The Life of Virtue

Yesterday, the Archbishop of Armagh in Ireland presented a fabulous catechesis on the necessity of confession and about the positive impact that it could have on our modern western culture.  Without a doubt, western civilization has lost the proper definition of humanity; has allowed its sense of sin to be lost; and has been led into the pit of darkness by Satan and his agents. The West, America included, is now marked by "an increasingly aggressive and competitive attitude," a "more frequent resort to violence," as well as a "merciless culture of image compliance" among other things.  The blame can be placed squarely on the shoulders of those who have falsely taught that God does not exist or that there are no eternal consequences for the things we do with our minds and bodies. Humans of the last three centuries (and especially the last forty years or so) have been lied to!  The inherent dignity of human life has been covered up; and we have been taught ...

Enjoy these over a cup of juice or coffee, a glass of wine, or a pint of ale. "You Are Witnesses to My Resurrection" by Msgr. Charles M. Mangan (Easter Homily) "First Things: Save the Lost" by Robert R. Allard "Italian Socialists claim Christian Banner" (news report from Catholic World News) Have a blessed weekend!

Today is a most blessed day in the liturgical year.  It is the day that all of humanity's salvation was put on its right path.  Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation (also known as the celebration of the Incarnation of Our Lord). It is appropriate, then, to reach for a deeper understanding of how and why the Second Person of the Trinity became fully human while remaining fully divine.  It is necessary for faithful Christians to grasp this concept because perfect humanity could be the only vehicle for the salvation of fallen humanity. Read and pray the words of St. Cyril of Alexandria: The only-begotten Son proceeds from the very substance of God the Father, possessing all of His Begetter in His own nature.  He became flesh, according to the Scripture, blending Himself, as it were, with our nature by an inexpressible combination and union with this earthly body.  Thus He who is God by nature became, and is truly, a Man from heaven.  He was not merely "inspired,...

...of conversion during this Easter season. http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=57413 Never cease to preach the Gospel, my friends.  You never know who will be led home by your efforts! God bless!

In recent days, God has granted an abundance of clarity in my mind and heart so that I have been able to notice and understand a key difference in my life.  Specifically, I have been focused on the differences between my experience of Holy Week and Easter as a non-Catholic and, for the last four years, as a Catholic.  The differences are tremendous! As a non-Catholic for all of my young life (and as a practical agnostic for my latter adolescence and young adulthood), I was never presented with the concept of Holy Week.  I knew what Good Friday was, and I heard the term "Maundy" Thursday.  Never was the term Holy Saturday mentioned.  Moreover, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday were never presented as special days, during which special church services were held.  Every day from Monday after Palm Sunday until Easter Sunday seemed ordinary days to me. Easter Sunday was celebrated with new, bright-colored clothes, a morning church service, and (sometimes) lunch at a restaurant after...

Because prudence, good sense, and family celebrations of the Resurrection will impede reading time over this most blessed weekend, you can put off reading these articles until the Octave Monday or Tuesday...but NO LATER! "Human Beings Are Not for Using" by Mark Shea "Ten inspirational people named the patrons for World Youth Day" "Selling Her Body, a Few Eggs at a Time" by Michael Poore God bless!

During my four previous Lenten journeys (as a Catholic, that is), I have never harbored such anticipation for the Resurrection as I do this year!  Each time I pray the Liturgy of the Hours, each time I read Scripture, and each time I speak to or teach youth during this holy season, I am filled with joy because I know that the celebration of Christ's Resurrection is right around the corner. As I examine my heart on this Holy Thursday, I believe that God has led me to focus on this certain aspect of my faith because I have been in the midst of a personal resurrection.  Joy and hope (interestingly enough, the title of an important Church document) has filled my life in recent weeks.  My mind and heart have been drawn toward Eternity and the unending celebration there. The more I pray, the more I read Scripture, the more I spend time with my family, the more I minister, I am filled with great pleasure knowing that I am a co-worker in the Lord's vineyard; that I am helping to build ...

Another installment of this fabulous theme (after a week's delay because of the once-yearly snowfall): "Questions for Father General" by George Weigel "The Place of Eucharistic Adoration" by Russell Shaw "Thousands in U.S. to Join Church" from Zenit.org (via Steve Ray's Blog) Until Monday, God bless!

If my readers have tendencies similar to my own, then they stay engaged in the politics despite disappointment in the overall political culture and especially the methodologies employed.  My stance on politics has not changed (I wish we could find a way to do away with the whole system), but I have been intrigued in recent days by the stories being reported about Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Senator Barack Obama's pastor (click here or here ).  In fact, this latest mega-story has cemented my opinions even further. My concern for this story, however, has been based less on politics than on historical on logical inaccuracies, as well as the theological downfalls.  After having listened to a few of his tirades, it is clear that his arguments are appeal solely to the emotions of his listeners rather than to solid historical fact, the theological tenets of his professed faith, or simple logic.  Indeed, statements of gross error and misleading "facts" were the norm in such sermon...

I was blessed yesterday to have met with my spiritual director.  The fruit of that meeting was a very clear understanding of how God has called me to change during this holy season of Lent...and after. I'll spare the details because they are personal, but I do want you all to know the value of continually seeking God's voice in your life.  It is absolutely essential to seek His Wisdom through prayer and spiritual direction.  Without those two things, the blessings of Lent have potential to get lost in the "I gave up..." and "I'm doing...extra" shuffle. Instead of focusing on the legalism of sacrifice (which is not unimportant), let us all take time to reflect on the many and various ways that God may have worked through those sacrifices. I pray that your Holy Week is a time of spiritual fruit.  God bless!

In his most recent general audience , Pope Benedict XVI taught those who were gathered about St. Leo the Great , an early Church Father and a Doctor of the Catholic Church.  The pope's catechesis, however, was not focused on common historical details.  Instead, the current pope reminded listeners that St. Leo earned the moniker after his name primarily because he was a good steward of the power invested in him. The fifth-century pontiff was one who exercised his authority decisively, humbly, and pastorally.  He brought unity to the Church in difficult situations, but he never compromised the deposit of faith.  Without a doubt, he earned the title "Great" because he was focused on protecting and proclaiming the faith of the Apostles. On caveat: Pope Benedict seems to have nearly identical qualities to those he described about Pope St. Leo the Great.

It is no secret to anyone who knows me or reads this blog that I am a blessed husband and father.  It is also no secret that I am a sinner; and that my sinful tendencies often get in the way of my duties as a husband and father.  However, there is progress! In recent weeks, I have been keenly aware of particular situations in which God is requiring something from me in order to provide grace for my vocation.  Specifically, I have noticed an overwhelming desire to spend money imprudently (fast food, DVDs, wine, etc.).  Each time, God has given me the grace to overcome such temptations; and has showered me with additional grace after I made the decision not to buy. This whole conversation may sound simple to some, but I know that such decisions are evidence of moral advancement in my life.  Ten years ago, five years ago, maybe even two years ago, I would have bought such things without a second thought.  Instead, grace has abounded and created in me a moral system that places the good of...