the time, converted to Catholicism over a single decade. Learn more:
REFLECTIONS #1060: Goodness Can Be Seen in Works” – Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent 2020.
By: Marga Mary
Tags: Catholicism, Religion, Reflections, Faith, Catholic

REFLECTIONS #1060: Goodness Can Be Seen in Works” – Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent 2020.

Gospel



Mt 11:16-19



They listened to neither John nor to the Son of Man.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

Jesus said to the crowds:



“To what shall I compare this generation?



It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another,



‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance,



we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said,



‘He is possessed by a demon.’



The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said,



‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard,



a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’



But wisdom is vindicated by her works.”







At the end of the Gospel, the Deacon, or the Priest, acclaims:







The Gospel of the Lord.







All reply:







Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflections:

A blessed Friday to all of us! The good are seen in good deeds. Jesus said that people in those days are never satisfied. It does not matter to them how good a person is. They always find something they do not like and point out imaginary flaws only they can see. Isn’t it the same today?

People are always looking for the faults of the Church. Some people say that the Church does nothing good but the truth is that they just do not see it. When the Church showed what they were doing so that the accusers would know that they were wrong, they insisted that the Church was bragging about their good works. There is no contentment for them. Nothing can make these people happy. For a person with a malicious heart, there is nothing right for him. He is the only one who is right. So, brothers and sisters, what should we do? The good are known through their actions.

For us Christians, it is enough for us to do good no matter what others say. It does not matter what others think as long as our earthly mission is completed. It is better for us to focus on ourselves, heart, and strength towards what is good. God’s view of us who will judge us in the end is the most important of all. God always looks favorably on anyone who follows His will.

Whatever other people may say, if we know we are doing good and we are following the Lord, we will have peace of mind from God. Amen. +

May we reflect on this. Amen. +



God bless you!

Reflections by Frances Mary Margaret D.J.

© Gospel Readings: iBreviary App. Download for free.
Pope’s Calendar for Christmas Celebrations
By: Vic Alcuaz
Tags: Rome, Church History, Christmas, Holidays, Catholic

The Vatican Press Office releases details of Pope Francis‘ commitments for Christmas and New Year celebrations in the Vatican.

By Vatican News staff writer

Current Covid-19 precautionary measures have defined the times and the modalities of social living during the pandemic. Pope Francis’ Christmas and New Year calendar is no exception. Thus, Christmas Night Mass has been anticipated to 7.30pm Rome time and participation in person in all Vatican Christmas and New Year ceremonies will be very limited.

A communiqué released by the Vatican Press Office on Thursday revealed ceremonies for the Christmas festivities begin with Christmas Night Mass on 24 December in St. Peter’s Basilica. This will be followed by the “Urbis et Orbi” blessing on Christmas Day at noon, while on Thursday, 31 December, Pope Francis will celebrate the First Vespers and the Te Deum in thanksgiving for the past year at 5pm in St Peter’s Basilica.

On Friday, 1 January, on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the 54th World Day of Peace, the Pope will preside at Mass in St. Peter’s at 10am. Finally, on the Solemnity of the Epiphany, Mass will be celebrated at 10am.in the Vatican Basilica. All times indicated refer to local Rome time.

Noting that in compliance with Covid-19 protection measures, the communiqué specified that only a limited number of participants will be present, and that they will be screened according to methods used in recent months to curb the spread of the virus. Of course all celebrations will be broadcast live on the media and streamed live on social media platforms.

Prior to the holiday appointments, the Pope will preside over Mass for the 125th anniversary of the Coronation of Our Lady of Guadalupe in St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, 12 December. Upon mandate of the Pope the Apostolic Penitentiary has extended the possibility of obtaining a plenary indulgence to the faithful across the world who participate in that Mass from home.
REFLECTIONS #1059: “Repentance from Sins” - Thursday of the 2nd Week of Advent 2020. Gospel
By: Marga Mary
Tags: Bible, Catholicism, Religion, Reflections, Catholic

REFLECTIONS #1059: “Repentance from Sins” - Thursday of the 2nd Week of Advent 2020.



Gospel

Mt 11:11-15



None other than John the Baptist has been born.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

Jesus said to the crowds:



“Amen, I say to you,



among those born of women



there has been none greater than John the Baptist;



yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he.



From the days of John the Baptist until now,



the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence,



and the violent are taking it by force.

All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John.



And if you are willing to accept it,



he is Elijah, the one who is to come.



Whoever has ears ought to hear.”







At the end of the Gospel, the Deacon, or the Priest, acclaims:







The Gospel of the Lord.







All reply:







Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflections:

A blessed Thursday to all! From the very beginning, God has commissioned His prophets to proclaim His message. Prophet Elijah was one of the great prophets of God. It will be remembered that during the Transfiguration of the Lord, Elijah appeared again with Moses and they talked about Jesus' impending suffering. It is also said that Elijah will return. And others believe that John the Baptist was that return to prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah.

Elijah and John the Baptist were two different people. But the mission, the greatness, the proclamation of God’s Word, as if it were fire coming down from heaven that stirs up the human hearts to transform it is almost the same. Their zeal, courage and message for God to turn people’s hearts to Him are the same. As the Christmas season draws to a close, we must know that God’s message is urgent. It will not fall asleep for later or tomorrow. The preparation is now.

Let us prepare our hearts and souls for God and with Him. It is time for meditation and prayer. Not just giving gifts to loved ones. Above all, it is imperative that we strengthen our love and devotion to God. Let us take a look at what happened this year. Let us take a look at our shortcomings to God and to our fellow man. In the process, may we find a way today to learn and persevere in doing what is right.

Let us remember what St. John the Baptist said, "repent". We need to forsake sins, not later or tomorrow but now. And the sacrament of confession awaits us, not to be judged by God and the priest but to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us so that we can become new people again. As in our baptism, when we were forgiven of our sins and bestowed upon a new life. Amen. +







May we reflect on this. Amen. +



God bless you!

Reflections by Frances Mary Margaret D.J.

© Gospel Readings: iBreviary App. Download for free.
The Apostolic School That Wasn’t…
By: Fr. John A. Doyle
Tags: Catholic, Books, Memoir, Adventure, Education

A few days ago I published my first book (same title as above). Six years in the making and eight additional years of hard work, sweat, and prayer went into this project. My book “narrates a gripping account of how a rugged and picturesque 240 acre property in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada slowly transformed into an accredited minor seminary, junior high and high school for boys interested in the Catholic priesthood, then flourished, floundered, and finally shuttered”. “Situated between the action of God’s divine providence and human realities, the narration seeks to give witness to the faith and effort of the many persons involved in the project, while exploring the possible reasons that led to the school’s ultimate demise. The narration takes place within the backdrop of the Vatican ordered purification and renewal of the Legionaries of Christ and hopes to offer insights into creating a more stable and flourishing environment for present and future apostolic institutions.” If you are interested in education, leadership, the Catholic Church, religious reform, or would just like to read about an adventurous project then this book may interest you. (Links below). Happy Reading!

Black and White Edition: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PXFV7ZM

Kindle Edition: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PW676VV

Color Edition: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PXK54ZS
REFLECTIONS #1058: “Rest in God” – Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Advent 2020.
By: Marga Mary
Tags: Catholicism, Reflections, Gospel, Faith, Catholic

REFLECTIONS #1058: “Rest in God” – Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Advent 2020.

Gospel



Mt 11:28-30



Come to me, all you who labor.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

Jesus said to the crowds:



“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,



and I will give you rest.



Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,



for I am meek and humble of heart;



and you will find rest for yourselves.



For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”







At the end of the Gospel, the Deacon, or the Priest, acclaims:







The Gospel of the Lord.







All reply:







Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.







Reflections:

A blessed Wednesday to all! Our Lord is gentle. But this does not mean that He is not able to say what is right and true. We can only rest and truly be at peace with the truth. Are we having a hard time in our lives? Do things seem so dark? What is the truth?

The truth is that God is always there to help those who believe in Him. The truth is that we must first believe in God even if we are not sure what will happen. Only then we can witness a miracle. The truth is that with every storm that comes, God has a blessing and a good outcome for anyone who trusts in Him and asks Him for help.

May we think more of God whenever we are facing challenges in our lives. May we prefer to go through difficult things with God. Let us pray first then we will find rest, and answers from the Lord. He will never fail or abandon us. Amen. +







May we reflect on this. Amen. +



God bless you!

Reflections by Frances Mary Margaret D.J.

© Gospel Readings: iBreviary App. Download for free.
Anointing of the Sick - Catholicism Coffee
By: Sony N
Tags: Christianity, Religion, Introspection, Catholic Church, Catholic

What is the sacrament of the anointing of the sick?

The sacrament of the anointing of the sick is just as its name indicates, anointing, with an oil, and laying hands on those people who are sick or in danger of death.

This sacrament, was instituted by our Lord in the following Gospel passage; when they bring Jesus the paralysed man for healing, everyone expected Jesus to say get up and to stay healthy nevertheless Jesus not only heals the man but tells him “go in peace, your sins are forgiven”

“Then some people appeared, bringing him a paralytic stretched out on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, ‘Courage, my child, your sins are forgiven” — Matthew 9:2 “Knowing what was in their minds Jesus said, ‘Why do you have such wicked thoughts in your hearts?’ Now, which of these is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk?” — Matthew 9:4–5

We can see then that Jesus knowing the hearts of people, sees that there is need to heal the interior and he does so when he forgives sins. Liberation from sin happens when receive forgiveness from God, even more so when someone needs help to heal their internal state when they are close to death. James reminds us that Jesus left Peter’s successors on earth so that when we have any illness, we may ask the priests for help to pray for the person and anoint him with oil.