“Foil” is an odd word. Readers probably understand “foil” as shiny thin wrap used for freezing meat, but it actually has many definitions. “Foil” may refer to one character in a story serving as contrast for another. “Foil” can also refer to a light sword used in...
You're going to be hearing a lot about Hallow over the next few weeks. We've just launched a partnership with this revolutionary Catholic prayer and meditation app and we're so excited to share how we've been growing spiritually because of it with you. Katie and Drew...
Sometimes I think Jesus gives us too much credit. This past Sunday's Gospel reading, on what is often known as Good Shepherd Sunday, makes what I consider a big assumption. ". . . [T]he sheep follow [the shepherd], because they recognize his voice. But they will not...
This week on the podcast we talk about how Moses was able to be real with God. He prayed in a way that showed his frustration with the people of Israel. The people knew what they needed but they didn't ask God for it. In the Gospel we talk about the woman at the well,...
Ever go to Mass and walk away totally confused? It happens sometimes. There are Sundays when we just don't understand the point the readings are trying to illustrate or when the priest gives a homily that is difficult to follow. If this is a struggle for us as adults,...
This week on the podcast we talk about remembering the faith of the Patriarchs of Salvation History. The faith of Moses, and the Israelites when they faced Passover. In the second reading we talk about the faith of Abraham, in his waiting for the promises and his...
This week on the podcast we talk about the lenten practice of fasting. Fr Ian is fired up! The whole point of fasting during lent is to get our flesh in line with our spirit, since "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak". To fast from good things for a time...
“They say that one who is satiated cannot understand someone who is hungry; to that, I would add that one hungry person does not understand another hungry person.” - Dostoevsky Every one of us hungers. Every one of us seeks for something that will nourish us. We...
“Life is always a triumph of the improbable and a miracle of the unexpected.” - Henri de Lubac Making a decision is never easy. But it is even harder when we have to decide between two good things. Choosing which has priority is not always clear-cut. Feelings of...
When my mother notices that I’m trying to hide something from her or that I’m trying, good-naturedly, to tease her, she always reminds me quite colorfully that she is the one who made me! She knows me so well that she perceives my mood from the tone of my voice....
Gospel Reflection for Mark (5:21-43) When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he...
Fr Ian VanHeusen and Alanna Burg talk about the readings for The Nativity of St John the Baptist. Questions for reflection. Do you think that names can have a hand in your destiny? What would draw you to someone? What type of magnetism would you respond to? Are you...
Catholic Bible Study for the Solemnity of the birth of Saint John the Baptist: Our lives are made of broken promises, promises that we make to ourselves and are unable to keep. And yet, somehow, these promises help us live because they spur us on and give us a goal....
“We love only that which is beautiful.” ~ Augustine Freedom has a price, but does love? How much does love cost? Jesus was sold for 30 pieces of silver. Joseph, in the book of Genesis, was sold into slavery by his brothers. And Orpheus had to make a bargain with...
Fr. Ian VanHeusen presents a gospel reflection and spiritual exercise on the Gospel reading for the 2nd Sunday of Lent, Mark 9:2-10, the account of the Transfiguration on Mt. Tabor. Throughout the Lenten season, Father encourages us to invest in prayer of...
Father Ian VanHeusen presents a Catholic Bible Study and spiritual exercise on the Gospel reading from Mark 1:40-45, when Jesus cleanses the leper and His reputation for miracles and wonders begins to spread near and far. We invite you to watch Father's video, then...
3 Marks of an Authentic Disciple https://youtu.be/Ydq1e0cHiw0 3 Marks of an Authentic Disciple 1. Repent Every day, you must practice ongoing conversion, recognizing that you need the Lord. The Desert Fathers would do this through short little prayers like the Jesus...
We invite you to watch Father's video, then prayerfully read the Gospel and reflection. We pray that this might help you in your apostolate, your family, your classroom, or personally... to prepare for and more deeply experience Sunday's Mass, and to better integrate...
“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...
"Life is not fair!" Such a temptation and a thought-trap. How do we get past this pitfall? Today's Gospel reflection helps us by providing three strategies to overcoming this all-too-human struggle that threatens to derail our own personal progress and cooperation...
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 do you deal with suffering? How do you learn to push through discomfort, fear and anxiety for the sake of Jesus Christ? At some point in life, we all must encounter fears, and some of them are too heavy to overcome alone. In Matthew 16:21, Peter balks at Jesus'...
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....
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...
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 that we explain here. The following is...