"You cannot serve God and mammon."

The Gospel set before us this Sunday (8A), March 2, 2014, continues Christ's teaching as given in the Sermon on the Mount. The extract is all about Divine Providence. Jesus does not deny the reality of human needs, but forbids making them the object of anxious care and, in effect, becoming their slave. In our modern consumerist society, it is a teaching that is frequently neglected - even by devout Christians.  Our Discussion Questions will guide your Online Sunday Bible Study sessions with your family, friends and church groups.

"You cannot serve God and mammon."

Jesus lays it on the line. Mammon means more than simply money. The word comes from a Hebrew root that means "to entrust" - like today we speak about credit, trust funds and bonds. Mammon came to mean "that in which a man places his trust." It became a substitute for God, an idol, a false god. Fr. Charles Irvin says we must not love the things of this world to the exclusion of the love of God.

But as followers of Jesus, we recognize that we do have legitimate concerns for material goods. But if those concerns are filled with insecurities and cause new forms of enslavement to wealth, they will inevitably lead people into slavery to two separate masters. Maybe we are spending our lives on what is of small value: what we will eat, what we will wear, how long we will live. Fr. John Foley, S. J. reminds us that these things do not last. They are too far down the scale of values.

Set your values on what is most valuable and you will find peace. We are called to serve God and God alone in the deepest sense in order to experience authentic freedom, explains Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB. And Fr. Alex McAllister SDS says Jesus is helping us understand that our faith should be in God alone. God will provide for those who depend on Him.

Putting our Trust in God

Fr. Orlando Sapuay, M.S. points out the one thing Jesus identifies as a sign we are clinging to a false god. A person devoted to an idol becomes consumed with worry. Our hearts are restless because we worry about tomorrow, we fear what might happen or we think that only in some future time we will be happy.

The bottom line is that we are to trust in God to provide. Fr. Joseph Pellegrino tells us we should not base our trust on our money. He says this Gospel teaching is an accurate demonstration of the faith we must nurture: "Don't worry about tomorrow. Let tomorrow take care of itself. Seek first God's kingdom over you and his way of holiness, and all will be given you." Fr. Phil Bloom says Jesus invites us to trust in God, to serve him now. "Only in God is my soul at rest..."

College student reflects that maybe we don’t have to worry so much about the little details and fear for the worst. I mean, if the birds don’t worry why should I? God provides. Fr. Ron Rolheiser reminds us that Christ promised that we will not be orphaned. And we can take that at face value.

This Sunday we can pray for a deeper commitment to God for ourselves and for others. Abbot Philip Lawrence, OSB says we can ask for a trust that sustains us every day and a commitment that is clearly choosing God. Even if we do not receive those gifts immediately, praying for them is on the way of peace.

Pride, Prayer and Babel

So what are you building in your lfe? Msgr. Charles Pope offers a meditation on the story of the Tower of Babel. The lessons to be learned can mirror those of our Sunday Gospel's. It is a memorable story for most. And yet he points out that it has a strange angularity to it.

Paul Dion, STL shares in his reflection that making mistakes and being wrong is not always a bad thing. This is not anathema as he repeats the story of Thomas Edison who, after failing to make a working light bulb for what is reported as being hundreds of times always referred to his ineffective attempts as "lessons of how not to do it the next time."

Jennifer Fulwiler shares a section from St. Frances de Sales Introduction to the Devout Life where he offers four practical tips for putting yourself in God’s presence. With Lent approaching, I thought this might be a good section to cover since many of us are thinking about how we can improve our prayer lives.

For non-Catholics who are considering crossing the Tiber, sensing and answering the call to convert to Catholicism is a tremendous decision on many levels. Chris Findley, a convert himself, discusses the challenges and graces of conversion and offers valuable advise in the form of 10 things you should expect as a new convert. While Dr. Marcellino d'Ambrosio offers a homily from the 5th century given by Pope St. Leo the Great, one of the early Church Fathers on a topic that's a stumbling block for many Protestants: St. Peter and the Keys.

Eucharistic Adoration & New Age Gnosticism

We look back to Archbishop Thomas Wenski of the Archdiocese of Miami who tackled a most important topic today: New Age Gnosticism. One can go to almost any commercial bookstore and discover whole sections devoted to the theme. Unfortunately, he says, most of what sells as “spiritual reading,” usually classified under the heading of “New Age,” does not demand any more faith or belief than going to the movies. Not all that is marketed under the rubric “spirituality” is “chicken soup” for the Christian soul.

We contrast this trend to New Age spirituality with the story of how one dismal parish became a church on fire. Their secret? Eucharistic Adoration! They were facing tough times. The congregation was dwindling, and Mass attendance was at an all-time low. The empty confessional was collecting dust, and donations were dismal. But today, it is one of the most vibrant parishes in their diocese with standing-room only Masses, confessional lines, and an abundance of freewill donations that will make them debt-free by April.

Saying Yes, Styling and the Oscar Weekend

Jenifer Fulwiler reflects on a fantastic blog post she read which suggests that the secret to an extraordinary life is simply saying YES. It got her to thinking about other people she admires who said yes when they could ahve said no.

Judith Costello's Mysteries of Parenting blogs about how children (and adults) sometimes wear name brand clothing as a badge of honor. Her daughter was nine, when she came home comparing her clothes to those of a friend at school. Her daughter Brigit felt discouraged because there were no flashy labels on her clothes. But the truth is many of Brigit's favorite clothes come from the thrift store or yard sales, the kind of places some children are taught that only "lower class people enter." I will let her tell you how this story ended. It's most appropriate to the lessons of the Gospel for this Sunday.

Another eventful week in our Catholic World. Have a great and blessed new week.
Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief


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"But I say to you, love your enemies"

 

The Gospel text for this Sunday continues with Jesus and His Sermon on the Mount. Christ is not finished. This Sunday He says His people must think not of their rights but of their duties as His followers. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Online Sunday Bible Study sessions with your family, friends and church groups.

"Love your Enemies"

There is something within us that believes that real justice is in the law of talons: an eye for an eye. In reality, we would rather live in an Old Testament world - a world without Christ - than live in a world where we are expected to sacrifice our desire for vengeance to the Lord's command to love our enemies.

Perhaps that is why the most difficult words we pray today and every day, explains Fr. Joseph Pellegrino, are those words found in the Lord's Prayer: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." Christianity has not been tried and found wanting. It has been tried and found difficult. Christianity is a radical way of life. Father Cusick tells us that only the Christian, through the demands of his faith, forgives and prays for his enemies, which Christ teaches in today's Gospel.

But, Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio asks, does Jesus want really us to be doormats, suckers who allow ourselves to be taken advantage of by every bully, dictator and gangster that comes down the pike? Not quite, explains Fr. John Foley, S. J. He says Jesus offers us instead a deep insight into the human heart and into the laws that govern it.

Fr. Alex McAllister SDS elaborates further that Jesus is not saying that we ought to allow ourselves to be abused. We should retain the moral high ground and rise above the fray. This, therefore, is not so much about inviting further injury as refraining from retaliation, not perpetuating a disagreement. Turning the other cheek, college student Stephen Chanderbhan points out, can truly help bring people towards God.

Love: Unconditional, Uncompromising, Unlimited, Indiscriminate

Jesus practiced what He preached. He both forgave people who crucified Him and made excuses for them. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." But, Fr. James Gilhooley explains, Christ is not finished. This Sunday Jesus preaches that His people must think not of their rights but of their duties as His followers. They must be concerned not with benefits but responsibilities. He demands love based wholly upon the nature of God who loves without limits. Fr. Orlando Sapuay, M.S. says this means loving in the way the heavenly Father loves – unconditionally, uncompromisingly, unlimitedly, indiscriminately.

In the end, Fr. Ron Rolheiser explains, the acid-test for Christian orthodoxy is something more demanding, something that lies closer to the heart of what is most unique and novel within Jesus. It is His call to love our enemies, to not give back in kind, to wish good and do good to those who are unkind to us.

“Be Holy, For I, the Lord, Your God, Am Holy”

Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB explains that the Scripture readings for Sunday issue three calls to us– to be holy as the Lord our God is holy; to not deceive ourselves with the wisdom of this age; and to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Each person who hears this Gospel must decide whether or not to trust Jesus when he says that an apparently foolish act of love is stronger than any act of evil.

Jesus' way of non-resistance to the evil man is not dreamy idealism. Fr. Phil Bloom says it is part of His call to a complete love - a perfect love that includes even our enemies. We cannot achieve that love on our own power, but only by his grace. If we live in the wisdom of Jesus, says Fr. Campion P. Gavaler, O.S.B., we can be certain that we are children of the heavenly Father because love is the nature of divine life.

Prayer, Faith & Apps

Dr. Peter Kreeft says the three most precious ideas he has ever discovered all concern the love of God. Check out his list. It could spell a discovery in your life as well. And it is just such a rebirth that one Afghani Christian is willing to die for in this story three years ago about awesome faith. He is Christian and father of six, is imprisoned and scheduled to die. His crime? He believes Christ is his Savior. And he is scheduled to die because of it. No defense lawyer will take his case for fear of retribution. And he has been told that if he renounces Christ things, would go easier. But he doesn’t.

Now here's an important question. Is it a sin not to pray every day? Fr. John Zuhlsdorf received this question from a reader who found this tidbit in the iPhone Catholic confession app. And the good father agreed with the app that it is indeed a sin against the first commandment. Read more about it here.Speaking of the iPhone, Fr. Jack McLain asserts that there are truly plenty of Catholic-centric uses for such devices. When his Jesuit confrere asked him to prove it, he combed through Apple’s App Store and found the best Catholic apps he could. Here's his list.

Bible, Genesis & the Eucharist

Rev. Robert Barron says he's continually amazed how often the “problem” of Genesis comes up in his work of evangelization and apologetics. People struggle with the seemingly bad science that is on display in the opening chapters of the first book of the Bible. How can anyone believe that God made the visible universe in six days, etc? He offers ideas on the proper way to read the Bible so it all makes sense.

As a young man, author Brant Pitre had difficulties explaining the Holy Eucharist to his Protestant friends. Now a professor of sacred scripture at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, he released a new book called Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist. He discusses a few of the startling and fascinating aspects of Judaism in the first century, and how directly they speak to and enhance our experience of Holy Communion.

Parenting Love and Dentyne Gum

Judith Costello wrote that we parents need to find a balance between supporting our children as they try out new things, and keeping them safe. Children need both the boundaries and the options. And they need our prayers for those times when we can’t be present. This is a must read for all parents.

And then Jake Frost writes "Collision With a Dentyne Truck - Love Lessons in Gum." Imagine the scene. A businessman heading home to his wife and chilkdren strides briskly through an airport. Coming upon one of those airport convenience stores with piratical prices, he stops, turns inside, and purchases a dozen packs of Dentyne gum. You'll have to read the rest of it to see what he does after.

Another eventful week in our Catholic World. Have a great and blessed new week.

Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief

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"This is the King of the Jews"

Sunday's solemn feast of Christ the King, the grand finale to Liturgical Year C, gives us an opportunity to lay aside a lot of cultural baggage about kings and kingdoms, and discover how Jesus Christ can be a true king, unlike earthly rulers. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Online Sunday Bible Study sessions with your family, friends and church groups.

The feast of Jesus Christ the Universal King was insituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 and is observed on the last Sunday of the Roman Catholic Liturgical Year. It causes us to meditate on the Second and Final Coming of Christ, the last Judgment, and the end of the world.

Christ our Lord

Christ is our King; he is king of our lives, king of our destinies, king of all of creation. He is the ruler; we are the ruled. He is the healer; we are the patient. He is the saviour; we are the saved.

This Sunday’s Mass challenges us with the question: “Who or what exercises power over our lives?” Fr. Charles Irvin says we all know, don’t we, that it should be Christ our Lord -- He should be the One in whose dominion we should live.

Christ is the anointed one. Father Cusick reminds us that Jesus was anointed by God the Father to be the Messiah, and therefore King. By reason of his godhead, Jesus the Son shares in the dominion of the Father and the Holy Spirit over all creation. He is no local warlord, no regional ruler, adds Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Ph.D. Jesus is the universal King and no one is outside His dominion. His kingdom is not of this world, and so his kingship is not like that of earthly kings.

Conversion into His Kingship

Christian life is a life lived in acknowledgement of our utter dependence on God. This means that conversion is at its very heart. But, Fr. Alex McAllister points out, conversion is not a one-off thing. It is a constant process. We have to continually remind ourselves that without God we are nothing and that we should therefore give him first priority in everything that we say or do. We desire to be good citizens, but ultimately we do not belong to the government. Fr. Phil Bloom says we belong to Jesus - the King over all kings.

College student Anusia Dickow can't help but feel unworthy of such a great king.She looks at the description of our King in the second reading and how powerful He is. But then she reads the Gospel and sees how our King gave up everything, His dignity, His life, on the cross. And so Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB makes it clear that very few can measure up to Christ's kingly stature, remaining powerless in the face of the powerful. Many of us resist with power, even though we resort to very refined forms of pressure and manipulation. Kingship, when God is involved, does not ask people to ignore the failures, but embraces those experiences and redeems them.

The only goal that matters, the only dream that matters is the dream of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ and our participation in this Kingdom. Fr. Joseph Pellegtino tells us that this dream includes the purpose for our lives, the formation of a community of God’s love that makes life meaningful. And this Sunday, the scriptures present us with the choice between two kingdoms -- the kingdom of light or the kingdom of darkness. The choice is ours, Fr. Orlando Sapuay, M.S. challenges us. Which kingdom do you serve?

The King as The Suffering Servant

Over the past year, we have seen the important Lukan theme of the imitation of Jesus, especially in his ministry of forgiveness and reconciliation. In Luke's moving Gospel story of the crucifixion, this theme reaches its apex. The teaching in the Gospels is absolutely clear. If you want to be first, then be the last.

If you want to have power, then become the servant of all others. Paul Dion, STL illustrates that this was precisely how Jesus conquered Peter. When the King washed the servant's feet during the Last Supper, Jesus showed that the source of kingly power is service to the Word of God.

Indeed, as Jesus walked this earth, the Kingdom of God was His. He sorrowed, He was lowly, He hungered and thirsted for justice. His heart burst with compassion, He was singlehearted, He brought peace and was persecuted for holiness' sake. He was insulted and persecuted because of who He was. Fr. James Gilhooley explains that this Saviour clearly is no royal person. Rather, in the jargon of college students, He is clearly a Man who walks the talk.

The Solemnity of Christ the King is not about power or about being first. It is instead about doing the will of the Father. Abbot Philip Lawrence, OSB says today's challenge is about Christians believing and being will to suffer for their beliefs. But why do we have to suffer? Fr. John Foley, S. J. says it's because that is the way of the world. Why didn’t Christ the King change the world and make things perfect? He did, but not in the way we had expected. He did it as Christ the Kind.

Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

During the whole month of November we meditate on the four Last things: death, judgement, heaven and hell. In the modern age we think little of such things. Msgr. Charles Pope warns us - that death will come is certain. It may come in an instant. Tomorrow is not promised. I can’t even promise you that you will make through alive, reading this post. But not only do modern people think little of death, but even less do we think of the judgment to follow.

Are you prepared to die? Fr. Ron Rolheiser continues the discourse. He tells us that inside the communion of saints, after death, our communication is privileged. Death washes clean. It clarifies perspective and takes away a lot of relational tensions. Why does he say this? Because, he says, our faith and our experience teach us this.

Confessions of a Protestant Missionary to Guatemala

Theirs is a story that captured my attention. Set aside some time and leisurely read their testimony. And I assure you there is much you will learn about our Catholic Church vis-a-vis the different Protestant denominations. Kristine L. Franklin and her husband were Evangelical Protestants who had spent eight years of preparation in the US to be missionaries in Guatemala. After two years of toiling for Christ in that country, their Protestant Christian paradigm began shifting. Disillusioned, they resigned form their mission and moved back to the US. And just over a year after that they embraced the Catholic Church as the one true faith. This is a must-read. Share it with your Protestant friends.

Catholicizing Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day means lots of things to Americans: overeating a big turkey dinner, watching football, getting ready to scoop up the local mall’s 6 a.m. special sales the next morning. More than any other national holiday Thanksgiving is family-centered. Bishop Kevin Farrell reminds us that although many of us are scattered and apart from our loved ones, we return in spirit, if not in person for Thanksgiving. It is a time when we are reminded that people are more important than things.

Joseph Precchen tells us how we can Catholicize Thanksgiving Day. And it should start with a Talking turkey aside, celebration of the Eucharist. And why must we discharge this obligation at Mass rather than in the comfort of our own homes? Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio says it's because our sacrifice of thanksgiving is weak and insufficient on its own. There was only One who has ever offered perfect worship to the Father, and His sacrifice is made present again at every Eucharist.

So let's not forget what this special day is all about. Worship of God first and foremost is a strict obligation of justice. We were created out of nothing, through no effort of our own. We were saved by grace; it was not our own doing (Ephesians 2:4). On both counts, we owe God everything. We can never adequately repay him, and so owe him a lifetime of gratitude.

So, are you thankful? What are you thankful for? We bring back an annual ParishWorld Thansgiving tradition. Share your thoughts and prayers of gratitude with us. Click here and complete this statement: This Thanksgiving Day, I am most thankful to God for the gift of ...

Tips for a Hearty & Healthy Thanksgiving

In a country where supersizing and soaring obesity rates have become the norm, what is the best way to deal with our annual feast day? Streamlining. The key to a healthy holiday meal is that less can be more. Less fat. Less sugar. Less salt. And less on the plate. But not less flavor. Check this out: Tips, recipes for a hearty, healthy Thanksgiving meal

Sure, we know the holiday leaves us stuffed. That heavy meal will likely push you to the closest couch for a quick nap. But it's not just the extra calories that make us groggy. Here are the four reasons Thanksgiving makes us sleepy.

Another eventful week in our Catholic world. Have a great and bleesed new week. And Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief

BURNING QUESTION: Why a "crucifix" for Catholics and a plain cross for Protestants?
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"Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?"

This Sunday, March 6, 2011- 9th sunday in Ordinary time - we come to the very end of the Sermon on the Mount as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. We are not surprised that the conclusion of this long sermon comes with an allusion to the Last Day. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Online Sunday Bible Study sessions with your family, friends and church groups.

Allow us to point out something in today’s gospel passage that can be easily overlooked and missed. It’s where Jesus said, "Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?’" Fr. Charles Irvin says that day is none other than the day we die and stand before God. It is likewise the great Judgment Day at the end of time.

A House Built on Rock

Jesus offers us two perspectives on houses and construction. To build one's house on the sand means to place our hope and our certainty on things that are unstable and fleeting. What are such things? Money, success, fame, and even health and prosperity are just some, explains Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB. To build one's house on rock means to base one's life and hope on things that are solid, enduring, things that will not be carried away with the winds of the times.

Jesus continues, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” Fr. Alex McAllister SDS explains that Jesus is heavily stressing that a choice must be made in life. Listening to and then acting on His words leads to eternal life. However, those who merely listen but do not act will find themselves outside the Kingdom.

The prayer of faith, explains Father Cusick, consists not only in saying "Lord, Lord," but in disposing the heart to do the will of the Father. This, Fr. Demetrius R. Dumm, OSB tells us, is the wisdom that will allow us to build a house that can resist all possible storms. We need to open our hearts to the love of God so that we may be free enough to choose to love others.

Fine Words or Good Deeds

Fr. John Foley, S. J. noticed that Jesus was skeptical about good deeds at the end of his famous “Sermon on the Mount.” He warns that we may fool humans with our speech, but God cannot be deceived.

There is only one way in which a person’s sincerity can be proved. And Fr. Orlando Sapuay, M.S. explains that it by one’s actions. Fine words can never replace good deeds. Fr. Joseph Pellegrino clarifies that even if we were to do great things in the name of the Lord, if we do them for our own selfish needs, such as for recognition by others, our actions would be hypocritical. Our character is revealed in the choices we make, especially when we must choose between what is true or false, and good or evil.

College student Colleen Corcoran points out that the Second Reading’s message seemed to speak to the supreme importance of faith (“For we consider that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law”), while the Gospel is more concerned with the importance of action (“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock”). As Christians we believe that what ultimately defines us and gives us our dignity is the image and likeness of God inside us. This, explains Fr. Ron Rolheiser, is our deepest identity. It is our real self.

Here's the bottom line, according to Fr. Phil Bloom: Salvation involves more than a one-time acceptance of Jesus. What counts is not so much what we do for Jesus or what we know about him. What matters is knowing Jesus and being known by him: a daily relationship with Jesus based on intimate prayer.

Lent is Almost Upon Us

Next week, on March 9, Lent begins with the celebration of Ash Wednesday. Catholics should try not to rub their ashes off after Ash Wednesday Mass, an English bishop has said. Bishop Kieran Conry urged Catholics to wear “the outward sign of our inward sorrow for our sins and for our commitment to Jesus as Our Lord and Saviour”.

Dr. Marcellino d'Ambrosio says some think of Lent is a time for fasting. He sees it as a time of feasting. And he lists the three inter-related fertilizers which help Roman Catholics and all Christians bear fruit - Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. From the Vatican, Sandro Magister reports that in the message for the forty days of preparation for Easter, Pope Benedict XVI calls all to conversion and new life.

Many Catholics observe Lent with a discipline of withdrawal, in whole or in part, from media: movies, television, Internet, radio, music, newspapers. This is an admirable discipline, and one Steven D. Greydanus recommends. For those inclined to consider this practice, here are six suggested movies to watch for the six weeks of Lent.

Lent is also an opportune time to avail of the Sacrament of Confession. However, many today express a rather deep impatience with the whole idea of confessing one’s sins to a priest. Why, some asked, do we require a mediator when seeking the divine forgiveness? Why can’t we “go directly to God?” Fr. Robert Barron offers a solid explanation tion on why we go to a priest fo Confession.

Thank God for the season of Lent. May we all use the days of this Lent to see the things that God wants us to see, hear the things He wants us to hear, and reform the way we live because we have really listened to His voice.

Unpleasant Truths, Unions and Catholic Identity

Being confronted by the truth can often be unpleasant. In New York City, one such ad has been generating some fierce reactions. The billboard that simply stated “The most dangerous place for an African-American is in the womb.” This message was accompanied by a photograph of a young, African-American girl. Is that message unpleasant? Is it upsetting? Does it get our attention? Yes! Because the message is somberly true. So why has the billboard suddenly been taken down? Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York discusses the controversy.

In Wisconsin, another conrtroversy rages. The U.S. episcopal conference has underlined the moral element of the current national debate over unions and collective bargaining, noting that it's not simply "ideology or power" that's at stake, but also principles of justice. This statement supported the stance announced earlier by the Wisconsin bishops' conference

Last week, we celebrated the Blessed John Henry Newman's birthday. Applying some of Newman's ideas to the current situation of Catholic colleges and universities in the United States, one could postulate what Newman's proposals would be for the renewal of the Catholic identity of these institutions. Similarly from from Denver, Archbishop Charles Chaput reminded us that all adult Catholics are teachers. That’s one of our mandates as believers. And in an age of confusion, the Church is our only reliable guide. Through her, it’s our job to form our children and ourselves in the truth that will make us genuinely free.

Jews, the Pope and his New Book

And from the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI made a major new contribution to Catholic-Jewish relations with a gripping theological assessment of who was culpable for the death of Jesus Christ. The Pope exonerated the Jewish people from all blame for the Crucifixion and death of Jesus. His new book "Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week" is also set for worldwide release on March 10. Here is an excerpt from Benedict XVI's book. It comes from Chapter 7, Section 3, titled "Jesus Before Pilate." Ignatius Press is the publisher of the volume in English.

Facebook, Divorce & Missing Church

Why don’t people go to church? Deacon Greg Kandra discovered this gem on a Facebook post. One priest got tired of listening to excuses why people skip the Church, and has written this interesting list of reasons. The twist? He talks about washing oneself instead of going to Church. But the analogy is strikingly piercing.

Here's a shout-out to many of you out there: If you're married and on Facebook, read this! Patrick Madrid found this claim in an article he read. And it doesn’t surprise us a bit: “A survey by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers found that Facebook is cited as evidence in 66 percent of divorces in the United States. Also, more than 80 percent of divorce lawyers reported they “have seen an increase in the number of cases using social networking evidence” during the past few years.” Please read this story. it could save your marriage.

At the Movies: The Adjustment Bureau & Soul Surfer

Remember the young woman surfer whose arm was bit off by a shark attack? "Soul Surfer" is a movie about her life. But it met controversy when the producers airbrushed a bible from one of the scenes in the movie. The devotely Christian woman's family fought Hollywood to have the bible reinstated. And they won. This movie comes out April 2.

And finally, Sr. Rose Pacatte, FSP looks at one of the highly propmoted movies this week: "The Adjustment Bureau." Is it good? It's got its merits. But when considered through the lens of theology, or any perspective, Sr. Rose says the movie needs a major course correction.

Another eventful week in our Catholic World. Have a great and blessed new week.

Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief


BURNING QUESTION: Is it Better to Pray or To Study the Faith?
FEATURED BLOG: Who is the Holy Spirit?
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"If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away."

This Sunday's Gospel is a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount and Matthew emphasizes the relation between Jewish Law and the teaching of Jesus. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Online Sunday Bible Study sessions with your family, friends and church groups.

"Cut it off!"

This is some very difficult material in today's Gospel. 'If anyone kills he will answer for it before the court. But I say this to you: Anyone who is angry with his brother will answer for it before the court.' 'You must not commit adultery. But I say this to you: if a man looks at a woman lustfully, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart.' 'If your right hand causes you to sin cut it off and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body go to hell.'

Some of Jesus’ sayings above are downright shocking. Is he endorsing self-mutilation? If not, what can he possibly mean by this? Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio explains.

Introducing a New Thinking

Matthew reassures his readers that Jesus has not come to abolish the Law and the prophets but to bring them to completion. It is there, on that holy mountain in Galilee, after having declared the perpetual validity of the law and the duty to observe it that Jesus went on to affirm a new observance of the law. And Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB says it is one animated by the new evangelical spirit of charity and sincerity.

For Jesus, Fr. Alex McAllister SDS explains, just to keep the Law externally is not enough. Such observance, Fr. Demetrius R. Dumm, O.S.B. reminds us, can easily co-exist with an interior attitude that is judgmental and unforgiving. The Scribes and the Pharisees kept the Law and the Commandments very carefully, explains Fr. Orlando Sapuay. M.S.. But Jesus would say that, though they observed the external requirements of the Law, they did not have the spirit which is the foundation of the Law: to love God and to love the neighbor as oneself.

Four times Jesus quotes a passage from the Hebrew Bible, what we call the Old Testament. After citing each of the Scripture verses, Jesus says, "But I say to you..." Fr. Phil Bloom says our Lord is making an amazing claim of authority and power. Jesus did not come to give a new law. He came to give us Himself.

True conversion is conversion of the heart

The Sermon on the Mount is not about does and don’ts. It is not about limitations, how little must I do to slip by St. Peter at the gates of heaven. Fr. Joseph Pellegrino says the Sermon on the Mount is about being fully alive in Jesus Christ. It is about nourishing the eternal life within us.

In Christ is the fullness of God, perfectly revealed for us. Father Cusick points out that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Commandments. In Him, we can share in the glory of God, in his holiness and life. This we are advised by Fr. John Foley, S. J. to watch Jesus as we progress through life. The inside of the law is written in His heart. As you and I grow up, let it be written in us too.

Marriage & Divorce

Nowhere in the 5000 years of recorded history was marriage in worse shape than when Jesus came. Our own age, with its high divorce rate, would almost emerge as a golden age by comparison. So what did Jesus have in mind when He speaks in this Gospel passage about marriage? Fr. James Gilhooley says it was clearly to reinforce the sacredness of marital unity among the Jews of His time.

Then Jesus in this Gospel drops the bomb, "Everyone who divorces his wife forces her to commit adultery. The man who marries a divorced woman likewise commits adultery." When Jesus spoke them way back then, they struck the first audiences as off the wall. And even nowadays with a reported 50% of all marriages ending in divorce, these words continue to reverberate in our society.

Are you divorced or know someone who is? So now what? Can divorced people remarry? Can they receive Holy Communion? Is divorce a sin according to the Catholic Church? Let's try correcting some misunderstood Church teachings regarding Divorce.

When we discuss this topic, it's quite inevitable that we also talk about Catholic annulment. Contrary to what many might think, it is not Catholic divorce. Annulment is a thorny issue for many Catholics and widely misunderstood outside the Church. But it is a valid recourse for some failed marriages. Even Pope Benedict himself this week reinforced from the Vatican that people in doubt about their marriage status have a right to a speedy and simple process to determine nullity. Let's take a look at ten of the most commonly asked questions about annulment.

Prayer, the Bible & Youth Catechism

Taylor Marshall cautions Catholics to be very careful when they study the Scriptures because there are two dangerous pitfalls. The first is the error of reading Sacred Scripture apart from the Fathers and Popes of the Catholic Church. The second problem is that there are many terrible Bible translations out there. Just little shifts in language here and there can produce huge theological errors. To help the faithful, he offers some "Bible Study Helps for Catholics."

The Scriptures are gift for the ultimate purpose of leading us to heaven. St Bonaventure (1221-1274) the Seraphic Doctor of the Catholic Church explains that reading Sacred Scripture is not enough. One can only properly understand the Scriptures if he already has the truth of Faith in his heart.

Church teachings on the Scripture, of course, can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Pope Benedict this week recommended as "Extraordinary" the new catechism for young people being prepared in light of the upcoming World Youth Day.

And many of us can relate to this humbling dissertation by Matthew Archbold : 7 Reasons I Stink at Praying. He carries the burden for all of us by admitting that he's the worst prayer in the world. But the good news is that it doesn’t stop him - and us - from trying.

Walking in the Wide Catholic Church

The Church is wide, explains Msgr. Charles Pope. And he thinks of the Christian journey as a trip up the King’s Highway. Now on this road there are a good number of lanes. There's room for all - conservatives, liberal, rich, poor, Republicans, Democrats, etc.The Church permits us to drive in any or all the lanes. But she sets up guard rails beyond which we must not go. It's a great read on Church unity. And in the end we're all one. Even in places where God is denied, the world today is nostalgic for God. Benedict XVI declared it this week from the Vatican.

Now here's an inquiring question from a reader: After what point of lateness can I no longer receive Communion or fulfill obligation? Fr. John Zuhlsdorf offers kind pastoral advise we can all learn from.

Catholics in Media (CIMA) 2011 Awards Feb. 20, 2011

The Catholics in Media Associates (CIMA) 18th Annual Mass and Awards Brunch on Sunday, February 20th, 2011 will honor Fox Searchlight Films’ “Conviction” and CBS Television’s “Blue Bloods.” The CBS daytime drama “The Bold and The Beautiful” will receive the CIMA 2011 Humanitarian Award. The event at the Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA, will begin with a Mass at 10:00 AM with a brunch and awards ceremony to follow. Click here to purchase tickets for the awards brunch.

Finally, let's talk about napping. It's often frowned upon in our workaholic American culture. But in reality, the nap stigma is incredibly misplaced. Naps can be one of the most powerful tools for self-improvement; they can increase not only our health and well-being but our intelligence and productivity as well. Allow us to show you its immense benefits.

Another eventful week in our Catholic World. Have a great and blessed new week.

BURNING QUESTION: Is Divorce a sin according to the Catholic Church?
FEATURED BLOG: 7 Reasons I Stink at Praying
PASTORAL HISPANA: No he venido a abolir la Ley y los profetas

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