Have you ever wondered what the saints thought about purgatory? What did they believe when it comes to those souls who have repented of their sins but have not yet reached heaven? In the Gospel, we are taught that only the pure can see God: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” – Matthew 5:8 (NRSVCE) The Catechism of the Catholic Church also teaches about the need to be purified before a soul can enter heaven:... Read more
“Is not the happy life the thing that all desire, and is there anyone who does not desire it at all?” – St. Augustine Have you ever wondered why it seems so hard to be happy? We try to focus on positive thoughts. We give in to buying the things we want. We pursue relationships that promise to give us happiness. But after everything we have ever done, we still find that happiness eludes our grasp. What should we do... Read more
The seven last words of Jesus as he hung on the cross reveal the depths of His love and mercy for humanity. It is there where we can take a glimpse into his most compassionate and merciful heart. What did He say when He was nailed to that cross and suffering from excruciating pain? When almost everyone deserted Him, what did He think about? What was it that He wanted us to remember? This Lent, let us take a closer... Read more
Gossip is a common sin that even Christians may fail to recognize or repent of in their own lives. It is so quick to come and to spread that before we realize it, we have been a part of a rumor that has affected the lives of other people. It is easier to recognize what’s wrong with gossip when we’re the ones who have been hurt by it or when our loved ones have become the victims of rumors. But... Read more
If you are currently struggling with anxiety, you can find assistance in some Catholic prayers, devotions and other activities. These can help calm your mind by bringing you closer to God’s peaceful presence. They lead you to greater trust in God’s love, providence and protection and give you a sense of the consoling love of God. You may want to try the following prayers, devotions and practices to help overcome your anxiety: 1. Prayers and Devotions The Holy Rosary As... Read more
Pope John Paul II may have been the pope known as the Pope of Mercy, having emphasized God’s mercy in his teachings and being the one to approve and promote the devotion to the Divine Mercy, but we cannot deny how Pope Francis has carried on this advocacy in our time. After all, wasn’t Pope Francis who said this unforgettable quote: “…who am I to judge?” While the said quote may have been a point of argument from people with... Read more
“There are friends who bring ruin, but there are true friends more loyal than a brother.” -Proverbs 18:24 (NABRE) Can you remember those times when a Godly friend helped you through a difficult situation? On the other hand, have you been betrayed or hurt by someone close to you? How do we become a good friend? And how do we find that kind of friendship that can lead us closer to God and assist us in times of need? The... Read more
Have you ever wanted to know God’s plan for your life? What could be your calling? Is there a particular vocation you are currently drawn to? Discerning God’s plan for our lives doesn’t only happen when we are young. It can also happen at other times in our lives when we think about the path we’re currently taking and whether we want to take a new direction. But how do you know whether what you’re feeling aligns with God’s will... Read more
Have you ever experienced a time when you felt you were too sinful to be loved by God? I know that this sounds absurd to many, but I’ve had times like that. Times when I wondered whether I have sinned too much and God considered me a hopeless case. And why not? Didn’t He bless me so much? Didn’t He instruct me in the way I should go? Didn’t He provide so many channels to strengthen me with His grace?... Read more
Have you ever realized why some people who used to be Christians eventually lose their faith in God? Some even studied in Catholic schools when they were young yet ended up not practicing their faith when they grew up. There could be various reasons as there are individuals involved. After all, we don’t live similar lives. Still, we can try to find out the most common reasons why people lose their faith in God. Here are some of the most... Read more
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