Jesus’s teaching on oath-taking Dear brothers and sisters, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). The fifth chapter of St. Matthew’s gospel records Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (the Beatitudes) and some of His great teachings on the law…
A conversation on silence, chastity, and self-mastery. A heart that seeks God turns us into pilgrims, journeying toward a complete revelation of the divine. The prophet Elijah epitomized this seeker’s spirit as he journeyed across the desert to Mount Sinai (or Horeb), the mountain of God. There, in a cave,…
A reflection inspired by the life of St. Anthony of Padua. Today, we reflect on our core identity as Christians: sharing the Good News of salvation in words and action. Let us allow ourselves to be inspired and renewed in this mission through the words of the prophet Isaiah (61:1-3)…
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law and the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is…
Today, the Church celebrates the memorial of St. Barnabas or San Barnaba. He is originally named Joseph; born in Cyprus to a Levitical Jewish family. The apostles nickname him Barnabas, which in Aramaic means “Son of Encouragement” or “Son of Consolation” (Acts 4:36) because of his skill in motivating others.…
Few things attract me more than conversing about the deep questions of life. Years ago, when I began my RCIA journey into faith, I was blessed to experience one such discussion in our opening class, in which we were invited to ponder and reflect upon the Beatitudes of Jesus, one…
During a recent business trip, the nerd in me bought the book, “Algorithms to live by,” because I was fascinated by its first chapter, titled “Optimal Stopping”. The problem statement is likely familiar to anyone who has ever taken a road trip. It goes something like this … imagine yourself…
Theological references to the devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary focus on Mary, the mother of Jesus. She dedicated her innermost being, mind, memory, will, and capacity for love to God and mankind. Mary submitted herself to the saving work of her Son. St. John Eudes, a 17th-century French…
A reflection on the unions of the Sacred Heart. To know also the charity of Christ, which surpasseth all knowledge—Eph. 3:19 Love naturally tends towards union. The lover desires to be with his beloved and even to be one with his beloved. You can look at the things one has…
A conversation on love as the greatest commandments and the most beautiful of all words spoken. In today’s Gospel reading, one of the scribes asked Jesus about the commandment that was of top priority. It is curious to note that Jesus did not choose any of the Ten Commandments as…