[ad_1] What would you experience if God were to fully dwell in the depths of your soul? Peace, joy and amazement! And from these gifts, and from the indwelling of the Trinity, you would have courage in the face of hardship, strength to cast out fear and an impenetrable defense against the evil one, against his lies and his snares. You will not be free from temptation and suffering, but… Read More »Reflection 105: The Effects of God’s Indwelling
[ad_1] April 13, 2020 Daily Reading from the USCCB: Matthew 28:8-15 https://www.franciscanmedia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SW_040510_II.mp3 The Gospel readings this week are all concerned with the appearances of Jesus after His resurrection. Today’s reading from Matthew is in two parts. The first deals with Jesus’ encounter with the women who had seen the empty tomb. They’re fearful yet overjoyed. And Jesus now sends them to alert His disciples. The second part of the… Read More »Sharing the Word for April 13, 2020 – Octave of Easter – Year 2
[ad_1] April 12, 2020 In the year 337, Julius succeeded Pope Saint Mark, who had only reigned as pope for nine months. Immediately after taking office, Julius was involved with the Arian controversy. Anthanasius had been exiled. But after the death of Constantine the Great, his son, Constantine II, allowed Anthanasius to return to the see of Alexandria. Eusebius of Nicomedia was against the return of Anthanasius so he and his… Read More »Pope St. Julius
[ad_1] “The obedience at the Annunciation comes to full flower at the foot of the Cross.” “Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala” (Jn 19:25). Mary stands at the foot of the cross. Stabat Mater. She stands there as a mother, watching her son undergo the brutal agony of crucifixion. Watching Jesus struggle for breath,… Read More »Standing at the Foot of the Cross — Integrated Catholic Life™
[ad_1] Very often, God wants to speak to You a particular message that you need to hear. It may happen that, as you listen to a homily, read a book, hear something on the radio or talk with a friend, something particular will jump out at you that does not seem to affect others. Pay attention to this inspiration, it is a gift to you of God’s Mercy and a… Read More »Reflection 101: God Speaking Through Others
[ad_1] April 9, 2020 Daily Reading from the USCCB: John 13:1-15 https://www.franciscanmedia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SW_040110_II.mp3 On Holy Thursday Jesus celebrated His last meal with His disciples. He instituted the Holy Eucharist. He was entrapped through the treachery of Judas. He was carried off to prison by the Romans. It was an eventful day. But the Gospel reading the Church has chosen for our attention is the washing of the feet of His… Read More »Sharing the Word for April 9, 2020
[ad_1] April 8, 2020 Julie Billiart was born July 12, 1751, in Picardy, France, the fifth of seven children. She was christened Marie Rose Julia. Julie lived on a farm, but her favorite pastime was pretending to be a teacher and playing school. The school Julie attended was a rural one-room school house. Her favorite subject was religion, taught by the local parish priest. This priest noticed Julie’s great piety… Read More »St. Julie Billiart
[ad_1] “St. Jerome Writing” (detail) by Caravaggio I know it is customary during the Lenten Season for us to start reflecting on the great victories we will experience on Easter Sunday: the victory over sin and death; the victory over the enemy of this world; the victory over pain and sickness, heartache and fear, everything that would rob us of the joy of life. After all, Christ Himself promised us… Read More »The Time is Short — Integrated Catholic Life™
[ad_1] If you were asked to build a rocket ship from scratch, you may object stating that you are not competent in this area and, therefore, cannot do what you are being asked to do. We often have the same response to God regarding His Will. We can easily feel as though we are being asked too much by our Lord, but this is foolish thinking since our Lord would… Read More »Reflection 97: The “Excuse” of Our Weakness
[ad_1] April 4, 2020 Daily Reading from the USCCB: John 11:45-56 https://www.franciscanmedia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SW_032710_II.mp3 All the hostility that had been building up against Jesus reaches a culmination. The Sanhedrin determines that if something isn’t done about Jesus, there will be trouble with the government. The whole people will suffer. Jesus would have to die so that the whole nation wouldn’t perish. Jesus would die for the people, but not in the… Read More »Sharing the Word for April 4, 2020