Catholic Church

By Michael Pakaluk, The Catholic Thing - I’ve been in the desert with Him these days of Lent, at the suggestion of a priest.  In the way that immigrants have pined for their homeland of Ireland, or Italy; or pilgrims can keep in their hearts those special days in Rome or Jerusalem: Can we, for this season, live not so much among the distractions of the world, but rather be recollected, with Him, in a desert place?  This same priest said that we should also look for the Devil there, who most assuredly will assail us.

By Demos II, ECCLESIA, Daily Compass - Pope Francis’ pontificate ... Its shortcomings are equally obvious: an autocratic, at times seemingly vindictive, style of governance; a carelessness in matters of law; an intolerance for even respectful disagreement; and – most seriously – a pattern of ambiguity in matters of faith and morals causing confusion among the faithful. Confusion breeds division and conflict. It undermines confidence in the Word of God. It weakens evangelical witness. And the result today is a Church more fractured than at any time in her recent history. ...

By Joseph Strickland, Emeritus of the Diocese of Tyler - ... I beseech you, let us return to Christ and His Way, and let us be bold like our predecessors from the first, second, and third centuries, many of whom followed the Lord to death, bearing heavy crosses in His name. Let us stand with our brothers, who in the 20th century, were strong enough to speak against despotic rulers even though they were a minority voice in their time. Let us, in the 21st century, be vigorous in knowing and proclaiming Jesus Christ as the Light of the World and the Lord of Truth... We must recognize that we stand at a precipice of devastation, the likes of which the world has never seen. Let us open our eyes to the evil forces that bring division and darkness, even as they claim to offer a new way for humanity.

By Susan Ciancio, Catholic World Report - The Gospel of Matthew tells us that Joseph was a “righteous” man. He was courageous, obedient to God, faithful, loving, and generous. We see how he lived out those virtues in how he led, protected, and served his family. He is a beautiful example of how we should live our lives—both within our homes and within our communities.