Aflame for Christ

This world thinks very poorly of innocence, and often mocks the idea that we shouldn't taste every evil that presents itself. But Christ makes it clear in the Gospels that innocence is a prerequisite for Heaven. What is innocence, how does it differ from naivete, and how do we cultivate it in our lives and in the lives of our kids and grandkids? Innocence - the great gift of choosing the good!

All of our readings this weekend feature the theme of envy: "sorrow at another's good fortune." Today we discuss when envy is good and when it is bad, and three profound antidotes to such a deadly sin, so that we can live lives of joy and peace!

Like salt and pepper, lightning and thunder, Romeo and Juliet, so Faith and Works should always go together. St. James puts it best when he describes a "living faith" - a firm belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior, which is then lived out in lives of holiness. But a living faith often includes the Cross, which is what makes it so challenging!

When Mary lived on earth, her mind and soul were already in Heaven - desiring God, living holiness. Because of how her desire for God consumed her entire being, it is fitting that her immaculate body would partake of the divine life of Heaven that she so ardently longed for. We, too, while we live on earth, can live with our hearts in Heaven - so to be prepared for our own bodily resurrection at the end of time!

The radical claim of Christianity is that, through grace, we become adopted sons and daughters of God. But so many of us struggle with family wounds, loneliness, and the alienation of sin. If so, this consoling message of God's Fatherhood should give us courage - we have a good Father in Heaven, a new family in the Catholic Church, and the grace to live as a new creation!

We hear every week that Jesus died for our sins. But what was crucifixion, really? What made it so horrible? What were the actual, physical sufferings that Jesus endured for us and for our salvation? Understanding the medical reality of Christ's Passion helps us to understand the depths of His love for us - a God who was willing to shed every drop of His blood to save His beloved!

We've seen the Disney-esque trope: a young person feels stifled by their traditions, and for love or adventure decides to rebel against their parents and their culture. Conflict ensues, but in the end, the parents realize that their offspring were correct: their culture and their traditions prevented their happiness.

Is this what Jesus is criticizing in today's Gospel? Do traditions and rituals forbid authentic expression of faith and love? Are we just too "legalistic" as Catholics? Not so! A deep dive into the historical background of this Gospel helps us realize the entire purpose of Traditions, which are to give an identity to us so that we can more adequately keep the first things first: the love of God and neighbor.

Some men are called to give it all for Christ, being conformed to Him in a unique manner through the gift of the priesthood. What about those mysterious priests? Learn all about how they are called to image Christ and be a true father to His people!

Marriage is fantastically difficult. It puts two imperfect people together, for life, with all of their sins and weaknesses and insecurities. What could God have been thinking by concocting such a relationship? Only that it has the immense power to sanctify us and teach us how to love. Even difficult marriages, with all of its suffering and pain, can make us profoundly holy. Hear how our Catholic Faith gives hope to those in difficult marriages - hope that God can bring something beautiful, even out of the Cross!

Marriage is more than just a natural relationship or a convenient partnership - it is a Sacrament given by Christ, ordered to the procreation of children and the mutual sanctification of spouses. Hear how the graces given in this Sacrament can make you holy!