Aflame for Christ

The Apostles doubted the Resurrected Christ because it was so extraordinary they couldn't understand it. But we doubt Christ because our Catholic Faith has become so ordinary, hum-drum, average that it loses its power to transform. Let us consider, not only what we believe, but the consequences of this belief - that it may shock us with its extraordinary, transformative way!

The world offers us the standard American Dream - but Christ offers us a better way to live. This means, however, that we have to reject the lies to find the Truth of Jesus Christ - but in doing so, we find a happier and more joyful life than we could ever imagine!

Many people think that life is a mystery. Why are we here? Where are we going? Why do we suffer? How can we find happiness? But these questions that arise in our hearts deserve a rock-solid answer - through the interpretive lens of our Catholic Faith. We can know what this life is all about, because Christ came to reveal man to himself!

The early Church did not think that Faith was a Sunday-only thing. Rather, they lived every day in and through Christ - their work was an offering to the Lord, they attended to the daily prayers and "breaking of bread" (Eucharist), and enjoyed fellowship with other Christians. This is how all Christians are meant to live their lives - so what are some ways that our faith can become a lifestyle and not just a "part" of who we are?

Jesus Christ came to save souls. If we love Jesus, we also ought to be filled with a zeal for souls. Our Scripture gives us the mission: making disciples through prayer and fasting, invitation and explanation, and through the witness of our sacrifice.

The Washing of Feet on Holy Thursday, and the giving of the Eucharist at the Last Supper, highlight the two greatest virtues of the Christian life: charity and humility. They are the cornerstones of what we must practice, as Catholics, if we are to live like Christ!

Jesus returns and shows His wounds to His Apostles - because a scar shows that He has fought for us, and conquered. From that open wound in His Heart flows all the mercy that the world could ever need!

Perhaps the craziest thing we could ever believe is that a Man has risen from the dead. Yet, paradoxically, it is rational to believe it - and far more sane than believing in the empty promises that this world has to offer us!

At times, we will indignantly cry out to God, "What did I do to deserve this?" But today, we reflect: "What did I do that Jesus deserved this suffering?" And, in awe and wonder, think, "What did I do to deserve this mercy?" We could do nothing to deserve it - it is a free gift of love!

Tears ran down the Face of God. Does this not fill us with wonder? And yet - why did He weep? Precisely because He is human, He has a human heart that is grieved by the death of His friend, by the faithlessness of those around Him, and by the very necessity of death itself. And yet, as the Resurrection and the Life, He alone can wipe away tears and bring about hope and healing!

We use many candles in our Catholic Faith - at Easter, at our Baptism, at our death. But candles are even fitting during Lent because they show us how we are to live our Catholic faith during this holy time: by drawing close to the flame (prayer), by letting ourselves be consumed (fasting), and by giving off light (almsgiving). A Catholic ought to become like a candle this Lent!

This story of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman is an intriguing one. It teaches us to think of spiritual realities rather than earthly ones; it teaches us how to give God true worship; and it shows us the infinite love of God even for the outcasts. Let's dive into this famous story from John 4 to see why it was necessary for Christ to encounter this woman...and change her life forever.

One of the greatest truths in the spiritual life is that the road to glory always leads through the Cross. But why is that? Can't it be any other way? Yet, in the Christian view, suffering isn't a tragedy but an act of love and detachment that God may be our all-in-all. So don't run from it, but embrace it...and keep your eyes fixed on the glory that awaits.

Cicero said that it was better to be, rather than to appear. Jesus says something similar in the Gospel - it is far more important to truly be a Christian rather than to appear to be one based on the ashes on our forehead. This Lent, make the resolution to take the steps necessary to actually become a follower of Jesus Christ through repentance of sins, Confession and Mass, and making Jesus the center of your life.

Today we conclude our three-week series on Christ's Rules for Happiness - the Beatitudes, as we look at the blessedness of being pure of heart, peacemakers, and persecuted for the sake of righteousness.

As we continue our discussion of Jesus' eight signposts of happiness (aka the Beatitudes), we ponder what it means to be meek, merciful, and to hunger and thirst for holiness!

Jesus gives us eight rules of happiness - the Beatitudes. These are not things that merely "happen" to us, but virtues that we can seek to cultivate. Hear how the first two Beatitudes can be lived out - that we may find a fulfilling life!