Antisemitism has been on my list of topics for quite some time now, but I am finally ready to tackle it head-on and share my thoughts with you. In this Faith Talk I share statistics from the Anti-Defamation League, Scriptural wisdom, and my own understanding and perspective. To be clear – I know most Christians do not discriminate against Jewish people. On the contrary, most Christians have a great respect for Jewish people and their faith. But sadly, over the 2000-year history of the Church, many Christians have instigated, and participated in, harassment of, and violence towards Jewish people - both individual discrimination and discrimination towards the Jewish people as a whole. This is not only a matter of Church history but continues today. I am not making a political argument in any way. I leave politics out, focusing only on the prejudicial treatment of Jewish people. I believe those of us who know better must work together to support our Jewish brothers and sisters – if for no other reason than our love for Christ.

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Scripture cited: Matthew 5:17; Luke 23:34; Matthew 5:44; Matthew 7:12; John 13:34

Other sources: The Anti-Defamation League: Audit of Antisemitic Incidents Report for 2022; Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 839, 60

Forgiving others can be very difficult, especially if it was a serious offense which wounded us severely. Quite often we choose to withhold forgiveness. But all

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Scripture cited: Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13, Proverbs 17:9, John 20:23, Matthew 18:21-22

As children it was easy to believe that Jesus loved us no matter what. But, as adults, it’s easy to see ourselves as flawed. We question how Jesus could possibly love us as we are, considering all the things we’ve done and said, all the sins we’ve committed, all the hurt we’ve caused. We think Jesus could only love us if we change or do enough penance or somehow make up for all our failings. We have the idea that we need to earn his love back in some way, but that is not true. Jesus doesn’t love us because we change. On the contrary, we change because Jesus loves us. Our perfection is not a pre-requisite for God’s love. In this Faith Talk I use Scripture stories to show that Jesus loves us despite our sins. All we need to do is acknowledge our sins and humble ourselves before God – God takes it from there. Jesus does not condone sin, and his forgiveness does not deny or eliminate our sins. On the contrary – he acknowledges, names, and exposes them, and then lets them go. And that’s where the healing starts. His forgiveness frees us to move on in our lives; to move closer to the divine and the eternal.

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Scripture cited: Luke 5:31-32, Luke 7:36-50, Luke 18:9-14, Luke 19:1-10, John 4:39, John 8:7-11

Other sources: song – Jesus Loves Me

Pentecost, or the Descent of the Holy Spirit, is one of the most remarkable events in Christian history. Christian scholars have written volumes trying to explain and make sense of this incredible spiritual experience. In this Faith Talk, I join them in that quest. The story is recalled in Acts 2:1-11. In my reflection

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Scripture cited: Acts 2: 1-11; Mark 8:22-26

Other sources: Fr. Richard Rohr, Daily Meditations

The Lord’s Prayer, also known as the Our Father, is the Christian prayer of unity – given to us by Jesus. Most Christians know this prayer by heart and can recite it without even thinking about the words. But it’s vital that we slow down, from time to time, and reflect on the words that Jesus taught us. In this video I give a bit of background for the prayer and then break it open in small bits to reflect on its meaning and significance.

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The Catechism of the Catholic Church

The New American Bible; 1990 version

St. John Chrysostom, 4th century

God is mystery – knowable, to be sure, but at the same time, just beyond our grasp. I was recently asked to explain what I believe about God. That’s easy to do, to a point. But, as St. Augustine said, “If you can understand it, it is not God.” This is my personal faith reflection. I hope it helps you as you continue on your faith journey. Two questions for your consideration: Why are you a person of faith? Why, if it pertains, do you affiliate with a particular religious organization?

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To check out my entire Faith Talk with Anita You Tube Library of

Quotes referenced:

Fr. Richard Rohr, Daily Reflection, May 22, 2022

St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430 A.D.)

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

Scripture referenced:

Hebrews 11:1; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Mark 10:52; Ephesians 6:16; Psalm 46;

I think early Church history is fascinating! I hope you do too! In this Faith Talk I walk through the first 300 years of the Church - the conflicts and compromises the first Christians experienced – including the Ascension, The Pentecost event, the Council of Jerusalem, the Great Persecution and the Church of Constantine the Great. I offer you a few thoughts to ponder and wonder about, and end with a prayer.

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Faith Talk Episode 13: St. Paul – the Man who Formed the Church: https://youtu.be/0o8Upl_wNZ0

The first Christians were remarkable people who had been blessed to know and follow Jesus during his life, and then witness the Resurrection of Christ. It was these same remarkable people who Jesus sent on mission to continue his work on earth. Their passion for Christ was burning within them. And that passion gave them the strength, courage, and hope they needed to persevere – to bring the Christian Church to fruition. In this episode we take a look at these amazing people and how Jesus prepared them for their mission. I believe it is essential for Christians today to know our history and the role our ancestors in faith played in our Church.

To check out my entire Faith Talk with Anita You Tube Library of videos:

Scripture texts

Book referenced:

In this episode we reflect on the story of the disciples encounter with Jesus on the shore from John’s gospel and consider the analogy of The Church as a simple math equation: Jesus + Us = The Church. We can’t be Church without him. And he needs us to do the physical work to bring the Kingdom to fullness. This story is filled with theological goodies which help us better understand The Church and our role in it. I’ve attempted to break it open enough to explore many of the wonders it offers.

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Scripture text: John 21:1-14

Book referenced: John’s Gospel and the Renewal of the Church,

Doubting Thomas has gotten a bad rap over the years for his lack of faith in Jesus, but he is just a typical human being – no different than you and me. We all have the possibility of being Thomas at one point or another in our lives. It doesn’t make us bad Christians; it just makes us human. The main point in this story is not Thomas’ unbelief, but Jesus’ response to him. Jesus offers him peace and love. And Jesus offers the same to us – knowing we must all come to faith in

Previous Faith Talk with Anita episodes referenced:

Episode 1: Let there be Light: God and the Big Bang

https://youtu.be/nM0kjUeLNmc

Episode 11: Are not our Hearts Burning within us?

https://youtu.be/sNLYHY_pSOg