Sunday, September 7, 2025

-

 


SEPTEMBER 7 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost


Hebrews, Chapter 10, Verse 26-27

26 If we sin deliberately after receiving knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains sacrifice for sins 27 but a FEARFUL prospect of judgment and a flaming fire that is going to consume the adversaries.

 

Have you not been attending Mass?

 

Do you have habitual sins that plague you?

 

Have you lost hope after having full knowledge of the truth?

 

Do not abandon hope in the promises of Christ. There will be a second coming. Turn around for here is a very solemn warning about deliberate sin. If you turn your back on the sacrifice of Christ, there is no other sacrifice for sin to appeal to. Do not reject salvation that comes from the Son of God. Only His blood can save us from the inescapable judgment of God.[1]

 

Therefore, go to confession attend Mass weekly and increase in faith, hope, and love. 

 

Getting Saved?[2]

 

How do you “get saved” as a Catholic?

 

This is something I’ve had on the burner for a long time and have started writing more than once before. Now my dearest reader asks the question and I’m motivated to come up with a concise response. “Getting saved,” in the parlance of Evangelical Protestants, refers to the experience of salvation by faith, being regenerated and justified by God’s grace, receiving the Holy Spirit, and becoming a Christian. It’s not a term that Catholics generally talk about: In the Catholic understanding, as I’ve discussed before, salvation is not a singular, one-time event, but a journey and a process, an ongoing series of events and encounters with God’s grace, especially through the Sacraments. The reader will know from my blog how one already a Christian becomes a Catholic; but how does one who has no relationship with God at all, the unchurched sinner, become a Christian in the Catholic Church?

 

Does one pray a “sinner’s prayer”?

 

I was taken aback by the question; I’d never really thought about it. The “sinner’s prayer,” in the Evangelical tradition, is a simple acknowledgement to God that one is a sinner in need of His grace and salvation, repenting of those sins and asking Him to come into one’s life and heart. In the traditions my reader and I grew up in, “praying the sinner’s prayer” is shorthand for salvation, after which one is “saved”; and while many even in those traditions would admit that God continues to work in our lives through sanctification, that is generally understood to be “it,” all there is to “getting saved.” (Interestingly, even in the Southern Baptist Convention there has been a recent turn away from this attitude.) Generally speaking, no, Catholics do not believe that praying a “sinner’s prayer,” by itself, will “get one saved.”

 

So, if, in the Catholic understanding, salvation is a journey, how does one take her first steps?

 

Sacramentally speaking, Baptism is the entrance into the Christian life of grace and into the Church, one’s initial justification and when one can rightly say to be “getting saved.” But generally, one must go through months of classes as a catechumen in RCIA before one can even be baptized — which seems to the Evangelical mind to be the very antithesis of evangelism and outreach, making it positively difficult, apparently, for sinners to come into the kingdom. (The critic would raise, and he would be right, that the earliest Christians in Acts 2 didn’t have to endure through months of a catechumenate before they could receive Baptism. But St. Justin Martyr attests that by the mid–second century, some period of preparation and instruction in Christian doctrine was required. There are exceptions: Any priest can expedite the process of initiation if there is a good reason to, e.g. the catechumen demonstrates a thorough understanding of what she’s getting herself into; and in fact anyone, even a layperson, can baptize in cases of dire need, e.g. the sinner is in danger of death. Since the earliest times, the Church has understood that for the catechumen awaiting Baptism who dies in that desire, God works that saving grace anyway.)

 

What is the sinner supposed to do, then, who longs to know God and partake of His grace, but is told she has to wait and first be instructed?

 

The Evangelical mode, at least, serves that immediate moment and desire — though there is then the danger of considering salvation “over and done.” And certainly, there is that desire, and it can start with a moment, and in that moment and even before, God’s grace is working in the sinner’s life, calling her to repentance and faith. I think one reason Evangelical Protestants so easily misunderstand the Catholic view of salvation, calling it salvation by works in contrast to salvation by faith, is because faith is immediate and cannot be put off. Saying that salvation begins with Baptism seems to dismiss the role of faith and place emphasis on what seems to be a work. But just as the Catholic understanding of salvation is that of a journey, the preparation for that journey is itself a journey, the journey to the baptismal font: and in those initial steps God’s grace is already working, cultivating the sinner’s faith. Marriage begins with a wedding: a pledge of faith, commitment, covenant, and espousal; but generally, one does not choose to be married unless one already has faith in one’s betrothed: one’s relationship with the Bridegroom has already been building for some time. Catholics take a long and patient view of salvation; and we should: we’ve been ushering sinners down that road for 2,000 years! I would say, now that I’ve thought about it, that something like a “sinner’s prayer” is a good first step, even for embarking on the Catholic road: not that the formulaic words themselves are efficacious or “get one saved,” but that the confession that one is a sinner and wants to make Jesus Christ Lord of one’s life is an appropriate response to what is surely the grace of God already working in one’s life and bringing one to repentance and faith. Pray a “sinner’s prayer”; better yet, make that confession out loud to God and to others. Begin reading the Bible and the Catechism and attending Mass. Talk to a priest and enroll in RCIA. Through all this, God is working in your life, building you in faith, drawing you nearer to Him; and when it does come time for you to receive the graces of Baptism and the Sacraments, you will be saved by faith.

 KEEPING THE LORD'S DAY HOLY[3]

My esteemed Brothers in the Episcopate
and the Priesthood,
Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Introduction

2. The Resurrection of Jesus is the fundamental event upon which Christian faith rests (cf. 1 Cor 15:14). It is an astonishing reality, fully grasped in the light of faith, yet historically attested to by those who were privileged to see the Risen Lord. It is a wondrous event which is not only absolutely unique in human history, but which lies at the very heart of the mystery of time. In fact, "all time belongs to [Christ] and all the ages", as the evocative liturgy of the Easter Vigil recalls in preparing the Paschal Candle. Therefore, in commemorating the day of Christ's Resurrection not just once a year but every Sunday, the Church seeks to indicate to every generation the true fulcrum of history, to which the mystery of the world's origin and its final destiny leads.

It is right, therefore, to claim, in the words of a fourth century homily, that "the Lord's Day" is "the lord of days". Those who have received the grace of faith in the Risen Lord cannot fail to grasp the significance of this day of the week with the same deep emotion which led Saint Jerome to say: "Sunday is the day of the Resurrection, it is the day of Christians, it is our day". For Christians, Sunday is "the fundamental feast day", established not only to mark the succession of time but to reveal time's deeper meaning.

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost[4]

UNITE your voice with the Church in the Introit of the Mass, and pray for assistance against her enemies. “Have regard, O Lord, to Thy covenant, and forsake not, unto the end, the souls of Thy poor: Arise, O Lord, and judge Thy cause, and forget not the voices of them that seek Thee. O God, why hast Thou cut us off unto the end? Why is Thy wrath enkindled against the sheep of Thy pasture”?

Prayer. O almighty and eternal God, grant to us an increase of faith, hope, and charity; and that we may deserve to obtain what Thou promisest, make us love what Thou commandest.

EPISTLE. Gal. iii. 16-22.

Brethren: To Abraham were the promises made, and to his seed. He saith not: And to his seeds, as of many: but as of one: And to thy seed, which is Christ. Now this I say, that the testament which was confirmed by God: the law, which was made after four hundred and thirty years, doth not annul, to make the promise of no effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise. But God gave it to Abraham by promise. Why then was the law? It was set because of transgressions, until the seed should come, to whom He made the promise, being ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not of one: but God is one. Was the law then against the promises of God? God forbid. For if there had been a law given which could give life, verily justice should have been by the law. But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by the faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

Explanation. St. Paul shows the Galatians that they could not be justified by the Mosaic law, but only by active faith. The promise, he says, which God gave to Abraham, that all nations should be saved through faith in one of his seed, pointed to Christ. Even the Scriptures tell us that, notwithstanding the law and its sacrifices, the Jews remained sinners; it could not, therefore, by itself, justify man. It follows, therefore, that salvation was to be gained only through Jesus, Who delivered men from the Jewish law. Let us, then, by active faith in Him, make use of this grace for eternity.

GOSPEL. Luke xvii. 11-19

An increase in faith, hope, and love.

At that time, as Jesus was going to Jerusalem, He passed through the midst of Samaria in Galilee. And as he entered into a certain town, there met Him ten men that were lepers who stood afar oft: and lifted up their voice, saying: Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. Whom when He saw, He said: Go, show yourselves to the priests. And it came to pass, as they went, they were made clean. And one of them, when he saw that he was made clean, went back, with a loud voice glorifying God, and he fell on his face, before His feet, giving thanks; and this was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering, said: Were not ten made clean? and where are the nine? There is no one found to return and give glory to God, but this stranger. And He said to him: Arise, go thy way: for thy faith hath made thee whole.

What, in a spiritual sense, does leprosy mean?

In a spiritual sense leprosy means sin, especially the sin of impurity. The Jewish law divided leprosy into three kinds, namely, that of the flesh, that of garments, and that of houses.

·         The leprosy of the flesh may be likened to the impure, who easily corrupt others.

·         the leprosy of garments, to luxury of dress and scandalous fashions, by which not only souls are seduced into sin, but many families and communities are brought to poverty and plunged into eternal ruin.

·         the leprosy of houses, to places where wicked and immoral servants are kept; where immodest dances and plays occur, where licentious acts are committed, where meetings are allowed and encouraged to the injury of virtue and of our neighbor’s honor, where assistance or advice is given in wicked undertakings of any sort.

Why did the lepers stand afar off?

Because it was thus commanded by the Jewish law, so that no one might catch contagion from them. From this we learn that we must as carefully shun scandalous persons, companies, and houses, as we would the plague.  He that toucheth pitch shall be defiled with it, and he that hath fellowship with the proud shall put on pride.” (Ecclus. xiii. 1).

Why did Jesus ask for the nine others who also were made clean?

To show how greatly ingratitude displeases Him. Injuries to Himself He generally submitted to in silence; but this ingratitude He would not suffer to pass uncondemned. So great a sin is ingratitude. On this account St. Bernard says, “Ingratitude is an enemy of the soul that destroys merit, corrupts virtue, and prevents grace. It is a scorching wind that dries up the fountain of the goodness and the mercy of God.”

Why does God require us to be grateful?

This question St. Chrysostom answers very beautifully by saying: “God requires gratitude of us only that He may confer on us new graces.” Then let us not forget to thank Him morning and evening; before and after meals; as often as you recognize His blessing in your house, in your children, in your property, your cattle, your fields, your fruits. St. Augustine says: “We cannot think, speak, or write anything better or more acceptable than, Thanks be to God!”

Instruction on The Sacrament of Holy Orders.

“Go, show yourselves to the priests” Luke xvii. 14.

What is Holy Orders?

A sacrament in which the priestly power is conferred on the candidate, together with a special grace to discharge its sacred functions.

What is the outward sign of this sacrament?

The laying on of hands and the prayer of the bishop, and the presentation of the chalice with bread and wine, together with the verbal communication of authority to change the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ, and to remit and retain sins.

When did Christ institute this sacrament?

At the Last Supper, when, after changing the bread into His true body, and the wine into His true blood, He said to His apostles, “Do this for a commemoration of Me” (Luke xxii. 19).

Are Holy Orders reckoned a sacrament by the apostles?

Yes, for St. Paul admonishes His disciple Timothy to stir up the grace of God received by the imposition of his hands. Hereby St. Paul teaches expressly that by the imposition of the hands of the apostles, or of the bishops, who are their successors, the grace of God is imparted to priests, in which consists of the substance of the sacrament. Pray, then, for the priests, asking fervently of God, particularly on ember-days, to give His Church faithful pastors. Jesus Himself commands it, saying, the harvest indeed is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that He send laborers into His Harvest” (Luke x. 2).

Claire’s Corner

·         How to celebrate Sep 7th

·         So, you wake up and decide it’s time to give your facial hair some love. Start the day by embracing your inner lumberjack for World Beard Day, groom it with care!

·         Feeling puckish?

o   Whip up a delicious breakfast with bacon, salami, and a side of acorn squash for a hearty meal celebration. Maybe flip through a good book while munching down. It’s National Buy a Book Day after all.

·         As you step outside, notice the birds chirping?

o   Take a moment to appreciate the hummingbirds fluttering by, it’s National Hummingbird Day. Head to the park and admire the vulture’s soaring overhead, it’s International Vulture Awareness Day, they’re nature’s clean-up crew!

·         Feeling energized, challenge yourself and push your limits like a superhero. It’s Superhuman Day, so maybe attempt a new activity or break a personal record.

·         Need a break?

o   Raise a glass for National Beer Lovers Day. Cheers to good times and unforgettable memories!

·         Feeling the love in the air?

o   Reach out to someone special for National Feel the Love Day. Share a heartfelt message or spend quality time with loved ones.

·         Feeling grateful?

o   Reflect on your blessings for National Grateful Patient Day.

·         In the midst of the day’s activities, channel your creativity like Grandma Moses. Try your hand at a new craft or DIY project. Remember, Neither Snow Nor Rain Day reminds us that dedication conquers all obstacles.

·         Wrap up the day by spreading awareness. Whether it’s for Duchenne disease or any cause close to your heart, shine a light on important issues. It’s a day to educate and support each other. Hats off to a day filled with embracing nature, love, gratitude, knowledge, and delicious food. Enjoy every quirky moment to the fullest!

·         30 DAY TRIBUTE TO MARY 24th ROSE: Mary, the Help of Christians

o   30 Days of Women and Herbs – Frauendreissiger

§  Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

·         Today is International Bacon Day

o   Perhaps you could delay your bacon till tomorrow as an offering to Mary, who’s lips never touch bacon, as an offering for the First Saturday

MEDICINAL PLANTS Day 23 FOOD SHORTAGES-Revealed by Heaven to Luz De María

BLESSED GRAPES WHEN SCARCITY BECOMES GENERALIZED, remember that My Mother thought about you way in advance and blessed grapes so that at that instant your hunger will be appeased, also I have asked you to pray NOW for those instants and to prepare yourselves spiritually so you will be able to encounter—with Faith, strength, and perseverance—the instants of harsh and difficult trial that lie ahead for everyone. Our Lord Jesus Christ 09.27.2015 I do not abandon you. Do not forget to keep in your home the blessed grape in My Name for the instants of shortage. Our Lord Jesus Christ 10.27.2014

 

Prepare the Blessed Grapes Regarding Christ’s request for blessed grapes, Luz de María’s comments: Christ indicates that we must look for a priest and ask him to bless a bunch of grapes (or only one grape because one blessed grape can be used to bless other grapes and can feed two people if they have Faith and are properly prepared spiritually.) This will be useful for times of food shortage.  To bless the other grapes: Take one grape blessed by a priest and use it to bless the remaining ones with it, as follows:

Cut each remaining grape away from the bunch with scissors so each one will have a piece of stem attached to it. Each of the new grapes is blessed by rubbing it with the grape that was originally blessed by a priest while saying: “In the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, amen.

 

Then store the blessed grapes in sterilized containers. Fill ¾ of each container with grapes and then add cognac or brandy (no other liquor) until each container is full. Close the containers properly.

 

The blessed grapes will keep for as long as necessary until the time when they will be consumed. These blessed grapes may be shared with brothers for them to bless grapes on their own. Fifteen years ago, Christ asked us to bless some grapes and today the grapes are still in good condition. If in some country grapes are not available, any other abundant fruit may be substituted if it is small like a grape. The Blessed Virgin Mary indicates how to transfer the blessing of the grapes from one Blessed Grape to a new bunch of grapes so that more people may benefit from them. While the grapes are still attached to the bunch, wash them thoroughly in a solution of water with one or two drops of liquid soap and then rinse them. Then each grape is cut away from the bunch with scissors leaving a piece of stem on each one. Then take one Blessed Grape and rub it against one new grape making the Sign of the Cross on it while saying, “In the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, amen.” Beforehand, prepare a clean glass container with a lid that seals well. The blessed grapes can be eaten by sick people who cannot retain food. People who fast with the Blessed Grape will be protected from plagues, terrible diseases and other catastrophes. People will receive sustenance equivalent to the food, water, vitamins and minerals that the body needs. The brandy used to prepare them has medicinal value (if you are sick take a teaspoon that taken with FAITH will cure). One grape will sustain two people throughout the day. A supply should be kept for up to six months or more (approximately 180 grapes). The Blessed Grape will not sustain any person who mocks or does not believe. One grape will sustain two people for the entire day. A supply should be kept for up to six months or more (approximately 180 grapes). The Blessed Grape will not sustain any person who mocks or disbelieves. Cross on it while saying, “In the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, amen.” Beforehand, prepare a clean glass container with a lid that seals well.

 

Video of how the blessed grapes is prepared. https://youtu.be/nVO3w5I5LF0

 

Daily Devotions

·         Unite yourself in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: Protection of Traditional Marriage

·         Religion in the Home for Preschool: September

·         Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus

·         Offering to the sacred heart of Jesus

·         Drops of Christ’s Blood

·         Universal Man Plan

·         Rosary




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Thirty Days with Mary-Day 26-September 9

-
Image
    30 Days of Women and Herbs – Frauendreissiger Mugwort   (Artemisia vulgaris) 2 Maccabees, Chapter 15, Verse 8 He urged his men not to  fear  the attack of the Gentiles, but mindful of the help they had received in the past from Heaven, to expect now the victory that would be given them by the Almighty.   As an old, retired military man it was common for us to say while we were loading our magazines with bullets, “Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition." We knew that without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Optimists see steppingstones where pessimists see stumbling blocks.   Heavenly Intercession [1] "Stretching out his right hand, Jeremiah presented a gold sword to Judas. As he gave it to him, he said 'Accept this holy sword as a gift from God; with it you shall crush your adversaries.' " —2 Maccabees 15:15-16   Nicanor planned to slaughte...
Read more

Monday, October 3, 2022

-
Image
 Monday Night at the Movies Luis Bunuel, Simon of the Desert, 1965 SAINT MOTHER THEODORE GUERIN   Hebrews, Chapter 12, Verse 21 Indeed, so FEARFUL was the spectacle that Moses said, “I am terrified and trembling.”   Moses was the heir apparent to the throne of Egypt in his youth. As a member of the Egyptian court, he would have seen many fearful spectacles yet imagine what it must have been like to have been a witness of God descending on Mount Sinai to give the law. He was terrified and trembling. Again, now imagine if Moses was somehow resurrected and was able to walk into an ordinary catholic church that has a very modest Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Do you think his reaction would be any different than the first time he encountered the living God?  Be Still and Know that I am God [1]   On the evening of October 1995, John Paul II was scheduled to greet the seminarians at Saint Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore. It had been a very full day that began with a Mass at...
Read more

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

-
Image
feast of saint Anthony, abbot Sirach, Chapter 22, Verse 16 A wooden beam firmly bonded into a building is not loosened by an earthquake; So the mind firmly resolved after careful deliberation will not be afraid at any time. A prudent mind firmly resolved is undisturbed by violent and conflicting thoughts. Sometimes we all have senseless thoughts and feelings which shake us but faith is a firm anchor for our thoughts. We indeed do have the power within ourselves to choose not to react to impulsive thoughts. Sacredness [1] ·          Holiness consists in friendship with God. If we would be in any sense the friends of God, we must have at least that desire for holiness without which such friendship would be impossible; growth in the knowledge of God is the deepening of this friendship. ·          To know God is to know self and if we know ourselves well, we know have one or two prominent...
Read more

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

-
Image
Wednesday after laetare Sunday: end of mid-lent [1] Jeremiah, Chapter 26, verse 19 Did Hezekiah, king of Judah, and all Judah condemn him to death? Did he not fear the LORD and entreat the favor of the LORD, so that the LORD had a change of heart regarding the evil he had spoken against them? We, however, are about to do great evil against ourselves.” Have you ever been around people who cannot handle the truth! Speaking the truth got Jeremiah in dire straits. Unmoving, the temple officials and elders trashed Jeremiah nonetheless they were too afraid to kill him. Dire Straits [2] ·          At the beginning of Jehoiakim's reign, God tells Jeremiah to stand in the court of the temple and speak to all the people and cities of Judah. They're getting another chance to repent. Maybe they'll actually listen this time. ·          If the people don't finally come to their senses, God's going t...
Read more

Friday, August 26, 2022

-
Image
 Switch of Manliness Legacy OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA   Acts, Chapter 10, verse 1-4 1 Now in Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Cohort called the Italica, 2 devout and God-fearing along with his whole household, who used to give alms generously to the Jewish people and pray to God constantly. 3 One afternoon about three o’clock, he saw plainly in a vision an angel of God come into him and say to him, “Cornelius.” 4 He looked intently at him and seized with FEAR , said, “What is it, sir?” He said to him, “Your prayers and almsgiving have ascended as a memorial offering before God.   Cornelius’ Cohort was an auxiliary unit of archers, men who are expert at hitting a mark or target.   Sin is the act of violating God's will. Sin can also be viewed as anything that violates the ideal relationship between an individual and God, or as any diversion from the ideal order for human living. To sin has been defined as "to miss the mark" to have a h...
Read more

Monday, August 12, 2019

-
Image
Judith, Chapter 10, Verse 16 When you stand before him, have no fear in your heart; give him the report you have given us, and he will treat you well.” Judith prepares for war with prayer and by the enhancement of her beauty. She is so strikingly beautiful that in this verse one of the guards of the Assyrian camp advises her to be confident in the presence of Holofernes. Beauty and the Beast [1] After bathing (during a drought) she uses all the human arts available to her to make herself beautiful and captivating: perfumed ointment, hair, clothing and jewelry. She understands the goodness of her body. She knows physical beauty is good and comes from God. She also knows that the power of her beauty comes from within her, from her holiness, from her faithfulness to God. Since both her exterior and interior beauty come from God, her beauty must be devoted to the service of God. God intends to use her beauty as a weapon to liberate the people. She will wield the weapon t...
Read more

Sunday, August 10, 2025

-
Image
  Claire’s Corner ·           Today in honor of the Holy Trinity do the  Divine Office  giving your day to God. To honor God REST: no shopping after 6 pm Saturday till Monday. Don’t forget the internet. ·           Bucket List Trip:  Around the World “Perfect Weather” o     Darjeeling ,  India. ·           Spirit Hour:  St Lawrence cocktail ·           Foodie:  Thukpa On Sundays Pray: Glorious Queen of Heaven and Earth, Virgin Most Powerful, thou who hast the power to crush the head of the ancient serpent with thy heel, come and exercise this power flowing from the grace of thine Immaculate Conception. Shield us under the mantle of thy purity and love, draw us into the sweet abode of thy heart and annihilate and render impotent the forces bent on destroying us....
Read more

Thursday, May 27, 2021

-
Image
  Auxilium Christianorum - Praying for Persecuted Priests Monday, May 24 is the Feast of Mary Mother of the Church. It is also the Feast of  Mary Help of Christians  (Auxilium Christianorum). Please consider joining this Auxilium Christianorum family to pray daily for our holy and courageous persecuted priests. The Church teaches us that it is divided into the  Church Triumphant  (which includes the members of the Church in heaven), the  Church Suffering  (this includes the members of the Church in purgatory), and the  Church Militant  (this refers to those members of the Church who are alive in this world). Because we are part of the Church Militant, we are in a spiritual warfare and this spiritual warfare requires that we recognize, as Saint Paul teaches us "For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high ...
Read more

Thursday, August 21, 2025

-
Image
📖 Introduction to Acts: A Catholic Perspective   The Acts of the Apostles , written by St. Luke, is a continuation of his Gospel and serves as a bridge between the life of Christ and the life of the Church. It chronicles the birth and expansion of the early Christian community, empowered by the Holy Spirit and led by apostles like Peter and Paul. From a Catholic viewpoint, Acts is not merely historical—it’s theological and pastoral. It reveals how the Church, under divine guidance, confronts fear, persecution, and uncertainty with faith, courage, and communal strength. 😨 Lessons of Fear in Acts: Catholic Reflections Fear in Acts is not condemned—it’s transformed. Here are key episodes and their spiritual lessons: 1. Pentecost and the Fear of Speaking Truth (Acts 2) Context : The apostles, once timid and hiding, are emboldened by the Holy Spirit. Lesson : Fear is overcome through divine empowerment. Catholics see Pentecost as the birth of the Ch...
Read more

Bourbon & Cigars

Bourbon & Cigars
Smoke in this Life not the Next

Domus Vinea Mariae

Domus Vinea Mariae
Home of Mary's Vineyard