The need for conversion

Lk 13:1-9

It was just about this time that some people arrived and told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with that of their sacrifices. At this he said to them, ‘Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than any others, that this should have happened to them? They were not, I tell you. No; but unless you repent you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen on whom the tower at Siloam fell, killing them all? Do you suppose that they were more guilty than all the other people living in Jerusalem? They were not, I tell you. No; but unless you repent you will all perish as they did.’ He told this parable, ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it but found none. He said to his vinedresser, “For three years now I have been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and finding none. Cut it down: why should it be taking up the ground?” “Sir,” the man replied, “leave it one more year and give me time to dig round it and manure it: it may bear fruit next year; if not, then you can cut it down.” ‘ Read More

“CONTEMPLATION OF THE TRUTH”

“The soul does not find silence and peace through many reflections, but simply by meditating on the truth.” (St. Peter of Alcántara)

St. Peter of Alcántara, who was endowed with great mystical gifts by God and led an exceptionally ascetic life, points us to this invaluable source of prayer. Time and again, such gifted souls remind us that we should seek simply to dwell in the presence of God.

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Saint John of Capistrano: An unusual calling

What extraordinary stories the lives of the saints tell. They devoted themselves entirely to God’s service, often wearing themselves out in the process. It was his fiery love for God that drove St. John to deeds far beyond what a human being is normally capable of. The mystery of God is revealed!

John of Capistrano was born in Naples in 1386 and was on his way to a distinguished secular career. However, due to political tensions, in which he had actually intended to mediate as an advocate for King Ladislaus of Naples, he was captured and thrown into a fortified tower. Though his treatment was cruel, God used it to lead John to realize that he should serve the heavenly King and renounce the world.

John was released and decided to join the Franciscan Order.

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Obey the truth

Lk 12:49-53

‘In those days Jesus said: ‘ I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already! There is a baptism I must still receive, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! ‘Do you suppose that I am here to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on, a household of five will be divided: three against two and two against three; father opposed to son, son to father, mother to daughter, daughter to mother, mother-in-law to daughter-in-law, daughter-in-law to mother-in-law.’ Read More

The mystery of God has been revealed

Eph 3:2-12

Assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that is, how the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in[a] God who created all things; that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose which he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confidence of access through our faith in him. Read More

Side Note: “Thoughts on the Saints”

It is not uncommon for me to include a few words about the saints between the Gospel meditations and the readings, as well as in some spiritual teachings. It is always a great joy for me to share about them. Today I would like to present some thoughts by Dietrich von Hildebrand on this topic and comment on them briefly.

In his insightful book, Trojan Horse in the City of God, he addresses many topics to explain the crisis in the Church. He devotes a chapter to the saints, and it is well worth listening to what he has to say. It will help us to examine and appreciate the person and message of the saints even more closely.

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THE TRUTH SHAPES US

“The truth is like love. The more you speak it and put it into practice, the deeper it penetrates your being and shapes who you are” (Inner Word).

Living in the truth and speaking the truth is the highest good and makes us like the Son of God, who can say of Himself: “I am the truth.” (cf. John 14:6) While lies and insincerity distort our lives, the truth is different. It does not tolerate lies or pretense; rather, it shapes us according to the image in which God created us.

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