For some it may be confusing when Jesus tells us that he is the light of the world, but then also says that we are the light of the world. It makes us wonder how both can be true. Both theologically, and practically, it is actually quite easy to explain when you look at it through a Catholic lens.

Whenever we read the Gospel account of the gathering of the Apostles, we should be challenged. When Jesus asks these men to follow him, he does not tell them to carefully consider his request. Jesus just asks. And the future Apostles just drop everything and immediately follow him. We should ask ourselves if we would be so willing and trusting.

BEHOLD is a word we do not use a lot in our modern use of the English language. However, if we look closely at that word, we realize it has a specific and profound meaning for us. Every Mass we attend we hear it in reference to the Eucharist just confected by the priest. Maybe we should examine how we respond to that word, and ultimately, that reality.

Many may wonder to themselves whether they would prefer to die suddenly and unexpectedly, or die over a longer period of time. There may be perceived positives and negatives for each reality, but maybe that is not the proper question. Perhaps we should ask ourselves if, at this moment in our lives, we are prepared to meet our Maker.

When we make a New Years Resolution, we usually resolve to clean out the garage, lose some weight, be kind to others, or some other good intention which seems to be in line with the spirit of season. Maybe this year should be different. Maybe this year we should resolve to spend more time with the revealed word of God, the Sacred Scriptures.

When we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family every year after Christmas, we are not just honoring the perfect family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. We are also understanding that we are called to live in our own families according to the model of the Holy Family, and that our Salvation in Jesus is tied directly to the family God gave us to live in.

While the Fourth Sunday of Advent is still Advent, we at The Catholic Cafe think it is certainly time to start thinking of, and watching, Christmas movies. Here we discuss our favorites.

Once we understand the true character of Advent...anticipation, judgment, and penitence...it opens up for us the opportunity to receive the great blessing of Joy that God intends for each of His faithful children.

When we view Advent as merely a time of waiting until Christmas, we can easily miss the spiritual benefits that the season has to offer us. We can best prepare to receive the Christ when we contemplate deeply the characteristics of anticipation, judgment, and penitence during Advent.

As we enter the Advent Season, it is common to wonder just how Christmas preparation is appropriate so that we do not ignore the spiritually valuable character of Advent. There must be a good balance between the secular and spiritual aspects of holiday seasons.