Aug 5 – Memorial for Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome First raised at the order of Pope Liberius in the mid-fourth century, the Liberian Basilica was rebuilt by Pope Sixtus III shortly after the Council of Ephesus affirmed Mary’s title as Mother of God in 431. Re-dedicated at that time... Continue Reading →
27 May, Tuesday — Believe to be saved
Tuesday of 7th Week of Easter Acts 16:22-34Jn 6:5-11 “Become a believer in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, and your household too.” When I read the above quote, it made me wonder about several points. What does it mean to become a believer in the Lord Jesus? If I believe, I will... Continue Reading →
26 May, Monday — Spirit of Truth
May 26 – Memorial for St. Philip Neri, Priest St. Philip Neri (1515-1595) came from a poor family, though he was related to Italian nobility. His father, Francisco Neri, worked as a notary. Philip’s brother died in childhood, but his two sisters, Caterina and Elisabetta survived. He was a pious youth, and was taught humanities... Continue Reading →
20 May, Tuesday — Peace Amidst Turmoil
May 20 – Memorial for St. Bernadine of Siena, Priest St. Bernadine (1381-1444) was a Friar Minor, a priest, an itinerant preacher, and a theological writer. His preaching skills were so great and the conversions so numerous, that he has become associated with all areas of speaking, advertising, public relations, etc. Bernadine’s charismatic preaching filled... Continue Reading →
19 May, Monday — Recognition
Monday of the 5th Week of Eastertide Acts 14:5-18Jn 14:21-26 “We have come with good news to turn you to the living God who made heaven and earth and the sea and all that these hold.” Imagine if you were in the shoes of Paul and/or Barnabas -- would you be affronted that the people... Continue Reading →
18 May, Sunday — Hope and Perseverance
5th Sunday of Easter Acts 14:21-27Apo 21:1-5Jn 13:31-33,34-35 “We all have to experience many hardships…before we enter the kingdom of God.” Happy Easter. As Catholics, we celebrate Easter for 50 days in Eastertide (as opposed to the 40 days of Lent). Rightly so, as the Resurrection of Christ has brought forth redemption for us and the... Continue Reading →
22 April, Tuesday — Unspoken Grief and Unbelievable Joy
Easter Tuesday Acts 2:36-41Jn 20:11-18 So Mary of Magdala went and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord… Let’s do a contemplative exercise. Close your eyes; actually, don’t close your eyes, as you will need to keep them open to read this reflection. Imagine you are Mary of Magdala. You have been following... Continue Reading →
18 March, Tuesday — The struggles we face…
Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Lent Isa 1:10,16-20Mt 23:1-12 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, as we ponder on today’s scripture and reflection written by our contributor from Canada, we invite you to hold space for the discussion of some sensitive topics that may be diversely experienced in different countries around the world today.... Continue Reading →
17 March, Monday — Just Measures
Monday of the 2nd Week of Lent Dan 9:4-10Lk 6:36-38 “…because the amount you measure out is the amount you will be given back.” In today’s Gospel, Jesus told His disciples and really, to us as well, not to judge nor condemn; lest we be judged or condemned. On the other hand, we should be... Continue Reading →
18 February, Tuesday — Beware of the Leaven
Tuesday of Week 6 in Ordinary Time Jas 1:12-18Mk 8:14-21 “Keep your eyes open; be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.” In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus mentioned the yeast of the leaven of the Pharisees. It seems like an odd topic. But we know Jesus never says... Continue Reading →