The connection between our sexual conduct and our societal health is incontrovertible. At least it is for those who haven't invested in the so-called "sexual revolution. It is clear that the societal endorsement of sexual license directly undermines the institution of marriage. The breakdown of marriage in turn has a profoundly negative impact on children most immediately, and from there on everything and everyone else. First comes marriage and all the rest follows. When we put the cart before the marital horse, well . . .
Pentecost Persecution and St. Julia of Corsica
Christ sent the Holy Spirit down on his Church at Pentecost, the Church against which, he had promised Peter, the "Gates of Hell" would not prevail (Matthew 16:17) . . . but he had also promised persecution (Matthew 5:11). The Persecution was not long in coming. The same Peter who boldly addresses the wondering crowds on Pentecost will soon be writing to the early Christians: In this you rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6-7)
St. Thomas Aquinas on Miracles
Most of us have little expertise on miracles. And yet it's a topic that comes up often in Catholic discussions. Needless to say, a lot of confusion can ensue. It seems helpful to have something handy that is short, to the point, and clarifying. St. Thomas Aquinas has provided us with just that in his Summa Contra Gentiles.
Catching Flies With Honey: St. Mellitus of Canterbury
We can become frustrated when it seems that nobody is listening; we may find ourselves brimming over with vinegar, as it were. Perhaps if we stay calm, listen patiently, and try to focus on the love of Jesus (in other words, spread a little honey), we're more likely to have a fruitful exchange.
Why did Jesus ‘Take the Form of a Slave’?
Christ has broken our chains, but here's the catch: we need to be willing to shake them off, get up, and follow him. "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24) . . .
The Crisis of Fatherhood and the Litany of St. Joseph
The Church has always taught us that human fatherhood is merely a reflection: as Jesus himself puts it, "call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven." (Matthew 23:9) Human fathers are merely stewards, and our authority is not our own, nor do we exercise if for our own sake.
St. Patrick, Julius Caesar, and Slavery to Sin
St. Patrick is, of course, the Patron Saint of Ireland, but he wasn’t originally Irish. He was Romano-British, probably born in what is now southern Scotland, or possibly Wales. His first introduction to the Emerald Isle was as a slave, after he had been kidnapped as a youth by Irish raiders . . .
Anti-Hypocrite and Martyr: St. Philemon the Actor
In the ancient world actors such as Philemon used to wear masks . . . but the Lord can see through any act: there are no masks before the throne of God.
St. Agnes of Bohemia: Bride of The King
One of the things that the lives of the saints show us is how important each one of us is to God, however insignificant we may seem in the eyes of the world: there are no insignificant saints. In fact, the lives of the saints often show us in various ways that "the wisdom of this world is folly with God." (1 Corinthians 3:19) One of today's saints, St. Agnes of Bohemia (also known as St. Agnes of Prague) provides a good example of just how foolish the "wisdom" of the world can be.
Not a Distant Memory: St. Josephine Bakhita
In spite of the cruelty and suffering she had encountered, she was a bright light to her fellow sisters, "known for her gentle voice and smile." She was completely free of resentment and bitterness.