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.
Demons are real, but so is the power of Christ to defeat them. As fallen angels, demons retain their power to influence and deceive. However, through the grace of God and the authority given to Christians through Baptism and Confirmation, we have the power to resist their influence. By preaching the Gospel and living a life of faith, we help diminish the kingdom of Satan.
When planning your Catholic wedding, it’s essential to remember that the ceremony’s primary purpose is to give glory to God and sanctify the worshipers. This means choosing appropriate liturgical music and scripture readings that reflect worship, solemnity, and religious devotion. While pop songs and non-scriptural readings might hold personal significance, they are typically not permitted during the ceremony. Instead, consider saving those meaningful moments for your reception.
Father L. delves into the question of why Jesus prayed, highlighting that prayer is a profound communion with God. He emphasizes Jesus’ example of spending an entire night in prayer as a reflection of his perfect unity with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Father L. encourages readers to deepen their prayer lives, following Jesus’ example and seeking a continuous connection with God.
When Jesus says that our eternity will be spent contemplating His Mercy, He doesn’t only mean that this is something we will do after we die. True, the fullness of the revelation of His Mercy will be set before us when we enter into the Beatific Vision and contemplate God forever. But “eternity” includes today. It includes the here and now.
Is gambling a sin? One of the concerns is the potential for addiction. The Catechism warns that the passion for gambling can become an enslavement, leading individuals to neglect their responsibilities and even resort to dishonesty or fraud to support their habit (CCC 2413).
The idea of perfection can appear to be beyond us. Too often we can think, “I’m only human.” But as a human who is called by God, we are invited to work toward the obtainable goal of greater holiness. Though we will always fall short, we must strive to become as holy as we can, holding nothing back.
Sharing the Gospel with your family is not always as easy as sharing it with a stranger. Conversely, listening to the Gospel message from a family member is not always as easy as hearing it from someone else. Why is that?
It is important to note that while the Catholic Church opposes same-sex marriage, it also teaches that individuals with same-sex attractions should be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion.
The finality of death is inevitable, and our reward will be determined by our words, thoughts and deeds in this world. We are called to reflect heaven in every aspect of lives so that one day we will be able to enjoy unity with God as our end reward.