Spirituality
Focusing on self rather than Jesus makes prayer boring, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — If a person’s prayer life is boring, that generally means that he or she is focused too much on the self and not enough on Jesus and the needs of others, Pope Francis said during a morning Mass homily. “True prayer leads us out of ourselves toward the Father in the […]
Was Jesus a Jew or a Catholic? Why no bells at Mass?
Q. A question about religion has always puzzled me: Jesus was a Jew; when did he become a Catholic? (Afton, Iowa) A. You are right: Jesus was a Jew. He was born a Jew, brought up a Jew, was steeped in the Jewish Scriptures and, as we read in Luke (4:16), went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day "according to his custom."
In the month honoring Mary, a lifetime of memories
May is the month of Mary and memories come to mind about how much she has been a part of my life. These reminiscences are like going through a family album and sharing stories of those moments that jump out from the pages.
Pope says evangelists build bridges, not walls
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Like Jesus who dined with Pharisees and sinners and St. Paul who preached to idol worshippers, true evangelizers build bridges that lead unbelievers into the church, not walls to protect it, Pope Francis said. The pope’s words came in a homily May 8 during morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, […]
Only Holy Spirit can fill hearts thirsting for love, peace, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Listen to the Holy Spirit because he is giving people the good news that God loves them and can renew, purify and transform their lives, Pope Francis said. The Holy Spirit is the living water that “quenches the thirst in our lives because he tells us that we are loved by […]
Pope: People have guts to be ambitious; instead, be courageous for God
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — People are courageous in pursuing their careers, personal ambitions and jealousies, but they really should be using that courage to believe in the resurrected Christ, pray to him and spread the Gospel, Pope Francis said. When the church loses courage, it is enveloped by a “tepid atmosphere,” with “lukewarm Christians without […]
Is missing Mass a mortal sin?
Q. Is there a book you can suggest that would help a senior citizen to understand the Bible (one that does not require a DVD, etc.)? (Indianapolis) A. I'm sure that there are many such books, and you would probably get as many answers as the number of priests you asked. One that I have found helpful over the years is called "The Collegeville Bible Handbook." It was published by The Liturgical Press in 1997 and contains a one-page summary of each of the 73 books of the Bible as well as a short commentary on the significant sections of each book.
Becoming worldly, weak is church’s biggest threat, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The biggest threat to the church is worldliness, Pope Francis said in his daily morning Mass homily. A worldly church becomes weak, and while people of faith can look after the church, only God “can look evil in the eye and overpower it,” he said April 30. [hotblock] The pope celebrated […]
Pope: Confession is not like dry cleaners, but is encounter with Jesus
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Going to confession isn't like heading off to be tortured or punished, nor is it like going to the dry cleaners to get out a stain, Pope Francis said in a morning Mass homily. "It's an encounter with Jesus" who is patiently waiting "and takes us as we are," offering penitents his tender mercy and forgiveness, he said April 29.
Pope Francis’ prayer intentions for May
General intention: "That administrators of justice may act always with integrity and right conscience." Mission intention: “That seminaries, especially those of mission Churches, may form pastors after the Heart of Christ, fully dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel.”