Baptized into His Death: Praying for All Souls

Today, we pray for the dead. We do this because, as Christians, we are in communion with the Saints and with those on their journey to sainthood. All Souls’ Day is important, not only because we remember the deceased, but also because it brings the reality of death to the forefront. It reminds us that…

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Let the Guardian Angels Guide You

Gratia Vobis Ministries, Inc.

Angels, divine messengers of God, captivate our hearts. Is that too broad a statement? Perhaps. But it is fair to say that most of us long for divine intervention, especially when life takes an unexpected turn. What we often call coincidences may actually be ‘God-incidents’—moments where God orchestrates or intervenes in ways that seem too…

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Demonstrating the Spirit and Power

The Holy Spirit and the gifts

St. Paul writes in the second chapter of his first letter to the Corinthian church about the centrality of God in his ministry. Before his journey to the church at Corinth, Paul had been to Athens, where he tried to convince the Athenians with several arguments—he engaged them from their perspective: “For as I went…

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He Did Not Do Many Miracles Because of Their Unbelief

The struggle to maintain faith is a timeless issue; a universal human problem that even the most ardent Christians (Mark 9:24; John 20:27) can relate to. Throughout history, even during periods of unwavering faith among believers, there have always been those who grapple with unbelief. This challenge is not limited to certain people but is…

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The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

The solemnity of the body and blood of Christ

A lot has been written on the Body and Blood of Christ, and it is for a good reason—our life depends on it! The Eucharist, as the Church teaches, is the source and summit of the Christian faith. As perennial as this understanding is, the need to constantly reflect on the depth of the mystery…

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Remaining in God’s Love

Photo showing divine affirmation

Today, as we commemorate the life of St. Athanasius, a man who exemplified unwavering faith in Christ, we are reminded of the importance of remaining in Christ. St. Athanasius’ life and his steadfast adherence to the authentic teachings of Christ and His Church serve as a powerful testament to the significance of this commitment. The…

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Why Was Mary Magdalene Weeping at the Tomb of Christ?

In the gospel accounts, we read Mary Magdalene grieving at Jesus’ tomb in the early hours of the Resurrection morning. Her tears were not a lament for Jesus’ death; she had already come to terms with that reality. Instead, Mary wept because she found the tomb empty—Jesus’ body was no longer there. What could this…

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The “living” (Livelihood) of the Father

I noticed a word used in the parable of the prodigal son that I should have paid more attention to. Many Bible translations say the prodigal son’s Father divided his “property” among his sons. The word translated as property is “βίον” from the word “βίος” (life, living). This word, “living” as used in this parable…

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The Fourth Joyful Mystery—The Presentation. And Your Presentation!

In commemorating this annual feast of the presentation of the Lord in the temple, let us delve into the profound significance of presenting oneself before the Lord. The contemplation on the importance of Jesus being brought to the temple transcends mere adherence to religious duties. The events unfolding during Jesus’s presentation – exemplified by Simon’s…

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