The Christian village of Rmeish, situated near the Israeli-Lebanese border, is caught in the crossfire of the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israeli forces. Despite the dangers, many villagers remain, seeking refuge in prayer. As bombs continue to fall and homes are destroyed, the Maronite Church calls for peace, humanitarian aid, and international support. The conflict highlights Lebanon’s ongoing political instability and the need for unity and leadership.
St. Gregory the Great, Pope from 590 to 604, was a remarkable leader who saw himself as the “servant of the servants of God.” With strong administrative skills, deep spiritual wisdom, and a heart for evangelization, Gregory helped shape the Church in turbulent times. His works like the Regula Pastoralis and Moralia in Iob reveal his vision of Christian humility and moral leadership. He believed holiness was always possible, even in the most difficult times.
Pope Francis continues to remind us of the devil’s presence, warning against the dangers of superstition and mediocrity. He stresses that ignoring the devil’s existence or engaging with superstition unknowingly invites evil. In these times of rising spiritual confusion, the Pope calls for vigilance, prayer, and trust in God’s protection.
St. Teresa of Ávila, a Doctor of the Church and master of prayer, exemplified a life grounded in love for God and humility. Her profound spiritual teachings, especially on prayer, continue to inspire believers to seek deeper intimacy with God, reminding us that true prayer is not about thinking much, but loving much.
Moses is a profound figure in the Old Testament, called by God while tending to his father-in-law’s flock, illustrating how divine calls often emerge amid our daily lives. Despite his initial doubts about his abilities, Moses was reassured by God’s promise: “I will be with you.” This narrative reminds us that our vocations, especially in priestly and religious life, are filled with challenges, yet our commitment to a genuine relationship with God is crucial for overcoming them.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus addresses the Pharisees’ question about divorce by pointing to the divine intention of marriage as an indissoluble bond, contrasting human laws with God’s deeper purpose. He also welcomes children with open arms, teaching us to embrace simplicity and openness in our faith. These two incidents challenge us to reflect on how we interpret God’s laws and whether we create barriers for others in their journey to Christ.
In this Sunday’s Gospel (Mark 10:2-16), Jesus teaches about the sacredness and indissolubility of marriage, reflecting God’s perfect, unconditional love for us. The Pharisees test Him with a question about divorce, but Jesus highlights that true love, whether in marriage or our relationship with God, is irrevocable, self-giving, and pure. He calls us to live this holy love in our commitments, just as God has committed to us for eternity.
Romanus the Melodist, a 6th-century Church Father, conveyed the faith through poetry and song, using beauty to express theological truths. Despite initial struggles, he received the gift of hymnography from the Blessed Virgin and composed many hymns, or “kontakia,” that captivated his listeners. His legacy reminds us that faith, when alive, inspires beauty and creativity, connecting us to our rich Christian cultural heritage.
Father L explains the difference between the cross and crucifix, two significant Christian symbols. While Protestants often prefer the plain cross to focus on Christ’s resurrection, Catholics use both the crucifix and cross to recall His sacrifice and triumph over death. Both symbols serve as powerful reminders of Christ’s love and victory.
Colégio Diocesano de São José (CDSJ) opened its doors for the 2024-2025 school year, welcoming students back to a community rooted in faith, learning, and service. With a focus on academic excellence and spiritual growth, CDSJ fosters an environment where students are nurtured in mind, heart, and soul.