The Holy Trinity is a mystery that we can never understand. So instead of asking “how” the Trinity is possible, live out the “why” of the Trinity – which is love.
It’s the feast of Pentecost! Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful . . .
Happy feast of the Ascension! In this week’s readings, we’re reminded that the Jesus that’s in heaven, is the same Jesus who walked the earth. And we’re able to be united to Him through the Holy Spirit who He has given to us.
God’s desire is that all of His children be with Him in heaven. That’s why the Catholic Church isn’t exclusive but universal.
“When you get confirmed, what happened to the Apostles is the exact same thing that will happen to you . . . maybe minus the visible tongues of fire . . . I don’t know, I’m not making any guarantees. But the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit will actually be upon you. This is what happens in the Sacrament of Confirmation, that we receive these gifts. And these gifts are what? St. Paul writes about them in the book of Galatians – the fruits of the Spirit are: love, and joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. You receive the power to live a new life, not just for yourself but for other people.”
Love isn’t easy. True love requires selflessness and sacrifice. This is how God loves us, and this is how we’re called to love others, even when it’s difficult.
All are welcome in Christ’s Church; His arms are always open to receive His sons and daughters who want to return to Him. How sad it is if we, who are supposed to be Christ’s hands and feet on this earth, are closed off and unwelcoming.
If you witness to your faith, you’re going to be martyred. Maybe not in a bloody way like the apostles, but in your social life, or in your family. These sufferings are like the cross . . . but we all know that after the cross, comes the Resurrection.
Jesus is constantly offering us His mercy and a second chance, just as He did for Thomas. Readings for the Second Sunday of Easter First Reading: Acts 5:12-16 Psalm: Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24 Second Reading: Rev 1:9-11A, 12-13, 17-19 Gospel: Jn 20:19-31 Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Jesus beat death when He rose from the grave; how will you respond?
“Is there an urgency in your life to testify to the good news of Jesus? Or are you just waiting until someone calls you to the witness stand? This week is a great opportunity for us to recommit ourselves during the Easter Season to be bold in our faith . . . to reach out to people, inviting people back to Church who haven’t been, or inviting people to Church who’ve never been.”
“God so loved the world” means God loves you. Put yourself in the readings this Sunday because Jesus’ passion and death was for you. It’s your sins He died for.
God doesn’t want you living your life looking back at your past, or anxious about the future. Today He wants to offer you love and mercy. And today He wants you to be present to Him and everyone around you.
Don’t ever be afraid to run back to God. He’s already waiting for you with open arms.
What if we lived our lives with God as the center instead of ourselves? During this Lent we have the opportunity to turn back to God, to repent, and to commit our lives to Him.
One of the graces of Lent is that we’re able to look past our immediate wants, desires, and temptations. When we have a proper perspective that focuses on God, our hearts are transformed to desire Him instead of earthly things.
Sin is real. And so is slavery to sin. That’s why Lent is such a blessing from the Church. This season is a time when we can slowly turn back to God in order to fully celebrate Easter. Now is the time for sinners to become saints.
You have to be self-aware of who you are and who you’re not. This is the foundation to holiness and the best gift you can offer to God and others.
Often, the hardest people to evangelize to are the ones that are closest to us. Jesus teaches us that anytime we share the truth, it has to come from a place of love in our hearts.
Scripture can have an incredible effect on your life if you recognize the holiness of the Word of God. Don’t let your Bible be just another book on the shelf.
Jesus’ first miracle was to turn water into wine at a wedding feast. Do you realize that an even greater miracle happens at every Mass? Ordinary wine turns into Jesus’ body, blood, soul, and divinity so that He can be united with you.
