Sunday Meditation: It All Starts with the Theological Virtues

Our catechism class this morning at the chapel was on the theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity. Every journey begins at the beginning and first step in the spiritual life is faith. This is how the ancient form of the Sacrament of Baptism begins (my comments in red):

AT THE DOOR OF THE CHURCH [The child or adult to be baptized is recognized as a catechumen -- not yet a full member of the Church. The sacrament begins outside the body of the Church since the one to be baptized is not yet a member. The explanations below explain it.] 

Sunday Meditation: "Fear is Useless; What's Needed is Trust..."

Our Lady's Lamp reminds us of God's love for his people!
"Blessed is the man whose hope is the Lord."  Jeremiah 17:7

...and a double serving of hope which is implied in the word trust. After all, if we are in need and turn to someone don't we hope that they will assist or guide us? Sometimes they don't. But whom can we count on to NEVER fail us?

Certainly putting our trust in fallible men is foolish even when we need to depend on them for help. With men, we need to follow Reagan's advice, "Trust but verify." Not so with the Lord. His love never fails.

Every day when I say my morning prayers I make an act of hope. "O my God, relying on Your almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope in the forgiveness of sins, the help of Your grace, and life everlasting through the merits of Your Son Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer."