Sometimes, it's clear what God wants from us. Usually, it isn't. What are we to do in such cases?

Today the Dominican Order remembers all those who support our way of life. Our life, devoted to preaching and the salvation of souls, is only possible through the generosity of others. Through their witness, we are able to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

This day we honor them and pray for them in a special way with a special liturgy. May they be blessed a hundred-fold in Heaven.

So often we do not know what the future holds. We have plans and expectations but those are all too easily threatened. But while we don't know what our future holds, we do know who holds it. Our Lord in his providential care is always working for our good.

But do we trust him enough to let Him?

For the daily readings, see the USCCB.

Jesus calls us out into deep waters. It is there that we will find our greatest fulfillment and our greatest challenge. If we are to answer that call, like the Apostles did, we need to dive into the depths of self-surrender, placing ourselves into the hands of the Lord. 

We are called out into the depths, but our God is with us. Do we trust Him enough to surrender to Him?

Today is the Memorial of Pope St. Gregory the Great.

For the daily readings, see the USCCB. 

Jesus provides a model of servant leadership. He gives up many good things for the sake of his mission, in order that he might bring to us our Salvation. What are we willing to give up in order to live our mission as Christians fully? 

For the daily readings, see the USCCB. 

Br. Hoang Nguyen, O.P., reflects on the second reading for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Romans 12:1-2.

As Christians we are often swimming upstream against the culture of the world. The Mind of Christ, which St. Paul in Romans encourages us all to have, helps us to see what in the world needs to change. But what about the good that is in the world?

St. Paul calls us to reflect on all that is good and pleasing and perfect and to make it our own. There is much in the world which we Christians have taken and incorporated into our faith. Cultural traditions and expressions which find their fullness in Christ and His Church. Can we put on the Mind of Christ and see and discern all that is good, and pleasing, and perfect?

For the Sunday readings, see the USCCB.

"Offer it up" 

A phrase familiar to many Catholics, but Deacon James Martin Nobles asks us this Sunday if we've really taken that phrase to heart.   

Do we understand what it means to offer it up? What it means to sacrifice and to give the Lord Jesus our everything? Or is it just another trite and tired phrase we Catholics like to say?  

Listen as Deacon James Martin walks us through the liturgy itself, where our prayers and sacrifices are lifted up to God Our Father.  Readings come from Cycle A for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Br. Peter Lewitzke O.P. preaches on Jeremiah 20: 7-9 at Vespers for the 22nd Week of Ordinary Time.  

If God wants our best, why is it that so many of his followers have hard lives. Br. Peter shares his own experience of feeling misled by God and by his own Catholic Christian faith, and discovering an invitation to 'fall in love' with God. That invitation exists for all of us: will we accept it?

As we remember the life and martyrdom of John the Baptist on this feast day, we are also forcibly reminded of the great richness which is the Communion of Saints. 

Within the halls of Heaven are blunt confessors of faith like John the Baptist. There are theologians who grappled with nuanced questions about nature of God and being. There are preachers who were able to rouse people to joy and also to make them weep. The saints show us the richness and diversity of God's Kingdom. 

Each of us in our own way is called to be theologians, preachers, and confessors. The trick is to see how God is calling you in the particular moment.

Today is the Memorial of the Passion of John the Baptist

For the daily readings, see the USCCB.