Catholic Church

By Dr. Jeff Mirus, Catholic Culture - I have encountered the argument that there is a “natural meaning” to this passage which asserts that a mere expression of “belief” is sufficient to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, which is to say that no moral commitment or repentance of sin is required. To the contrary, the argument continues, the Council of Trent taught that “faith alone” is insufficient for the reception of Communion... Therefore Pope Francis has taught something that can only be understood to be wrong.

Bishop Daniel E. Flores, USCCB - Just published is the National Synthesis of the People of God in the United States of America for the Diocesan Phase of the 2021-2023 Synod: For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission. Among other things, the “listening phase” leading to next year’s Synod on Synodality found lingering pain and anger about sex abuse and disappointment about restrictions to the Latin Mass. There’s also a lot about LGBTQ+.

By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky, Catholic Culture - Natural law includes precepts of Godly morality that coincide with man’s nature and lead us to heaven. The first tier of natural law is straightforward: “Do good, avoid evil.” The second tier includes the Ten Commandments... The third tier identifies more difficult teachings that often require Church guidance for clarity... Historically, in Western Civilization the authority of the Decalogue was culturally unassailable because God is the Author. Disobedience had distinct religious connotations.

By Father Jerry J. Pokorsky The Dispatch, Catholic World Report - Money loses value when we treat it as a false god. But money itself is not the root of all evil. Saint Paul writes, “The love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs"... Unjustly seeking free stuff is costly for individuals and society... Money has many noble purposes if used honestly and humbly, taming our appetite for financial exploitation and greed. ...