Sorrow and loss are inevitable elements of human existence. It is in Christ and by the enlightening power of the Holy Spirit that the dross of life is eliminated. In Christ, every obstacle is surmountable.
The Fiery Spirit
Jesus brings us the fire that challenges and purifies. He allows chaos that will lead to spiritual order. The burning away of our iniquities is the only and surest way to resembling Christ as children of the Father.
BITE-SIZE THEOLOGY (187): How is virtue connected to happiness?
The CCC (No. 1803) explains “A virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do the good. It allows the person not only to perform good acts, but to give the best of himself. The virtuous person tends toward the good with all his sensory and spiritual powers; he pursues the good and chooses it in concrete actions. ‘The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God’ (St Gregory of Nyssa, De beatitudinibus, 1).”
THE BEAUTY OF SPIRITUAL POVERTY (# 2)
Only in embracing a childlike spirit and trust in God can we hope to attain true freedom and the prospect of being with our heavenly Father for eternity.
Covid-weary but with hearts glad, Macau parishioners return to churches
Parishioners were joyful to be able to commune with each other and the Lord in person once again. Even the measures to prevent another outbreak were not enough to put a damper on the happiness of being in church.
The continuing relevance of St. Dominic Guzman, the hound of the Lord
St Dominic Guzman is hailed as one of the prominent saints of the Catholic Church. Not only did he establish the Dominican Order, continuing the work of God with fiery zeal, he was also instrumental in the propagation of the Rosary of the Virgin Mary.
Look up and look within: the necessity of watchful awareness
Lacking awareness or purposely denying facts, assuming that there will be no repercussions, are pitfalls of shallow faith that the Gospels warn us about. If we want our final reward to be with God, we must become the loyal stewards that God desires us to be.
The Gospel of Vigilant Action
Jesus calls us to give all we have, however little it may be, concentrating on promoting the cause of the heavenly realm through a sacrificial life rather than a life of indulgence. As Catholics, we must be active participants instead of passive bystanders.
BITE-SIZE THEOLOGY (186): What are charisms?
Charisms are graces given for the benefit of others. This is why Saint Paul notes that these are not the most important of graces, because they do not directly sanctify the person who is given the gift: the gift is for others not for oneself.
Caritas: A safe haven for migrant workers once again
Since the government mandated the partial confinement of Macau’s population almost one month ago, Caritas has received around five hundred requests for immediate food assistance. Although non-resident workers facing hunger and food insecurity were responsible for most of the requests, the organization also lent a helping hand to local residents who lost their jobs during the Covid-19 downturn.