Conflicts arise in the world because we deal with the world in a dualistic fashion, dividing creation up into all kinds of absolutely independent entities instead of promoting and realizing and the unity which underlies all things. That dualism is fashioned upon the way we view ourselves. We construct a notion of our identity, creating a fictional (or false) self. Then we use that fiction to first divide the world between that which we assume to be a part of... Read more
Nihilism, not desire for truth or justice, seems to be making its way into the United States, and many other countries in the world. So many people vote, not out of concern for others, not to make things better, but as a way to hurt their enemies. They prefer making others cry than they care about their own well-being, which is why they are willing to suffer and die so long as they see their enemies suffer and die with... Read more
Sin is a tragic mistake, one which we often make in our lives. The more we sin, the more it tries to trap us, making us think we should stop struggling against it, and so give in to its demands. It makes us think we are not worthy of being loved, and once we accept that idea, we allow ourselves to be consumed by its nihilistic malice. While we might not be perfect, while we might sin, and so defile... Read more
A time of fasting is a time of preparation. However invaluable fasting, or any other ascetic discipline, can be, we must remember the point behind doing them. They should be done for our own benefit. They are meant to be tools which are to be used when needed, and not as a way of trying to make ourselves look great in front of others. They don’t have any particular significance in and of themselves as if they are goals we... Read more
With the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus indicated that even if someone were to rise from the dead and warn others of what they might experience in death if they do not change their ways, many would not heed such warnings. They would find some reason to ignore or deny what they are being told. They might try to find excuses to justify themselves, explaining why the warning did not really apply to them, or they might... Read more
Pope Francis told us that his special prayer concerns for the month of November are for children, especially for those suffering in harsh, cruel living conditions. As reported by CNA, he implored us to keep them all in our prayer intentions: “Let us pray for children who are suffering, especially for those who are homeless, orphans, and victims of war.”[1] He further indicated that all children are to be our concern, which is why, if and when we find children... Read more
Church history shows that there were many women who were ordained as deacons, many of whom were also saints. Indeed, the Council of Chalcedon, in stating when they could be ordained, shows us women were ordained as deacons (i.e., deaconesses): A woman shall not receive the laying on of hands as a deaconess under forty years of age, and then only after searching examination. And if, after she has had hands laid on her and has continued for a time... Read more
Following what Jesus taught when he was asked about the greatest commandment, the Christian faith teaches us that we must do is love one another, even as we are to love God: And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, `Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you... Read more
Paul’s belief in Christ had him challenge himself and his own understanding of the way God could and would interact with the Gentiles. It did not change the way he viewed the people of Israel, the Jews, and the special relationship he believed they had with God. Indeed, in some ways, it intensified it, as it made him understand even more how special that relationship was, which is why he didn’t think Gentiles were called to convert to the Christian... Read more
The world and all that was in it was created good. Everything has its own value, a good all to itself. That good must is not based upon the value others place upon it based upon the way they think they can use it; rather, the good it has is due to the special gifts and value God gave to it, a good found in its existence as well as in its nature. This is one of the many things... Read more
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