Ven. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen coined this unforgettable saying: “Without Good Friday there is no Easter Sunday!” Before the radiant rainbow, the tempestuous storm. The fragrant and beautiful rose was preceded by the sharp and penetrating thorns. The majestic and fluttering wings of the Monarch Butterfly are the result of metamorphosis having first been a caterpillar. The captivating and artistically transcendent sunrise was preceded by the dark hours of night. And the well-known poetic couplet rings so true: “Spring showers bring May flowers!” Even sickness, that comes as a result of Original Sin, once cured, brings forth a … Read more

It has been a common teaching of the Church, from Saint Augustine and on, that God allows evil in the world so that He can bring greater good out of that evil. Actually, the great Apostle Saint Paul stated in his letter to the Romans: “Where sin abounds, the mercy of God abounds all the more.” (Rom. 5:20)

ORIGINAL SIN AND GOD’S RESPONSE. (Gen. 3) Undeniably, Original Sin committed by our first parents, Adam and Eve, caused a moral tsunami that has repercussions in the world, in nature, in the family, in the social milieu, and in each and … Read more

All of us are called to become saints. How do we know? Jesus commanded us: “Be holy as your heavenly Father is holy.” (Mt. 5:48) In other words: Become a saint! Most saints have not been officially canonized but are anonymous, unknown except by God alone.

Given that this is a serious command given by Jesus Himself, to be holy, to become a saint, let us briefly highlight ten of the most salient notes or characteristics of the saints. This will serve to motivate each and every one of us to become whom God has called us to be—a … Read more

In the Gospel Reading for Ash Wednesday, taken from the very heart of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus lays out the foundation for three fundamental practices we must undertake so that it will truly be a fruitful Lent and culminate in the overflowing peace and joy of the Paschal Mystery—the Passion, death and Resurrection of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  (Read and Meditate on Mt. 6:1-18)

THREE-DIMENSIONAL INTERPRETATION! If you like, as a special and helpful mental tool to remember the Words of Jesus, we offer a three-dimensional interpretation of these three specific fundamental Lenten practices which are … Read more

PREPARE TO RECEIVE THE MOST IMPORTANT GUEST!

Before the reception of an important guest, an intense, assiduous and meticulous preparation takes place. In a word, we call this HOSPITALITY! The lack of these details of hospitality manifests lack of finesse, lack of culture, lack of civility, and even an affront against charity.

Mary and Martha practiced hospitality towards Jesus by receiving Him into their home in Bethany. Their hospitality was double: Martha prepared the home, the cleaning and the meal; Mary, for her part, dedicated her time to entertaining Jesus by her mere loving presence. That is to say, Mary … Read more