We are called to endure pain and illness Sometimes pain and sickness are hard to bear, but we’re still called to bear them. St. John Chrysostom writes to Olympias, a woman who was suffering from a painful illness, that even these sufferings have a purpose: they lead us toward our salvation. Nothing gives you so much credit, Olympias, as patiently enduring suffering. For patience is certainly the queen of virtues—the most perfect crown—and, as it excels all other forms of... Read more
PETE: You went from kick boxing champion to hard-hItting Catholic Evangelist. For those who have not read your latest book Catholics, Wake Up! can you tell us about your faith journey? JESSE ROMERO: I was a lukewarm Catholic for the first 25 years of my life. I worshipped the unholy trinity of me, myself and I. My idol was the Martial Arts. I knew about Jesus, but I didn’t KNOW Jesus. At this time in my life as I worked... Read more
If you want faith, practice patience Tertullian, one of the founders of Christian theology, tells us that the New Law demands patience. Without patience, there can be no faith. Patience comes both after and before faith. Abraham believed God; but it was patience that tested his faith, when he was told to sacrifice his son. Such a burdensome commandment would not have pleased the Lord if it had been carried out perfectly, but he patiently heard it and would have... Read more
Welcome to my second MEGA Giveaway. This time we are celebrating the season of Advent. Sixteen publishers and marketers have agreed to participate in this Mega Giveaway . Be sure to visit their websites and support them by purchasing some of the great books they publish. One lucky winner is going to receive this entire 52 title, library building, package! This is packed with some truly awesome books, DVDs, CDs and a faith building tablet! The complete list is below.... Read more
Don’t be guilty of someone else’s despair The visionary Hermas is told that when we see someone suffering, we must respond. If people are driven to despair by problems we could have helped with, we’re guilty of that despair. And I say that everyone ought to be saved from inconveniences. For whoever is in want and whoever suffers inconveniences in daily life—they are both in great torture and necessity. So whoever rescues a soul from this kind of necessity will... Read more
Help the Church help others Do you know someone who needs help, but may be too modest to ask for it? You can give some help yourself, says St. Ambrose, but you can also alert the Church and other organizations that have the resources to give more help. There are many kinds of generosity. Not only can we distribute and give away food to those who need it from our own daily supply, so that they may sustain life; but... Read more
This week publisher Servant Books sponsors the CBB giveaway. One lucky winner will receive one copy of Catholics, Wake Up!: Be a Spiritual Warrior by Jesse Romero (you can read my review here). I use Rafflecopter to run my giveaways which makes it simple for you and me! Enter below. The contest starts at midnight tonight EST and will end 12AM EST Friday 11/07 with a winner being announced later that day. Good Luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway Read more
Be generous in secret If you give so that you can boast about it, says St. Ambrose, you already have your reward on earth in your boasting—which means you shouldn’t expect a reward in heaven, too. It is not a real act of generosity if you give for the sake of boasting about it, rather than for mercy’s sake. Your inner feelings give the name to your acts. As it comes forth from you, so will others regard it. See... Read more
Jesse Romero is a former US kick boxing champ and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department officer. He has seen a lot of the secular world we live in…..the good and the bad. He tells his reversion story and other personal stories in his latest book Catholics, Wake Up!: Be a Spiritual Warrior. They tell you to never judge a book by its cover…but….when the cover has a pair of boxing gloves you can pretty much be guaranteed a hard hitting book.... Read more
Be kind even to people who don’t deserve it Is that beggar on the street just a lazy bum? Maybe so, but St. John Cassian reminds us that our moral judgment is not supposed to limit our Christian charity. Nevertheless, like a far-sighted and careful physician, the Apostle Paul is not only anxious to heal the wounds of the sick, but gives suitable directions as well to the healthy, so that their health may be preserved continually. He says, “do... Read more
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