by The Face of Grace Project | Nov 11, 2020 | Presence
An insightful reading into our lived Christian reality is the book Called to Communion by Josef Cardinal Ratzinger (now Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI). He provides small tidbits of details not commonly preached that add dimension to this beautiful communion in which we exist. Most impactful was the apostles as the qahal of Jesus, followers of a spiritual leader who were interconnected through Him. As we enter into a month reflecting upon the communion of saints, it gives us opportunity to grow in understanding how ‘church’ is a spiritual communion and our reality within which we live our daily lives.
by The Face of Grace Project | Nov 8, 2020 | Presence
November 21 is the feast of The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the Temple. When Mary was 3, the age of being weaned, Joachim and Ann presented her to the temple in service of God. Today, with Jesus the new covenant of God, we baptized Catholics (as His body) are each a spiritual temple (1Cor 3:16-17). Filled with His Spirit, “wherever this water comes the sea shall be made fresh” (Ez 47:9). In modern times, we use the word purity to refer to sexual purity. However, God calls us to a purification through which we gain purity of heart, complete purity.
by The Face of Grace Project | Nov 4, 2020 | Presence
As we near the new liturgical year which begins with Advent, the mass readings focus on heaven, hell, sin and the final coming of the Lord. We also give our hearts and prayers to the Holy Souls in Purgatory to ease their suffering. In this period preceding God’s formation of the Holy Family, we feel a particular closeness to our deceased family members. It is a time to take a sobering look at our life both past and present.
The life confession is just that and brings profound change in life. But how do I make a life confession? What should I do?
by The Face of Grace Project | Nov 1, 2020 | Life, Work and the World
“If I were not a Catholic, and were looking for the true Church in the world today, I would look for the one Church which did not get along well with the world; in other words, I would look for the Church which the world hated.” (Venerable Fulton J. Sheen)
Consider this: if all the time Christians have spent arguing over politics were instead used to convert people to Jesus, where might our country be today? Regardless of the results Tuesday November 3, it is never too late to start.
