Why is it so hard to receive God’s forgiveness? Have you ever felt yourself asking the same question? There was a time when I failed to get a schedule for Confession before the Feast of Divine Mercy. And it was was a time when I felt the guilt of some sins I wanted to ask forgiveness for. I felt very sad. The Catholic Church has always emphasized the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but on that very important day,... Read more
When someone commits a murder, one instantly know that one has done something wrong. To kill someone without a valid excuse like self-defense is a sin that cannot be denied. It is immediately felt as a painful stab in one’s conscience and a heavy guilt burdens the soul henceforth. That is mortal sin. A clear violation against the laws of God and men. A violation of love (charity). “When the will sets itself upon something that is of its nature... Read more
Jesus mingled with sinners throughout His earthly life. He ate with prostitutes and tax collectors. He held a conversation with a Samaritan woman by the well. A woman who have had five husbands and was living with someone who was not even her husband. Even at the very point of death upon the cross, He promised paradise to the repentant thief. But while all of these things show Christ’s mercy, perhaps the most striking account was the moment He met... Read more
How many times have you resolved to change a bad habit only to fail again and again? Or how many times have you confessed the same sins, feeling so bad about your seeming inability to change? I think most good people have had this kind of disappointment. You wanted to be better. You wanted to avoid hurting people. All you’ve ever intended is to do God’s will for your life. What happens, however, is that as soon as you resolve... Read more
There have been saints that expressed what seems like a very gloomy future for humanity. Some of them thought that not many people will be saved. Perhaps the Bible verse below can give us an idea why: “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it... Read more
This is an age when we are made to believe that we can be anyone we wish And why not? This is a time when we can easily fix our photos for the slightest imperfection. If we take it to another level, we can even set an appointment with a medical expert and choose the kind of face or body we wanted to have. But for all the scientific advancements the world has reached, there is still one thing it... Read more
The Scriptural Way of the Cross was introduced by Pope John Paul II on Good Friday 1991. While this does not intend to replace the Traditional Way of the Cross, it aims to provide a source of meditation that is supported by various accounts in the Bible. Pope Benedict has also approved this modern version of the stations of the cross in 2007. This Lent, let us try to meditate upon these significant events that led to Jesus’ crucifixion and... Read more
Forgiveness, kindness and compassion are just some of the qualities usually related to Christianity. Along with this is the popular Bible verse about turning the other cheek. All of these can make Christians a vulnerable group to maltreatment and all kinds of bullying. How do you preach being kind without opening yourself and your loved ones to abuse? Is it wrong to defend yourself from physical and emotional harm? The Catechism of the Catholic Church clearly states: “Love toward oneself... Read more
Everything seems to be as clear as black and white when you’re reading a book or when you’re in front of your computer screen. But when you come face to face with your transgender child, everything turns upside down. All you may see are various shades of gray. How do you let your child know you love them so much without letting go of your Catholic faith? What do you think about? What would you even pray for? To every... Read more
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39 (NABRE) I think there is nothing that could ever test our faith more than the hour of death – our own, and that of our loved ones. It is death that asks... Read more
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