I was not expecting to see white smoke today, nor was I expected that an American prelate would walk out in papal garb as our new pope. Both happened, however. The Cardinal Electors chose Robert Francis Prevost as the next Bishop of Rome, and he has chosen the name Leo.
Pray for Pope Francis
Let us pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis: For the repose of his soul; That his successor would share his tender and compassionate act; and For all the faithful who have known him as a pastor and father. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,and let perpetual light shine upon him.May the souls of…
Do you fear, dear sinner?
Do you fear, dear sinner, that God does not love you? Behold, Christ Crucified! Do you fear, dear sinner, that God can not save you? Behold, Christ Glorified!
“O Happy Fault”: Celebrating Original Sin
Adam's sin can be celebrated insofar as it plays a part in a greater narrative that makes the true story of God and Man more profound than it ever could have been without sin. In other words, sin occasions an enrichment of the end of Man.
Meditating on the Passion with St. Alphonsus Liguori
"Jesus on the cross! Behold the proof the love of God; behold the final manifestation of himself, which the Word Incarnate makes upon this earth,--a manifestation of suffering indeed, but, still more, a manifestation of love."
Lenten Meditation: Penitential Fish Fries?
Fish fries are common throughout Catholic parishes in the United States during Lent. If you are unaware of what these are, the parishioners gather, generally on a Friday, and have a meal of fried fish. These events are entirely in keeping with the letter of canon law, but I would submit to you that they are not always, or even usually, in the spirit of the law.
Lenten Meditation: In the Footsteps of Saints
This Holy Season of Lent is a time to walk after the saints in penance and fasting in order that, becoming increasingly detached from worldly goods and delighting more and more in heavenly goods, we might grow in holiness and love for God.
Lenten Meditation: Seeking First the Kingdom
St. Thomas Aquinas says that "we have recourse to fasting in order that the mind may arise more freely to the contemplation of heavenly things" (ST, II-II, Q147, A1) . . . That is where our treasure should be laid, where our efforts should be directed, where our hearts should rest. [But] if we intend to benefit more fully from this holy season of Lent, then merely fasting is not enough. It is not enough to turn away from our worldly attachments. We must, in addition, turn toward God. It is not enough to renounce the worldly kingdoms we build for ourselves. We must also "seek first the Kingdom of God" (Mat. 6:33).
Lenten Meditation: Mortifying the Flesh
Lent therefore, is an extended exercise of self-control. It is a marathon in which we exercise the spiritual muscle of saying "No." Throughout this holy season, therefore, we have a wonderful opportunity to master our appetites and mortify the flesh.
Several Words on Lent
It's Ash Wednesday. Lent begins today, so I wanted to write a few words of encouragement and warning. But a few words turned out to be several words. Lent is a penitential season ordered toward repentance, detachment, and spiritual renewal. We must not believe that we have not angered God by our many sins. "Bring…
Faith and Reason 