Catholic Church

By Fr. John Zuhlsdorf, OnePeterFive - Today in both the Epistle from Romans and the Gospel we have contrasts of genuine Christianity and false Christianity, true life and false life, the life of vice and the life of virtue. Hence, we are being asked a question by Christ, speaking in the words of Scripture, speaking in His own voice recorded by the Apostle Matthew who was present, proffered solemnly and in a sacrificial way in the sacred precincts of a church during the most precious of our rites, Holy Mass. That question: are you Christian in only words or appearances or are you Christian in facts, deeds, reality?

Fr. Paul D. Scalia, The Catholic Thing - The Gospels often put before us beautiful, powerful, sometimes unvarnished, petitions of our Lord. I believe, help my unbelief! the demoniac’s father blurts out. Increase our faith! the Apostles exclaim. In today’s Gospel (Lk 11:1-13) the disciples make a request with similar childlike bluntness and candor, Lord, teach us to pray... These words express what every human heart desires, but what few recognize.

By Phil Lawler, Catholic Culture - “By focusing only on abortion, pastors risk politicizing something sacred,” writes the ubiquitous James Martin, SJ, in a Wall Street Journal op-ed... A bit of irony there, since human life is “something sacred.” And if anyone is politicizing the wanton destruction of unborn human life, it is President Biden... and then shows up for Communion on Sunday...

Prayer for Priests, by St. John Vianney - God, please give to your Church today many more priests after your own heart. May they be worthy representatives of Christ the Good Shepherd. May they wholeheartedly devote themselves to prayer and penance; be examples of humility and poverty; shining models of holiness; tireless and powerful preachers of the Word of God; zealous dispensers of your grace in the sacraments ....