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.
Fr. Fausto Gomez OP concludes the fourth and final part of his series with deep gratitude for God’s enduring grace. Reflecting on 60 years of priesthood, he emphasizes that his vocation has been sustained by love, prayer, compassion, and hope. As his journey continues, Fr. Fausto reminds us that, in the evening of life, we will be examined on love – the guiding principle of our lives.
In today’s readings, we are challenged to recognize and welcome the gifts of others, even those who may not share our faith. Like Fr. Jojo in Tai-O, who opened his heart to people from different backgrounds, we are called to embrace the gifts of others for the growth of our community. Jesus teaches us that “whoever is not against us is for us,” reminding us to promote inclusivity, unity, and openness in our lives.
In this Sunday’s Gospel (Mk 9:38-48), the disciples struggle with insecurity when they encounter someone outside their group casting out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus teaches them, and us, to appreciate the work of others for the Kingdom, even when expressed differently. The message is clear: small acts done in love, like offering a glass of water in His name, are precious to God. He is the “God of small things,” valuing pure intentions over grand gestures.
Boethius and Cassiodorus, two remarkable Christian scholars of the 6th century, bridged the gap between ancient Roman culture and the rising Christian world. Boethius, remembered for his influential work The Consolation of Philosophy, integrated Greek thought into Christian theology, while Cassiodorus, founder of the Vivarium monastery, preserved ancient manuscripts, ensuring the survival of important Christian and pagan works. Both men shaped the intellectual heritage of the Middle Ages, fostering a synthesis of faith and reason.
The Holy See has released a note, “The Queen of Peace,” addressing the devotion to Our Lady of Medjugorje. While the apparitions have sparked debate since their first occurrence in 1981, the Vatican’s focus has shifted towards the transformative impact of pilgrimages. Many who visit Medjugorje, even skeptics, experience deep conversion, returning to the faith with renewed purpose. Pope Francis has emphasized the importance of these spiritual fruits, stating that the focus should not be on the authenticity of the apparitions but on the grace of God at work in people’s lives.