“Consider, oh man, what God became for your sake; understand this lesson of surpassing humility presented by a teacher who, as yet, says no word.” - Saint Augustine The word “to promise” means to put in motion. And a promise is the way in which we put our lives in...
Catholic Bible Study
Are You Willing To Ask The Uncomfortable Questions Of Life? |Catholic Bible Study
Reality is continually asking us questions. It always asks us to choose. And, through our decisions, we show who we truly are. It’s a process we can’t back out of. Once in a while, we may feel a desire to escape from this unavoidable call to manifest who we...
5 Ways To Prepare The Way Of The Lord: An Advent Spiritual Exercise
Advent is a time to prepare your heart for Jesus' coming at Christmas, as well as to prepare others around you to receive Him as their Savior. Especially with the non-Catholics and non-Christians in your life, how can you use this season of grace to help others open...
3 Thought Experiments To Unleash Glory In Your Life
Advent is a wonderful time to examine your heart and your prayer life, and to make small changes that can set you on a new trajectory of hope in the year ahead. We invite you to watch Father's video, then prayerfully read the Gospel and reflection. We pray that this...
Starting A New Season Of Your Life | Catholic Bible Study
“He was an old man who fished alone in a skiff in the Gulf Stream and he had gone eighty-four days now without taking a fish.” ~ Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea Every path needs a starting point. In order to leave port, a ship must lose its mooring; in order...
The Meaning Of Life Hangs On A Promise Already Kept | Catholic Bible Study
“Man is a rope stretched between the animals and the 'overman'” ~ Nietzsche Anthony De Melo once asked, “What is the difference between a sinner and a saint?” Smiling, he responded, “None! They are both sinners; it’s just that the saint knows it.” We spend a great...
What Does Christ’s Kingship Have To Do With Littleness?
“Man says that time passes. Time says that man passes.” - T. Terzani The most important things are said at the end: at the end, when you say goodbye to someone you love knowing that you might not see them again; at the end of your life, when you have to decide how you...
What Do The Lamp, The Oil, And Sleepiness Symbolize in The Parable Of The 10 Virgins?
For those who have had the experience of keeping watch over a sick person through the night, especially if it was a very close loved one, you know what it means to fight off sleep. You do everything in your power to stay awake; you use every ounce of strength; you...
Conquer the Day: Four Points for Morning Meditation
How well (or poorly) do you prepare for your day? Are you one of the wise virgins, ready with oil in your lamp, or - like the foolish, unprepared virgins - does the day get away from you for failure to properly prepare, pray, and meditate on a structure that keeps you...
The Narcissism of Modern Pharisees | Gospel Reflection
“This is the end which befalls evildoers. And in this life scoundrels always receive their just deserts!” - Don Giovanni, Mozart If Don Giovanni had paused for just a moment during his quest for pleasure and realized how empty his life was, he would have had no choice...
5 Things Jesus Teaches About Leadership
Is your authority building up, or tearing down? Presenting five things that Jesus teaches about leadership, used as an examination of conscience. We invite you to watch Father's video, then prayerfully read the Gospel and reflection. We pray that this might help you...
The 2 Greatest Commandments And The Meaning Of Love | Catholic Bible Study
“Love is an inclination” - Hannah Arendt A long time ago I heard the story of a rose who realized how beautiful she was. Intoxicated by her own splendor, she decided that she only wanted to be caressed by the gentle touch of a butterfly, and so she did not appreciate...
Whose Coin, And Whose Soul? How Images Remind Us About God’s Love | Catholic Bible Study
“For as much as he stirs in vain, man always walks within his image.” - Augustine, Commentary on Psalm 38:7 I have always been fascinated by the work done to restore ancient frescos that brings to light the original images, the faces of the people as they were first...
3 Ways To Respond To Injustices |Catholic Bible Study
On social media, at work, at home, in your community, at school... are you building up or are you tearing down? Are you helping to proclaim Jesus, or are you adding to the anger and hatred - especially political - that fills society? Today's gospel reflection can help...
What Does A Party Symbolize In The Bible?
“Allow me to do the best that I can.” - Babette’s Feast by K. Blixen Organizing a party is a serious matter. It says a lot about us and many times it is a symbol of our lives. There are those that love to take care of every detail themselves and those that leave...
The Dynamics Of Our Friend Groups And Why We Choose Them
Jesus said to his disciples: "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that 'every fact may be...
How To Look Suffering In The Eye
Matthew 16:21-27 Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him,”God...
Is It Important To Know What Others Think Of You?
One of the best ways to enrich your knowledge of scripture is to pray the to meditate the Gospels. A great way of doing this is using the technique of Lectio Divina, a powerful method which we explain here. The following is the Sunday Gospel reading with a reflection...
How Do You Give A Christian Testimony?
What does it mean to testify to Jesus Christ? Have you ever had the opportunity to proclaim your faith? Peter's bold testimony in this coming Sunday's Gospel reading is a compelling lesson on Christian responsibility, but also on human happiness. Father Ian VanHeusen...
Silence Isn’t Always What It Seems | Catholic Bible Study
One of the best ways to enrich your spiritual life is to reflect on the Gospel. A great way of doing this is using the technique of Lectio Divina, a powerful method that we explain here. The following is a Gospel reading with a reflection that is especially aimed at...
When God Gives Us Unexpected Surprises
St. Ignatius of Loyola explains, “By the term “Spiritual Exercises” is meant every method of examination of conscience, of meditation, of contemplation, of vocal and mental prayer, and of other spiritual activities. “For just as taking a walk, journeying on foot,...
How to Trust When You Feel Abandoned | Catholic Bible Study
One of the best ways to enrich your experience at Sunday Mass is to pray and meditate on the Gospels. A great way of doing this is using the technique of Lectio Divina, a powerful method which we explain here. The following is the Sunday Gospel reading with a...
Finding Joy In Dissatisfaction
One of the best ways to enrich your experience at Sunday Mass is to pray the Mass Readings personally and to meditate on a Gospel reflection. A great way of doing this is using the technique of Lectio Divina, a powerful method which we explain here. The following is...
What The Transfiguration Teaches About Divine Love And The Choices You Make
In today’s Gospel reflection, Father Ian VanHeusen presents a spiritual exercise based on the readings for Sunday’s Mass. St. Ignatius of Loyola explains, “By the term “Spiritual Exercises” is meant every method of examination of conscience, of meditation, of...
When Does Love Go On Sale? The Fear Of Being Deceived By Life | Catholic Bible Study
A great form of prayer is Lectio Divina, a powerful method that we explain here. This week, Fr. Piccolo reflects on Matthew 13:44-52. We hope that it serves you in your personal prayer and that it serves as a resource that you can share with your apostolate....