When you are about to face your fears, pray these words of King David.

In the Gospel for today (Monday of the 13thWeek of the Year) Jesus gives two teachings on discipleship. They are not easy, and they challenge us—especially those of us who live in the affluent West. Poverty– The text says, As they were proceeding on their journey someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you … Continue reading "Two Teachings on Discipleship from Jesus"

A virtuous life is achieved through good habits. These habits are the foundation of holiness.

Fr. John Bartunek explains how the interior motive is different between penance and mortification ... and how each can be done during Lent!

At the daily masses of the Easter Octave, we have been reading about, among other things, the story of a paralyzed man whom Peter and John encounter just outside the Temple at the Gate called “Beautiful.” This paralyzed man’s story is our story and as we read it we learn something of our own spiritual … Continue reading "At the Gate Called “Beautiful” – What the Miracle by Peter and John Teaches us about our Spiritual Journey"

Jesus said to St. Faustina that he would grant the grace of conversion to whomever said this prayer in faith.

How to protect yourself from demon attacks

We are excited to announce a trilogy by Fr. Spitzer and a video series on spiritual and moral conversion, drawing from the writings of Lonergan.

This young man was not ready for a life of self-denial. Despite his faithfulness to The Law, the youth of the Gospel was unfulfilled. His obedience was a good beginning, but it could not satisfy ...

On at least two different occasions, Sr. Lucia gave the following instruction to the crowd at Fatima: “Close your umbrellas. Our Lady is coming!” In the pictures of the throngs gathered on the 13th of each month in Fatima, one can often see umbrellas. They were sometimes used to shield people from the rain, but … Continue reading "Close Your Umbrellas! A Mediation on a Saying at Fatima."

“Unless I am convinced by people from Scriptures or by plain and clear reasons and arguments, I can and will not retract, for it is neither safe nor wise to do anything against conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen!” – Martin Luther Martin Luther was a man of principle, who fearlessly opposed the spiritual injustice of the church. His bravery forever altered the course of Christianity making way for the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Who was Martin Luther? Here are some interesting facts about the reformer, Christian, and legendary theologian.

How can our love to Christ grow deeper and truer? The spiritual wisdom of Thomas à Kempis (1380 – 1471) in this Lenten reading has helped millions find 'the royal road' of discipleship.

The divine plan for the world is a mirror of the spiritual world Excerpt from a homily by St. Ephrem, deacon and Doctor of the Church; LOTH.

There are many references to “the flesh” in the New Testament, especially in the letters of St. Paul. The phrase is confusing to those who think it synonymous with the physical body. While Scripture many times uses the word “flesh” to refer to the physical body, when it is preceded by the definite article, it … Continue reading "What Does Scripture Mean by “the Flesh”?"

Fr. John Bartunek answers a reader's question about the good and the bad of being curious. He explains the difference between the virtue of studiositas and the vice of curiosity or curiositas.

Those who want to draw closer to God, must first do this.

In today’s Gospel, the Lord Jesus gives a penetrating analysis of the state of the sinner and some very sobering advice to us would-be saints. Let’s look at the Gospel in two stages: I ANALYSIS OF THE SINNER – In the opening lines of the Gospel, Jesus describes a sinful steward: DELUSION (of the sinner) … Continue reading "On Being Faithful in a Few Things before Being Ruler over Many Things – A Homily for the 24th Sunday of the Year"

St. Louis Martin is a great example of a comfortable middle-class man, who was generous in everything he did.

One of the more underreported sins is greed. It is easy to conclude that greed is something manifested by “that other person,” who has more than I do. Yes, that rich guy over there, the one who earns a dollar more per hour than I do; he’s greedy, but I’m not. Honestly, does any one of … Continue reading "The Seven Deadly Sins: Greed"

In 1947, Archbishop Fulton Sheen forewarned what no one thought possible for these times.

If you want to understand 98% of the unhappiness in the world--whether it is on the stage of international politics or the stage of your kitchen or bedroom or wherever your arguments happen, continue reading... The book I have finished is called Immortal Combat- Confronting the Heart of Darkness and my thinking for this book has

I believe the story of Moses, Joshua and the Amalekites is a window into how we can all live with a 'youthful zeal for life.' Here is the story of

Deriving profit from our faults is one of the most important topics in the spiritual life. It is quite certain that, in the designs of God, the faults into which He permits us to fall ought to serve for our sanctification, and that it depends on us to draw this advantage from them. Nevertheless, it […]

Fr. Paul D. Scalia on the necessity of conversion: interior, continuous, and Christological – reminders to repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

After spending a week outside Rome reflecting on key questions in the Gospel during their annual Lenten retreat, Pope Francis and members of the Roman Curia returned to the Vatican Friday.

The famous Ven Fulton J. Sheen — famous evangelist, prolific writer, friend and confidant to Popes, who was loved by millions — attributed his success to one thing: a deep relationship to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The love of this great man of God was particularly manifested in His faithfulness to daily prayer, […]

Regardless of how your conversion has come about, these 12 pieces of advice from a convert will help you to persevere beyond the initial honeymoon.

“I asked them to pin the Miraculous Medal to my pajama coat. I’ve worn the medal constantly ever since. I’ll wear it to my grave.”

Here’s a number of things you should avoid in your confession.

At the year's end, Pope Francis reflected on Christ’s saving presence within time, cautioning against nostalgia for the slavery of sin, and encouraging gratitude that leads to repentance.

Connie Rossini reflects on how God makes the impossible possible: turning sinners into saints; Elijah; fire, more...

The Bible teaches us that there is not a fence or middle ground with Jesus; He compels us to make a choice. You are either with Him or you are in the Valley of Hinnom (aka Gehenna). The Valley of Hinnom was the garbage dump of Jerusalem in the time of Jesus. Before the exile of Judah, it had been the place of temples to pagan gods. It was the place where Judah placed a posing game: Just in case the God of Israel was really a god, they went up to the Temple Mount. Just in case He wasn’t

St. Therese of Lisieux was once a "toxic" person herself, before she mastered the art of sympathizing with difficult people. Here are three ways that you can practice her method.

Take up the cross, and follow Jesus

In this week’s Office of Readings comes a crucial question from Elijah. It came at a time of widespread apostasy among the Jewish people. Elijah summoned a multitude to Mt. Carmel in the far north of Israel: Elijah appealed to all the people and said, “How long will you straddle the issue? If the Lord … Continue reading "Time to Decide – A Reflection on a Question from Elijah"

"Saint Thomas Aquinas suggests five remedies against sadness that have proven surprisingly effective." From a conference given by Carlo de Marchi, vicar of Opus Dei for Central-South Italy.

In his daily homily Pope Francis said that God’s love is always expressed in tenderness, and cautioned that if we haven’t experienced this then something is missing in our relationship with the Lord.