Posts by Fr. Marcelo Javier Navarro Muñoz, IVE
Lenten Struggle?
Many times, in his letters, Saint Paul refers to the struggle between the spirit and the flesh, Gal 5: 24-25 is one of them: “Now those who belong to Christ [Jesus] have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.” This struggle could…
Read MoreWise with God’s Wisdom
I would like to start this short reflection with today’s question presented by the Apostle James: Who among you is wise and understanding? The answer follows on the next line: she or he is wise who a) shows works by a good life b) is humble because humility comes from wisdom: Let him show his…
Read MoreHaving and Living Faith
Articles of Faith Thomas Aquinas is rather known for his intellectual approach to theological topics. However, in his catechetical works such as the Commentary to the Apostles’ Creed, he explains the articles of faith with the simplicity of a true believer and with the devotion of a small child. Here is an example. The saint…
Read MoreSolemnity of Christ the King
Greek literature was fond of epithets to describe their gods and heroes in a glorious light. The NewTestament is far more modest in its description of its only “God” and “Hero” and His glory, which is notof this world. Christ our king is thus described in Rev 1: 5-8: “Jesus Christ [is] the faithful witness,…
Read MoreGod’s Word and God’s Love
Today’s psalm speaks of the person who delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on his law day and night. A good starting point to meditate on God’s law or word is lectio divina. But rather than concentrating on lectio, I would like to focus briefly on God’s love today, which is enkindled…
Read MoreThe Calling of Matthew
If you happen to enter the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome, Caravaggio’s genius offers the visitor a view of The Calling of Matthew. It comes alive in all its dramatic force. It is well worth the time spent contemplating this painting, a form of graphic catechetical piece that recalls today’s gospel on…
Read MoreBlessed are those who fear the Lord
128:1b-2, 3, 4, 5 R. See how the Lord blesses those who fear him. Blessed are you who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored. R. See how the Lord blesses those who fear him. You wife shall be…
Read MoreBear Much Fruit
On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And…
Read MoreDevotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Dear friends: I found myself this month of June having to prepare a retreat day and a conference for two communities of nuns within my religious institute. June is the month of the Sacred Heart, so to prepare, I delved into this devotion through some articles and by re-reading of Pope Pius XII’s Encyclical Letter…
Read MoreLet Us Not Forget the Wounds
To meditate on the Passion, we can take up St Claire of Assisi’s invitation to enter into the torn chest of Christ crucified. To be inundated with the light of the Resurrection, we can follow Christ’s offer to his disciple Thomas, to put his hand into his side, and to believe! (Caravaggio has immortalized that…
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