"How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"

This week we come to the climax of John 6. Next week we’ll consider the disciples' suggestion that Jesus “tone down” His teaching. That’s the conclusion. This Sunday, August 19, 2012, though, Jesus confronts us with the necessity of the Eucharist for salvation. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study with family, friends and church groups.

As you know, this is the fourth of five Sundays devoted to the Sixth Chapter of John, the discourse on the Bread of Life. This week’s Gospel reading gets right to the heart of its Eucharistic message. Jesus says, “The bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world. Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His Blood you will not have life within you.”

His Flesh to Eat?

The Gospel relates that when Jesus taught the crowd that his very flesh is the true bread that has come down from heaven, the Jews argued among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB draws us further into the discussion. Was Jesus advocating pure cannibalism with such vivid imagery and language? Some followers even leave Him because they cannot accept this teaching. To make matters most, Jesus did not offer any explanation when they asked him for one.

Father Cusick says there are many who also murmur today in protest, who quarrel amongst themselves and who dispute against Christ and the truth which he teaches for our salvation. Many live in ignorance of this greatest gift of God to mankind, the fruit of the sacrifice of Calvary. But, Fr. Phil Bloom reminds us that in no uncertain terms, Jesus tells what we must do to have His life in us: To eat of His Sacred Body and to drink of His Precious Blood.

Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio tells us that Jesus did not come to make us decent, law-abiding citizens. He does not want us just to exist. He wants us to live, to be bursting with vitality, even with divine life. And so this Sunday, brothers and sisters, let nothing separate us from Him in the Eucharist. Jesus is the Way, the way is the Truth, and the Truth is Life-giving. As Fr. Orlando Sapuay, MS explains, it is our Lord alone who can lead us through the valley of the shadow of death into the joys of eternal life

The Sacrament of His Real Presence

There are some people who reduce this sacrament to a meal of fellowship. There are some people who equate the sacrament of the Eucharist in the Catholic Church with meals of fellowship in some non Catholic churches. Fr. Joseph Pellegrino says these actions are not the same. For us, the Eucharist is Jesus Christ who gives us ultimate food and drink. Fr. John Foley, S. J. says it is actually the most simple gift of all: bread that is His body and drink that is His blood poured out for us. And, Fr. James Gilhooley adds, it is not He who needs us. It is we who need Him.

We need to calm down and receive peacefully this body and blood of Christ into our own fleshly selves. When we receive communion we enter into the mystical. In fact, the earliest word to explain the action of the Eucharist was the mysterium, the mystery, the mystical. When we receive Communion or come to adoration, we come before the dynamic, powerful Presence who speaks to us through the life He has given us. The marvelous paradox of our Eucharistic relationship with Jesus, Fr. Joseph Pellegrino explains, is that the more we have Him, the hungrier we are for Him. We can’t get enough of Him. We never will until we are fully united to Him in heaven.

Fr. Ron Rolheiser explains that Love is the key to the wisdom that Jesus revealed. And the gospels tell us that we are “inside” or “outside” the true circle of love, depending upon whether or not we grasp this wisdom. Being in the state of grace means making that decision to put God first. For sure one can fall from a state of grace, Fr. Phil Bloom points out. For example, by choosing not to attend Sunday Mass or commiting some other grave sin. In that case we need sacramental confession before we receive Jesus in Communion. In line with this, we ask you to explore our Burning Question for the week: Who can receive Communion?

Our Eternal Union With the Father Through Jesus

Jesus comes for a purpose: our redemption, our eternal union with the Father through Jesus. To attain that union, we must receive Jesus in a physical form. Because He is the Son of God, this bread of life is truly life-giving in the full sense of eternal life. Fr. Omer Prieto explains it is what allows us to enter into that flow of life that courses between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And to the extent that this happens, through our commitment to God's unselfish way of loving, Fr. Demetrius R. Dumm, O.S.B. says our eternal life will be assured. This is the Eucharist as seen through the eyes of faith.

When we look at the Body of Christ before receiving it in Communion, it is hard for us to see Christ in it. But when other people look at us after we have received the Body of Christ we sometimes act as though we had not received it. We have taken it for granted, Fr. Alex McAllister SDS points out. What we see in the Eucharist, the goodness and joy of life and the pains and shortcomings of that same life, is the same tension that we need to hold up each day within our ordinary lives. The challenge, Fr. Ron Rolheiser points out, is just how do we do that?

The Assumption and Marian Teachings

Wednesday, August 15, 2012 was the feast day of the Assumption of Mary. Msgr. Charles Pope notes that this feast do not simply celebrate something about Mary herself, but also what God, who is mighty, does for her, and how, to a large degree we, will come to share in the blessings she receives. For as Mary is taken up body and soul, so shall we one day be taken up, not in soul only, but in body too.

Catholic convert Brianna Heldt laments that anytime a Protestant friend asks what her primary obstacles were to becoming Catholic, Mary inevitably comes up. Some of the Catholic doctrine on this subject is difficult. And yet what was initially an obstacle to her conversion eventually became a joy for her to embrace.

Eventually we learn to understand that Mary is, of course, not equal to Christ. Jesus, though possessing a complete human nature, is the Eternal Word made flesh. Mary is only a creature. But she is a unique creature.And as Marcellino D'Ambrosio explains, she is the highest of all creatures. This is not just because she was born without the handicap of original sin. Eve and Adam were born free of sin as well, but it did not stop them from sinning as soon as they had the chance. Mary instead chose, with the help of God’s grace, to preserve her God-given purity throughout the whole of her life.

Freedom & the Dignity of Work

Nothing offers a fuller sense of satisfaction than a task well-performed. It doesn’t matter if that task is washing the kitchen floor or guiding a classroom of middle school students towards a lesson’s objective. Inherent in who we are as humans, as Blessed John Paul points out, is the need for a person to contribute to his or her family or neighborhood or culture in a discernable way. Cheryl Dickow says this is what separates us from the animals but also is what gives us dignity. Work is an opportunity to unite with God and give glory and honor to His kingdom.

Denise Bossert is one who celebrates the miracle of going to work. She reports that when her non-sacramental marriage ended, she wanted to go to sleep for about a decade and wake up with a different life. But her Dad quickly dragged her away to get her substitute teaching license. Now she realizes that Work was good therapy. Dad knew it was true. Even the Church knows it’s true. There is a dignity in work. It restores hope, it gets us dreaming again. It helps us to pinpoint our strengths. It can even become a prayer. Thus we hold the unemployed and the underemployed in our hearts as we pray for work security.

And once again, we go back to the topic of religious freedom. Randall Smith wonders aloud why it is that “freedom” for most "tolerant" people is always freedom from Catholicism? As an example, he recalls announcing to his own parents that he was going to become Catholic and how scandalized and upset they were. And this from two people who had always insisted that, “Any way is right if it’s right for you.” Any way was “right,” as it turned out, as long as it wasn’t the Catholic way.

Bible, Prayer and The Body of Christ

Sherry of www.sienna.org writes about stumbling across this great quote from Mother Teresa: "Jesus will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in his love than in your weakness. Only then, his hand will be free with you." If this is true, it may be one explanation for the fact that relatively little fruit is manifested in our parishes where only 48% are certain that you can have a relationship with a personal God. That has to be one of the big contributors to our communal tepidness and powerlessness.

Is everything in the Bible historical? What do the teachings of Jesus reveal? Jimmy Akin writes that everything in the Bible is historical in the sense that it was written in historical times. So the biblical books are historical documents in that sense. But what about the content of the biblical books? If you open up the Bible to a random passage, does that mean what you are reading is automatically history? Absolutely not, he explains. Meanwhile Dan Burke explores how we can move from saying our prayers to praying our prayers. And Randy Hain talks about Catholic men and the responsibility they ahve to be strong fathers and husbands, leaders in our parishes, good stewards in the community and humble followers of Christ. He shares his "Seven-Point Checklist for Catholic Dads."

Cheryl Dickow shares how ironic it is that, as a Catholic, the most difficult part of having a chronic health issue isn’t the health issue itself. But rather, it is this big question: Should I pray for healing…or should I carry my cross? She says it is that question that often keeps us spiraling through a journey that is already burdensome and often overwhelming. Related to this, Judith Costello shares the story of a friend who was visiting last week after stopping to see an old friend. She watched in awe as this friend and her husband brought their friend to Church. It took them 20 minutes to get her in and out of Church because the friend is severely handicapped. It was such a sweet action and it made her think, “This is what it means to be a part of the Body of Christ.”

College Success, the "Dark Knight" & the Cinematic Christ

For those who have ears to hear, we share the list of what we deem to be the most essential ways to thrive at college. Incidentally, thisnis presented from a Catholic perspective, so some of these may need to be adjusted according to your own frame of reference.

And finally, Rev. Robert Barron tackles Batman. He says in one way or another, all religions deal with the problem of evil, both how to explain it and how to solve it. He notes that the solution to suffering proposed by the film "The Dark Knight rises" is not a shift in consciousness, not the extinction of desire, not the correct following of the law, and not a direct confrontation with evil. It is, instead, a heroic act of love on the part of a savior willing to take upon himself the dysfunction that he fights. This he says makes Batman, unavoidably, an icon of Christ.

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: Who can receive Communion?
FEATURED BLOG: Seven Point Checklist for Catholic Dads
PASTORAL HISPANA: La Eucaristia es prenda de la gloria futura


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"And the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world."

We are continuing theme of the last few weeks on Eucharist, but in this week's gospel for August 12, 2012, our focus is on how the Eucharist points to the resurrection. Jesus says, "I am the living bread come down from heaven, whoever eats this bread will live forever." Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study with family, friends and church groups.

They Murmured, They Grumbled

The people listening to Jesus were peeved by his claim. They knew his family and where he came from. So, the thought of his coming down from heaven made no sense at all. Obviously, they were thinking purely on the surface level. Thus, they failed to understand. They missed to see the hand of God unfolding a mystery about him. But unknown to them, Fr. Omer Prieto explains, the very thing they were seeking was right in their midst.

In some ways, perhaps in many ways, we act the same like those ancient Israelites. We murmur. We grumble. We forget that we have been gifted with the Eternal Positive. Fr. Joseph Pellegrino points out that the eternal Word has become one of us. He who for all eternity is in intimate union with divinity, shares His life with us.

The Father Makes the Offer

Today Jesus makes this statement, "I am the Bread that came down from heaven." Fr. Phil Bloom says this statement speaks to Jesus' purpose, what he intends to do for us. He comes with a purpose - to bring us into a relationship with his Father. "Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him, comes to me."

As the old saying goes: “Believe first, then you’ll understand.” You and I are created in the image of God with gifts of freedom and understanding. The Father makes the offer by drawing people to Jesus. With this initiative from God, people still have freedom to accept it or to reject it. But we have to be still and quiet to allow the words of Jesus to draw us to Himself. Fr. Orly Sapuay, MS says we tend to believe that people can be pushed into faith – or, at least, pushed towards it. But it doesn't work that way.

The Eucharist is God’s kiss. That’s an image for the Eucharist. prescribed by Fr. Ron Rolheiser. There comes a point, even with God, when words aren’t enough. God has to pick us up, like a mother to her child. Physical embrace is what’s needed. Skin needs to be touched. God knows that. It’s why Jesus gave us the Eucharist. So how can we respond? Fr. John Foley, S. J. says receiving the living bread in Communion is a beginning. Reflecting on the mellowness of God is another. And simply slowing down. Stop running away and let the Lord find you. God’s kindhearted and also tough love is quite worth the struggle.

Being the Bread of Life

Here, in this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus indicates two important moments of his being the Bread of Life. The first is the supreme sacrifice of himself in Calvary for the life of the world. The second is the Holy Eucharist, which he instituted at the Last Supper so that the fruits of His Sacrifice on the Cross would be constantly offered in the Church to all peoples for the life of the world. Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB urges us to pray that our sharing in the Eucharistic bread and wine may transform us more and more into what we eat and drink, and that we might truly become living bread, broken and shared with all people.

"Eat my body. Drink my blood." is not just another metaphor. Fr. James Gilhooley explains that when Jesus said, 'I am the vine,' He didn't tell us to eat twigs. When He told us, 'I am the light of the world,' He didn't tell us to eat light bulbs. But when He said, 'I am the bread of life,' He said, 'Eat this bread.'

And this food which we receive, however insubstantial it seems, is a direct communion with our loving Saviour and more nourishing that anything we are ever likely to get elsewhere. Through it we find the inspiration and the strength and the fellowship to renew our Christian lives. So what was once for us an obligation, Fr. Alex McAllister SDS points out, is now a celebration and an inextricable part of our lives. But, Fr. Phil Bloom warns us, we must watch out for hasty familiarity. He says it can affect the way we approach Jesus in the Eucharist. Thus, Father Cusick reminds us, we begin eternity today by kneeling in worship of our Incarnate God present in all the tabernacles of the world.

And remember what St Francis de Sales famously said, "Only two kinds of people need frequent Communion - the not so good that they might become better and the good that they might stay that way."

Religious Freedom - the Struggle Continues

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, chair of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, reiterated today that the HHS mandate is 'misguided' policy. He called on Congress to address the crisis in health care sparked by the Obama administration’s contraceptive-sterilization coverage mandate.

From the Vatican the pope sent a message to the Knights of Columbus assembled in Anaheim, CA this week. Benedict XVI once again united himself with the battle underway in the United States against the "unprecedented gravity of these new threats to the Church’s liberty and public moral witness:" Cardinal Timothy Dolan on Tuesday also addressed the same supreme convention of the Knights of Columbus, and took the occasion to praise the knights and their wives for the way they live the sacrament of marriage.

Meanwhile, Catholics in the Philippines are waging their own battle for faith and conscience. Despite protests from the bishops' conference, the Philippine Congress has ended debates on the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) Bill. While a final approval of the bill has not been reached, the move will allow for amendments of the bill to be enacted. The Reproductive Health bill would allow for universal access to contraceptives and birth control devices. The bill would also enforce "sexual education" on children starting at the 5th grade level.

And More on the Olympics

With the Olympics, we wonder who will win. With movies we wonder what will happen. With mystery novels, we have to know, “Who dunnit?” Just what can the Olympics coverage teach us about Evangelization? It is about grabbing attention. Often through emotional appeal. Then once you get them curious, you back it up with the facts.Too often, we want to lead with the facts. An evangelizing catechist knows the real trick is first convincing people they need what we’re teaching.

We share the stories of two Olympians. First is about newly minted Olympic champion Missy Franklin of Denver who is thinking about becoming Catholic. I have presumed she was Catholic and noted that one of her first comments after winning a gold medal last night was to thank God. For this, we have to thank her Jesuit high school which was primarily responsible for rousing her spiritual interest. And then we bring you the story of Mario Ancic. In 2006 he was already an Olympic bronze medalist, a Wimbledon semifinalist and Davis Cup champion. However, just when things looked brightest, in 2007 a mysterious illness took hold of Ancic, and he spent the next few years trying to overcome it. It was this Illness and injury that helped him realize identity as child of God.

And have you heard the story of how a Catholic Emeperor banned the Olympic Games? Here it is.

Saints, Italy and Online Distractions

The votes are in. And here are the saints Catholic Exchange readers nominated for being the most influential of their time—the results contained quite a few surprises. Check out the list.

For years Jennifer Fulwiler has been trying to figure out how to reap the benefits of new technology without having texting and internet use become black holes that suck in too much time and attention. She's been trying all sorts of steps to find balance in this area of life, and have stumbled across a few that have actually led to lasting, positive changes. Here are the top four that she found to be most helpful.

Spouses are supposed to serve each other and when Katie Sciba married Andrew, she vowed to make service to his soul her life’s work. The easiest and happiest parts of their life together have always been when they give of themselves freely and happily in sacrificial service. What she failed to consider until this point – amid the humming motors and the baby crying and the nag to go inside – was how important it is to let your spouse serve you. And this must be similar to the emotions Cheryl Dickow felt towards her husband. There were two places she has always wanted to travel to in her lifetime: Israel and Italy. Italy became a reality after years of saving; it was our 25th wedding anniversary destination. She shares the mixed bag of emotions she felt as she watched her loving husband prepare her for the trip.

Finally, Consider it your star-spangled bucket list. Think you know America's essential sights? Compare your past trips with Sean O'Neill picks for 20 domestic destinations every citizen should visit from pop culture icons to patriotic landmarks.

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: Half a Eucharist?
FEATURED BLOG: 20 places every American should see
PASTORAL HISPANA: La Eucaristia es el pan que da la vida


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"I am the bread of life"

Last Sunday we began five weeks of Gospels from the sixth chapter of John. This Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012, Jesus is the Bread of Life. This long chapter of 69 verses is the basis for much of what we believe about the Eucharist. I would suggest reading the entire chapter and letting it speak to you. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study with family, friends and church groups.

Food that Perishes

Today’s Gospel takes place the day after the events were heard about last Sunday. Last Sunday we heard about the multiplication of loaves. In today’s Gospel the people who had been fed search for Jesus. They really don’t want Him. They want free food. The heart of apostasy, explains, Fr. Orly Sapuay, MS, is that the real God is replaced by an illusion concocted by people to suit themselves. They have virtually become gods in themselves before whom the real God must authenticate Himself to win their allegiance. God, as it were, must submit to a miracle test to meet popular expectations. Jesus confronts their unbelief step by step.

So we come before the Lord this and every Sunday, or perhaps for some of us, every day, and we say to the Lord, “Feed me.” But, Fr. Joseph Pellegrino asks us, do we really want to be fed? Do we believe that Jesus is the Bread of Life more than anything else that we could aspire to experience or possess? Fr. Richard Lifrak, SSCC tells us that this Gospel clearly teaches that our houses, our cars, our jobs, our land, our investments, our positions of power, in fact, even our children are much less a source of life than Jesus is.

Jesus uses this Gospel event as an opportunity to speak about the food that really matters, the Bread of Life that God provides.

The Bread of Life

It is important to note that, though Jesus identifies himself as "the bread of life" (v. 35), he is not yet speaking about the sacramental Eucharist. The emphasis in this segment of the Bread of Life Discourse is placed on the faith-acceptance of the teaching of Jesus. It is for this reason that Jesus states that he is the bread of life for the one who "comes" to him and "believes" in him (v. 35). There is no reference yet to eating or drinking. That will come later.

If we come to Jesus, we will never hunger and thirst for anything else. He is the Bread of Life. That is Jesus' identity, as Fr. Phil Bloom explains. To put the matter another way, we are being challenged by Jesus to avoid a magical or mechanical understanding of the power of this supreme sacrament. In John's Gospel, water becomes wine and wine becomes blood and blood and water both eventually flow out of the pierced side of Jesus. Fr. Ron Rolheiser says that happens too in the Eucharist and it happens in our lives. The task is to hold them both in our hands, as happens at Eucharist, and then offer them up to God.

It does not nourish us spiritually simply by the action of receiving it. Fr. Demetrius R. Dumm, O.S.B. adds that there must be a firm intention to change one’s life in a way that is in harmony with this supreme Sacrament of Jesus' giving of himself for us. It is very important to understand this point because it reminds us that only a believing reception of the Body and Blood of Jesus will bring us true life.

Do We Want His Bread?

Every day, the world over, the Holy Mass is offered countless times and in varied places. In many places this awesome event is greeted with indifference. So many empty pews bespeak a lack of faith that God is truly present in the world in each Mass. Father Cusick bemoans the fact that many people are indifferent to Christ today just as they were when he walked the earth and shared our lives almost two thousand years ago.

But the Eucharist, the Mass, is an extraordinary thing. It may appear so simple and so routine at times. But, Fr. Alex McAllister SDS tells us, it contains everything there is because it contains the Lord Jesus himself in the most accessible way of all. If you are distracted from such thoughts on Sunday, let it be. Fr. John Foley, S. J. says maybe something is being born that is so much bigger than you that all you can do is take it in. He says be distracted this Sunday and let something lovely be born.

So, Fr. Joseph Pellegrino asks, what makes a person a member of a parish? What makes a person a Christian, a Catholic? Does baptism do it? Perhaps theologically it does. But if the person does not reaffirm his or her faith with his or her life, then baptism is an act lost in the forgotten past. Theologically something took place, but it's a life that no longer exists due to the person’s refusal to live this life.

The Sign of Peace at Mass

Fr. Phil Bloom also uses this Sunday as an opportunity to address the 'Sign of Peace' at Mass. He says there has been a misunderstanding. We've gotten the idea that we create community. But no, it is Jesus who creates community. He does it by making us part of His people. We express community by affection, care, support - and above all, by forgiveness and reconciliation. The Sign of Peace expresses our desire to allow God to make us into a community. We cannot do it on our own power.

He explains then that the sign of peace should be a simple, reverent gesture: "The peace of Christ be with you." Or, "the peace of Christ." Or simply, "Peace." Then offer a handshake - or a kiss if you are on more intimate terms. The Sign of Peace is not a time for chatter. Some guys act like they are running for mayor. They want to shake every hand in the church! The Sign of Peace is not a conversation starter. It is a symbolic gesture to prepare our hearts for Communion. It is possible to be friendly, but also reverent. Then focus on the Lord as we sing, "Lamb of God."

Partisanship, Family Values & Chic-Fil-A

Two weeks ago, we told you about the statements made by the CEO of Chic-Fil-A stand on biblical & family values. He said, "We operate as a family business. We want to do anything we possibly can to strengthen families." Protests from the supporters of gender-free marriages -- including Chicago's mayor -- clamored for the expulsion of the franchise from their cities for espousing contrarian values. Chicago's Cardinal George offered his response to Mayor Rahm Emanuel on what true “Chicago values” really are. Social media fanned a call for this past Wednesday to be Chic-Fil-A Appreciation Day. And America responded with long lines at Chick-fil-A's across the country fueling unprecedented sales for the company.

And then we bring you the staggering story of a heroic woman who saved the lives of babies abandoned at roadsides. Lou Xiaoying, now 88 and suffering from kidney failure, found and raised more than 30 abandoned Chinese babies from the streets of China where she managed to make a living by recycling rubbish. Talk about true commitment to family values.

Complaints that Washington-is-broken often go hand-in-hand with laments about “partisanship” in politics. So what is the Church's role in partisanship? George Weigel explains. He points to the present, sad condition of much of Europe, where a breakdown of (Christian) democratic culture seems to be leading inexorably to a breakdown of democratic politics and the substitution of government by technocratic elites (currently being previewed in Italy). He said it should be a cautionary tale for Americans.

Hell, Eternal Life. & Freedom

Msgr. Charles Pope laments how we haven’t done a very good job in setting forth the doctrine of Eternal Life. For most people the concept seems a rather flat one, namely, that we shall live for ever and ever and ever. It is reduced to a rather egocentric notion of a place where I will be happy. But most moderns in their description never get around to mentioning God. This is sad for the heart of heaven is to be with God!

Which brings us to the concept of Hell. If God is Love, why is there Hell? And why is it eternal? In a word, the good monsighnor explains, there is Hell because of respect. God has made us free and respects that freedom. Our freedom is absolutely necessary if we are to love.

And for good measure we thought we should share this light-hearted story by Cheryl Dickow she calls "Garbage Cans and Purgatory."

Prayer, Cain, NCBs & GCMs

The great saints and masters of the mystical life in the Catholic tradition often speak of the three ages of the spiritual life. Dr. Taylor Marshall broket this down in three stages that correspond to the three areas of Solomon's Temple: 1) Purgative (outer court); 2) Illuminative (holy place); 3) Unitive (holy of holies). His article "Three Ages of the Interior Life in Relation to the Jewish Temple" is recommended reading.

Paul Dion, STL reflects on "The Mark of Cain" and how for many it can be the Mark of contradiction. The Mark that indicates that God still loves you and still is punishing you every day of your life. The Mark turns out to be a burden and a relief at the same time. It signals that here is someone who is accompanied by God at every step of the way.

And here's one filled with acronyms you may or not be familiar with. Yes, the Church is full of NCBs (Nice Catholic Boys). Not so full as she might be, unfortunately, but they are there. And yes, they are nice, and they are Catholic, but they are boys. What the NCGs (Nice Catholic Girls) are waiting for is for these NCB’s to stand up and turn into GCMs. (That’s Good Catholic Men.) Interesting and insightful.

Olympic Fire

The Olympic Games is an exciting time for the world. Countless people from all across the globe are rooting for their nation’s respective teams and glued to their TV sets. But beside the spotlight on athletic ability, a focus on faith has been present in London. For athletes gathering in London, a priest is not a good luck charm but a friendly presence. The world of sport is fertile ground for evangelization, because it is a metaphor of existence itself.

In fact you will see many athletes make the Sign of the Cross before beginning their events. In general, they don't do it for good luck but as a testimony of their faith, and this becomes a public witness. So it is acceptable. The Diocese of Westminster recently held a Mass at the start of the games with a particular focus on unity among nations. The diocese has also created a special ministry, "More than Gold," that serves as a welcome to the families of participating athletes who want to see their sons and daughters, but cannot pay for a hotel.

Athletes have also spoken in various interviews, noting how faith has transformed their lives. U.S. swimmer Missy Franklin, who won her first gold medal Monday in the 100 meter backstroke, spoke in an interview with belief.net on how faith has helped her achieve her goals. Former Olympic Gymnast Shawn Johnson talks about God and her determination to do her best as she travels down whatever road God puts her on next. The athletes in this year’s Olympics should keep their examples and wisdom in mind. And amny of them do. Tom Hoopes put together this list of Catholic Olympians and other Catholics of note participating in London this summer.

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 the Mass a Banquet or a Sacrifice?
FEATURED BLOG: Hell has to be, because God respects us
PASTORAL HISPANA: ¡Señor, danos siempre de ese pan!


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