The readings of today’s liturgy emphasize one simple truth of our Catholic faith: sin damages us and others. It has serious long-term consequences—even those of an unending, eternal duration. Sin can lead to that terrifying reality we call hell.
Theology
The Accusation that Catholics Worship Mary Is Built on Misunderstanding and Exaggeration
As a teen and young man, I remember being hesitant—even fearful—of mentioning to my friends that I was a Catholic. I knew they held a lot of misunderstanding about the Church and what the Church believes about Mary.
The Love of a Son: Saint Augustine, The Power of The Eucharist and The Gift of The Mass In Intercession for The Dead
With the approach of All Souls Day, let us remember that the love of St. Augustine for his mother, St. Monica, moved him to continue to offer his love for her through the supreme and saving sacrifice of the eucharistic celebration.
Corruption in the Church and Receiving the Sacraments from Sinful Priests
Given the recent exposure of corruption in the Chruch, some are tempted to resurrect the ancient heresy of the Donatists. Those outside the Church, as well as some within, wonder why any Catholic would bother attending Mass or receiving the sacraments or listening to the Church at all.
The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like a Net Thrown Into The Sea
Instituted by Christ and founded on the apostles, the Church on earth is the kingdom of heaven in its seed and beginning. The Church is God the Father’s intended home for all people, deigned to be so from before time began. She is inclusive, barring no person from communion with her and her founder, Jesus Christ. It is only the individual who voluntarily excludes himself by rejecting communion with the Church through free-choices that are incompatible with the love of Christ and the rule of his kingdom.