Well, this is where it apparently falls apart—a God of the Trinity– Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Here is where faith, belief, and human experience diverge. Remember, the early followers of Jesus were largely Jewish. Indeed, Jesus himself was a faithful Jew. And yes, the early Jesus movement in the years immediately after his death … Continue reading The Most Holy Trinity
Author: Raphael Peters
The Feast of Pentecost
Today, we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, bringing the gifts necessary to continue Jesus' mission through his Church. After his resurrection, even though the doors were locked, Jesus stood before them and bade his peace. “As the Father has sent me, so I send you. … Continue reading The Feast of Pentecost
Solemnity of the Ascension
Recalling the time when Jesus was taken up to heaven reinforces our belief that where the head of the Body of Christ has gone, we too hope to follow. By taking on our flesh and nature, atoning for our sins, dying and rising, and ascending to heaven, our Jesus has made straight the path for … Continue reading Solemnity of the Ascension
Synodical Ignorance- Part Two
Last week, we began our analysis of Synodal Working Paper 9, which promotes deeper discussion and normalization of same-sex relationships. Throughout the history and tradition of Catholicism, these relationships have been understood as outside the moral norm.Having to combat resistance to teaching and tradition, the group consciously changed the terms, making previously off-the-table issues open … Continue reading Synodical Ignorance- Part Two
I Will Not Leave You Orphaned
Sixth Sunday of Easter-A Anticipating the Feast of the Ascension, this weekend's Gospel reading focuses on Jesus’ return to his Father in heaven. He reiterates to his disciples that keeping the commandments is akin to loving him. Then, he says something strange. He tells them he will not leave them, orphans. The traditional understanding of … Continue reading I Will Not Leave You Orphaned
Synodal Ignorance
Analysis of Methodology- Part 1 Catholics should be interested in the ongoing Synod started by the late Pope Francis. Under Pope Leo, the march towards confusion continues without a slowdown. Pope Francis emphasized the necessity of synodality in the Church. It is designed to draw bishops, religious orders, and local Catholics to consult and discern … Continue reading Synodal Ignorance
I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life
Fifth Sunday of Easter-A A month has passed since we celebrated the feast of Easter. The Gospel reading for this weekend is not directly associated with the Easter event; however, it comes from St. John's account, written well after the momentous event. It doesn’t mean, however, that it has nothing to do with the resurrection … Continue reading I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life
Hearing the Voice of the Shepherd
Fourth Sunday of Easter-A [The Shepherd] “walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers." There is something boundless about the Voice. The Voice was there at the … Continue reading Hearing the Voice of the Shepherd
Recognizing the Risen Lord
Third Sunday of Easter A week after St. Thomas doubted the reports from his fellow Apostles, the Gospel message this Sunday is another encounter with the risen Lord. Today, we hear about two of Jesus’ disciples on the first day of the week heading to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus. Understandably, the … Continue reading Recognizing the Risen Lord
Divine Mercy Sunday
St. Pope John Paul II selected the Second Sunday of Easter because it coincides beautifully with the Gospel reading of the Second Sunday of Easter, which informs us that the Risen Christ gave his Apostles the gift of the Holy Spirit and then instructed them, “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins … Continue reading Divine Mercy Sunday