As the United States of America celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it is a suitable and good idea to spend time reflecting on the many blessings bestowed upon our country. But, we must also ask if, in this day and age, we are BEHAVING like one nation under God.

As much as we love and respect our separated brothers and sisters in Christ, the Protestants, we must realize as Catholics that their understanding of the relationship between faith, works, judgment, and salvation is ultimately unbiblical. The Bible tells us we will be judged by our works, and Jesus reminds us that if we receive a prophet in His name, we will receive the reward of a prophet.

Our Father Who art in heaven is actually a wonderful model for all earthly fathers to follow. If we look at the attributes revealed by our heavenly Father, we can see a great pattern that, if followed, we lead to better success in paternal parenting and will ultimately lead to heaven for our children.

Pope Leo just recently released the first encyclical of his pontificate, having signed it on the anniversary of the release of the the encyclical Rerum Novarum, which was focused on the dignity of human labor. This new encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, focuses on maintaining human dignity in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

Whenever we receive the Eucharist, properly disposed, we receive the Real Presence of Jesus, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. This is the best way, indeed the intended way, that we can best live as an image of Christ. This is true because we become what we eat and take on Eucharistic virtues.

As we leave the very busy and spiritually powerful Easter Season and enter into Ordinary Time, it is vital that we remember that the Easter Mysteries are supposed to empower us for the days ahead, not tired us and convince us we need a rest. We must avoid the temptation to hibernate in our faith and wait until the next big season of the Church.

Catholic author and speaker John Edwards speaks about his new book, Power Made Perfect, a powerful, revealing look into his amazing conversion of faith. As only he can do, John tells us how to find true strength in Christ by describing in detail, and vulnerability, his fall from grace and how the Lord used the powerful love of his wife Angela to bring him home to right relationship with God.

When Jesus gives us the Great Commission to go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, he dramatically ascends into heaven. The disciples hardly know what to do. They are stunned. Two angels give them very practical advice. Stop looking up in the sky and get busy doing what Jesus just commanded.

It seems that the world is stressed out. So many people suffer from anxiety and worry. Perhaps a reminder, subtle though it is, can help. God is in charge. When we try to do everything ourselves, we quickly discover that we cannot. That is why we need to just let go and let God do the heavy lifting in our lives.

In chapter 6 of the Acts of the Apostles, we hear of Saint Stephen and six of his companions being called to a special vocation of service to the Church. These seven men would be the first Deacons of the Catholic Church, called to service to the Word, Altar, and Charity. 2000 years later, God still calls men to the vocation of the Diaconate.