Two ‘hard’ Teachings of Christ are Related

It is fascinating that the two places in the New Testament that Jesus’ followers complain about His teachings are related to the intimacy of holy communion: the communion of man and woman in Marriage and the communion of Christ and Church in the Eucharist. The revolt was against Christ’s teaching that Marriage is exclusive and […]... Read More
St Peter's square

There is No Progresssive or Conservative Catholicism

Whenever one takes a journey there are essential and non-essential things to consider. The essentials are necessary and cannot be changed while the non-essentials are optional and changeable by nature. The journey through life to heaven is no different. Therefore, there is no such thing as progressive Catholicism or conservative Catholicism with regard to the […]... Read More

12 Quick Points to Ponder on the Redemption of Man

1) Man’s sins are an infinite offense against the infinite and perfect goodness of God; an injustice that causes a profound rupture between God and man. Since disunion with God is Hell, mankind by sinning chose its eternal destiny. 2) To be reconciled with God, the offender (mankind represented in Adam) must pay the price […]... Read More
Genesis 2

Creation and Evolution: Where Faith and Science Merge

Divine Revelation tells us that God created, and to a certain extent what He created; but did not intend to tell us exactly how or when. That’s for the realm of science and history respectively. With regard to man, the inspired text of Genesis 2:7 can be interpreted as an instantaeous act of God, or […]... Read More

When a Protestant hears ‘Church’….

When a Protestant hears a Catholic use the word ‘Church’ he hears man-made traditions and idolatry of saints. When a Catholic uses the word ‘Church’ he means the mystical body of Christ whose three realms (Heaven, Purgatory, Earth) with its divine Head are united and animated by the Holy Spirit. The first believes the gospels […]... Read More

Victim, Offender, and Conquerer

In a post-Eden world, we all suffer the injustices of others. In this sense we’re all victims. . In the context of being sinners, we are also all perpetrators. . We become victors by uniting to Christ, who affirms: “In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage, I have conquered the world” (Jn […]... Read More

Conceptual Truths Point to God

Conceptual truths of math, science, logic and philosphy are immaterial and objective. We not invent them, but discover them by the intellect. They’re a reality independent of human minds and human creativity. Since conceptual truths, like the law of non-contradiction and the equation 2+2=4, have always been true before our existence, and will always be […]... Read More
Abraham and Moses

Faith and Works

The faith-works controversy may be assisted by looking back at the two main covenants of the Old Testament: God’s covenant with Abraham was based on a test of faith; and His covenant with Moses came with moral obligations: the Ten Commandments. Faith then works; in that sequential order. In the new and eternal covenant in […]... Read More

Not Religious?

Living a Secular life Sophia (which means ‘wisdom’) visits her cousin Kosmikós (Greek for ‘secular’), who goes by the nickname Mikos. ———– Sophia: Nice home, Mikos. Mikos: Thanks. We’re very proud of it. Sophia:  I know you were brought up Catholic, yet I don’t see anything within your home that reflects it. Mikos: Oh, we’re not a religious […]... Read More
Moses seat

Do as they say, not as they do?

Today’s gospel reading includes this from Matthew 23:1-3: . “Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach.'” . Jesus speaks of […]... Read More
Emperor has no clothes on

Be the Proverbial Child Who Mentions the Emperor is Naked

Whenever you imitate the proverbial child who says the emperor has no clothes on, people react in one of three ways. They: a) ignore you, rationalizing “he’s just a kid” (or a religious fanatic, or one who’s ‘out of touch’, etc.); b) attack you personally with the wrath of hell for daring to challenge their […]... Read More

How Can Jesus Command Us to Love Our Enemies?

Today’s gospel reading has Jesus exhorting His followers to love their enemies, contrasting this with Jewish and pagan teaching. . There are two places mentioned in scripture that Jesus’ followers express dismay at the difficulty of His teaching: consuming Him in the Eucharist (Jn 6:66) and His ban on divorce (Mt 19:10). If there were […]... Read More