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Divine Office | For Love of Christ, Paul Bore Every Burden

In today's Office of Readings we encounter a reading from a homily by St John Chrysostom (349-407 A.D.). John was born in Antioch. After a thorough education, he took up the ascetic life. He was ordained to the priesthood, and became a fruitful and effective preacher. He was elected Patriarch of Constantinople in 397, and was energetic in reforming the ways of the clergy and the laity alike. He incurred the displeasure of the Emperor and was twice forced into exile. When the second exile, to Armenia, had lasted three years, it was decided that he should be sent still further away, but he died on the journey, worn out by his hardships. His sermons and writings did much to explain the Catholic faith and to encourage the living of the Christian life: his eloquence earned him the surname “Chrystostom” (the Greek for “golden mouth”). For a reflection, "For Love of Christ, Paul Bore Every Burden," please click on the image. Peace be with you!

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Saints Alive! | St Francis de Sales

Born to a noble family in France in the mid-16th Century, St. Francis de Sales, known especially for his writings on practical spiritual direction for lay people, became a Doctor of the Church. In 1609 he published Introduction to a Devout Life, which has been in print ever since. He is the patron of teachers, the deaf, the Catholic press, confessors, educators, and authors. For more about this saint, please click on the image. Peace be with you!

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The Rosary | The Joyful Mysteries

The Rosary is one of the most beautiful prayers in the Catholic tradition. It's also one of the most commonly misunderstood, which is often the case for many of our Protestant brothers and sisters. Yet, it doesn't have to be. Put simply, the Rosary is a prayerful meditation on the life of Jesus Christ through the eyes of his mother. I invite you, whether you are Catholic, Protestant, or other, to watch this beautiful video by our friends at Word on Fire.  Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries.  We meditate on five key events in the life of Jesus Christ through the eyes of his mother, the Virgin Mary. For more, please click on the image. Peace be with you!

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Do you reject Satan?

This Sunday following the Epiphany the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord.  It is here we recall in a special way Jesus' baptism in the river Jordan by John the Baptist.  In it we are also reminded of a great mystery revealed.  God the Father reveals Jesus as his "beloved Son" and the Holy Spirit comes down from heaven in the form of a dove. Here, we reject Satan and all his empty promises.

For my reflection, "Do you reject Satan?" please click on the image.

Peace be with you!

Thomas
Disciple of Christ | Son of the Church

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A Catholic New Year Resolution | Be not afraid!

As we embark on a new year, let us resolve to live out our baptismal promises as Catholics. Let this be the year that all Catholics - faithful and fallen away - resolve to be a light in the darkness. Be not afraid!

For my reflection, "A Catholic New Year Resolution," please click on the image.

Peace be with you!

Thomas, Disciple of Christ | Son of the Church

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Catholics Come Home | Fallen Away Catholics

The story of the Prodigal Son, as we encounter in the Gospel of Luke (15:11-32), is one of the most poignant in all of literature. Sadly, there are many Catholics today who have fallen away from their baptismal faith. Each has a story of his own. Yet, by the sacramental power of one's baptism there remains a call unanswered - the yearning of a Father desiring the return of his child to the home of his baptismal birth. For more about this post, and for a 2 min video expressing the tender mercy that awaits at home in love's embrace, click on the image. Our father in heaven wants us home. He wants you home. If you’ve been away from the Church for one day, or for a lifetime, come home. Your family misses you.

For more, please click on the image.

Peace be with you!