A number of the news stories about the canonizations in Rome today make reference to sainthood — the naming of — as a “reward.” It is, of course, a tremendous thing. But it’s more for us — those of us still living on earth, struggling, trying to be holy — isn’t it? The real reward is eternal life. Accolades — even at Mass in Rome — pale in comparison. We are reminded of this call, understanding our lives as an... Read more
Among the seven canonized today: Kateri Tekawitha: “sustained by her Christian faith and an ardent love of Jesus present in the Eucharist.” Anna Schäffer: “Through Christ she was able to accept the mystery of the Cross in love and gratitude.” Marìa Carmen Sallés y Barangueras: “Her life was fruitful because it was a self-giving life.” Her motto: “Forward always, forward. God will provide.” Marianne Cope and her service to the lepers of Hawaii: “At a time when little could be... Read more
We are in the second week of a Year of Faith, and in the Magnificat Year of Faith Companion yesterday was an entry not to be overlooked. It was from the writings of Dorothy Day and in it she cuts to the core of what a Year of Faith, and our lives, ought to be about: remembering the Creed — what is it that we say we profess to believe when we say we are Catholic? — and living as... Read more
Some of what went down Thursday night at the Al Smith dinner in New York and why it matters. And a cardinal bottom line: “Please don’t be confused. Please know that simply to pray with somebody, simply to have a meal with somebody, simply to be friendly to somebody doesn’t mean that we are endorsing them or agreeing with them.” And a dinner you may prefer — celebrating Jim Buckley. Read more
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In an interview with David Brody, Brit Hume talks about life after his son died: I considered myself a Christian. If someone had asked me if you’re a Christian, I would have said, ‘Of course I’m a Christian.’ But I think I was what you would call a nominal Christian. I went through my adult life with little thought day by day of God or Christ or any of the rest of it. I just didn’t think about it very... Read more
In his Angelus address, on August 2, 1987, Blessed John Paul II pointed out: Every Christian is, in fact, essentially an apostle. This noble status obliges him to undertake any and all efforts, personally and as part of a community, to achieve that which we invoke when we pray: “Your kingdom come.” The human being is endowed with a sociable nature. With baptism, then, he forms part of the people of God and becomes a member of the mystical body... Read more
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B16 today on the Year of Faith and our lives: The fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council is an important occasion to return to God, to deepen and live with greater courage one’s own faith, to strengthen membership of the Church, “the teacher of humanity,” which, through the proclamation of the Word, the celebration of the Sacraments and the work of charity leads us to encounter and know Christ, true God and true man. This is... Read more
Do you know about the Baptists suing President Obama’s Department of Health and Human Services? Read more
Kathryn Lopez
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