Thursday, April 15, 2021067I remember growing up and learning catechism using the question-and-answer format of the simple catechism of the Catholic Church, which was mainly memorization. I still remember very well many of the questions and answers because they have stayed in my head.
Friday, March 19, 20210135When we are baptized we make some promises which are known as Baptismal Promises. We promise to reject Satan and all his works and all his empty promises. And every year at Easter we renew these baptismal promises. (If we are baptized as infants, our parents make those promises on our behalf during our baptism.) As we grow to adulthood...
Sunday, February 21, 20210138We have all praised how technology has brought the world together, how the world is now, using the cliché a “global village.” Technically, this is true, since many of us can communicate with ease within seconds to anyone in any part of the world.
Saturday, January 9, 20210276In our everyday lives we find ourselves making deliberate attempts to prepare for the unforeseen future. We plan for retirement, put money in our 401k, and plan our savings. Some of us invest in the stock market and are anxious each time the market goes up or down. We do all this planning to be sure that the future is enjoyable for us,...
Thursday, December 17, 20200247The ultimate question God asked Adam, the first man, when he sinned was, “Where are you?” (Gen 3:9-15). Man was expected to be obedient and listen to God, but he decided to listen to “the Enemy” — Satan. Man broke his relationship with God. God’s question to Adam sounds like more than a question of location — because God is...
Friday, November 13, 20200355As part of our spiritual exercises, priests are expected to do an annual retreat, which we usually do as a group. But this year I decided to go on a solo, private and silent five-day retreat in late October somewhere in the hills of Colorado — a retreat with no moderator, no scheduled conferences, no presentations — just me and...
Friday, October 2, 20200192“I thank my God every time I think of you; and when I pray for you, I pray with joy.” These words from Philippians 1:3-4, turned into a song lyric, are an admonition to a cheerful prayer, a prayer said with joy. A prayer that is prayed with joy is a prayer that satisfies. To pray with joy is to pour out one’s heart and mind to God...
Friday, September 18, 20200151As Christians, we believe in the four last things: death, judgment, heaven and hell. As Catholics we also believe in a place of reparation called purgatory. We strive to live good Christian lives on earth because we love God and desire heaven as our ultimate end. Our scriptures tell us that when our sojourn on earth is ended, we shall be...
Wednesday, August 5, 20200523Technology has blessed us today with varying means of communication that can help us connect with one another and facilitate the building of relationships. Unfortunately, as with many things, this technology comes with both positives and negatives. We must recognize that technology not only cements relationships, but it can also distort...
Friday, July 17, 20200522People have different perceptions of other people. In one way or another we all have our stereotypes of people, especially people of other nations who are different from us. If you haven’t traveled to some countries, but only read about them or see them portrayed in movies, chances are that you have created an opinion of them based on...
