Lent is a good time to examine our consciences regarding greed in all its forms: In faith, love, forgiveness, time, abilities, and finances. Greed can distort reality, manipulate truth, coerce sinful actions, and compromise virtue and a desire to follow the ways of God. This weekend, the Lenten journey continues but lightens up with “Rejoice Read more
The season of Lent is upon us. This is a holy season for Christians who seek to identify with Jesus Christ’s 40 days of fasting as he prepared to be tested and later crucified. In order to identify with Christ’s self-sacrifice, Christians often join in a symbolic fast, giving up certain foods such as meat Read more
Lent is a new beginning, a path leading to the certain goal of Easter, Christ’s victory over death. This season urgently calls us to conversion. Christians are asked to return to God “with all their hearts” (Joel 2:12), to refuse to settle for mediocrity and to grow in friendship with the Lord. Jesus is the Read more
Fast for Lent and reduce your carbon footprint. The Archdiocese of Bombay has asked Catholics to observe a ‘carbon fast’ during the season to create awareness about global warming and the importance of a sustainable lifestyle. Carbon footprint is a term used to describe the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide generated by Read more
Catholic churches around the world will be participating in a worldwide “confession drive” on Friday as part of the Jubilee Year of Mercy celebrations. In the Vatican, Pope Francis will hear confessions from the faithful at St. Peter’s Basilica as part of a “24 Hours of Reconciliation” initiative in Italy. In England and Wales, teams Read more
The phrase “Kingdom of God” means enlightenment, say students of ancient Aramaic. And the Kingdom is not a place but a state of being, filled with the light of God’s grace. Many of Jesus’ parables are introduced with, “The Kingdom of God is like…” and this Lent I’ve been reflecting on Jesus’ story of the Read more
In the world of Graham Greene’s 1940 novel, The Power and the Glory, it’s a bad time to be a Catholic. The book’s hero is an unnamed priest on the run from Mexican authorities after a state governor has ordered the military to dismantle all vestiges of the religion. Churches are burned. Relics, medals, and Read more
Have you been doing anything special for the Jubilee Year of Mercy? Or do you have lots of good intentions but haven’t done anything yet, (except maybe walk through the Holy Door in your diocese?) Well, join the club. I did read Pope Francis’ “Face of Mercy” a few months ago though. And I noticed Read more
Chocolate, candy, and sweets are common Lenten sacrifices, but giving up the same thing every year can begin to feel like a routine rather than a sacrifice. Fasting should be a meaningful gesture of self-denial out of love for God. All the better if it helps us grow in self-control and deeper appreciation for various Read more
Lent and we may take on something in addition to giving up something. With that in mind, here are a few Latin words or phrases that every Catholic should know. Every Catholic should know a few Latin words and phrases. Here’s 20 of them. Continue reading If you want some everyday phrases have a look Read more