Sunday Meditation: Real Catholicism is This!

One of my readers left a link to a good sermon that outlines how we should respond to the pope. I found it personally challenging and a bit of a reprimand. The unnamed priest talks about "real Catholicism." He begins by making the distinction between the two ways the pope speaks, the first as the authoritative head of the Church expressing Catholic truth that is binding on the flock. 

Don't Let the Seriousness of the Times Fill Your Soul with Fear!

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear: but of power, and of love, and of sobriety."

2 Timothy 1:7

Last night my husband and I had a telephone conversation with one of my husband's brothers. As we discussed family matters and shared about our respective grandchildren, we agreed that we live in scary times. The secular culture, under a demented president and a leftist agenda, is a mess! And the Church, which should be our rock, is teetering under the rule of evil men. It's easy to sink into discouragement and fear.

Vatican Prep for Next Year's Synod

Synod council urges further discussion, preparation before October 2015 meeting

Vatican prep for next year's Ordinary Synod

Those of us who love the Bride of Christ must also be preparing for the Synod by daily prayer for the participating bishops and for all the activities going on, especially by dissent groups agitating for change. We are in a crucial time for the Church and many of our clerical leaders have a questionable agenda. 

It would be fruitful to read about Church politics and intrigue in the 13th century when Catherine of Siena was so busy trying to bring peace and unity to the Church. I just listened to Sigrid Undset's biography of the great saint and Doctor of the Church on tape. It is considered the best modern biography of St. Catherine. 

Many of Catherine's experiences and battles for the Church reminded me of our own time. She was a fearless defender of the faith who spoke the truth to power. Of course she first engaged in heroic prayer and fasting in preparation for her "bridegroom's" instructions to her. 

I heartily recommend the book and urge you to pray for the Synod through St. Catherine's intercession. 

"I Am the Light of the World."

I love to read quotes of the saints. They provide such fruit for meditation. Here is one from St. Catherine of Siena. It makes me think of something an artist might say. 

"It is only through shadows that one comes to know the light." Prayer 24

Goodness shines brightly against evil. Consider the heroism of Irene Sendler and other courageous men and women who fought the Nazis.

Think of the early Roman martyrs who faced the savage beasts and the even more savage crowds in the Roman Coliseum.

It only takes one candle to push back the darkest night.