To advance in our spiritual life, we should utilize all of the means, methods, and practices that are at our disposal. Jesus calls all of us to seriously pursue our own sanctification, as well as the sanctification of the whole world. His words are clear and to the point: “Be holy as your heavenly Father is holy.” (Mt 5:48) Also, in the Sermon on the Mount, in one of the Eight Beatitudes (Mt 5:1-12), Jesus teaches: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice (holiness), for they will be filled.”

A soldier must be well-armed and equipped; an … Read more

The most important BIRTHDAY in the history of humanity is the birthday of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The key to experiencing the overflowing, exuberant joy of Christmas depends on the time, energy, and effort that we expend in preparing for this day. In short, the key to the success of the party depends on the prior preparation for the party.

The Church teaches about the three comings of the Lord Jesus Christ: In the Incarnation, historically about 2000 years ago (Jesus born in Bethlehem), at the end of time—this is left for God the Father; finally, and very … Read more

When he arrived at the University of Paris, Francis Xavier (1506-1552) was motivated by many worldly and vain ambitions. A top-notch athlete, a first class scholar, a man who loved life and the party life, he was a full-blown extrovert and a friend to many. Still there was something missing in his life—an ardent pursuit for God and His honor and glory.

THE CONVERSION EXPERIENCE.  God would pursue Xavier as in the poem of Francis Thompson, the Hound of Heaven. This pursuit would become a reality through the providential meeting between two future saints—Francis Xavier and Ignatius of Loyola. Pamplona … Read more

The key to the success of the party or celebration depends upon the prior preparation for the party. In other words, the more intense the preparation, normally and in most cases, the more successful the celebration.

This concept can be and should be applied every year in the preparation for the most important Birthday in the history of humanity—the Birthday of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ—the day we call CHRISTMAS!

Due to Materialism, Consumerism, Hedonism, growing Agnosticism, as well as militant and rapidly growing Atheism, the true meaning of Christmas is slowly being suffocated in modern society. Once a … Read more

One of the most efficacious meditations to wake us up, to shake our indolence and complacency, to motivate us to focus on the most essential and important things in our lives is the meditation on the so-called Last Things! In theology, this branch of knowledge is called Eschatology—the study of the last things! Seminarians will often have a full semester in this study. Saint Ignatius of Loyola encourages this meditation as a most efficacious means to renounce sin in our lives and choose a life of holiness, pointed to God, our Supreme and Everlasting Good.

What then are the Last … Read more