The post I Need You first appeared on Cathoclick.

Jesus once again emphasizes a common theme that those who believe in Him, will find refuge. Will find peace from hard work and the typical everyday stress. And a path God enables you to take will be less difficult, kinda easy, but fruitful.

Comment to begin discussion.

The Reading | Mt 11:25-30

At that time Jesus exclaimed:
“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to little ones.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
No one knows the Son except the Father,
and no one knows the Father except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

The post Understanding Scripture is Not Meant for Everybody first appeared on Cathoclick.

In today’s world, the term “I have no life” or “s/he has no life” applies. Maybe there’s sadness, maybe there’s depression involved. But meaning to say, they’re likely not hearing the words of Jesus. Or better yet, maybe hearing the words, but not practicing what He preaches. There’s a bit of a difference. Kinda like knowing not to eat fast food all the time, but you do it anyway. Or choosing not to exercise.

The principles I hear in any of the readings are things contrary to societal practices. Or so I’ve concluded many years ago. And I’m not sure exactly how to convey this, other than continue to confirm its validity over time. Trust in the Lord.

Considering post-life on Earth, eternal life is also present amongst loved ones that he or she has left.

Communion

We have all grown to think that bread and wine are the body and blood of Jesus. I’ve heard discussions that relegates these to symbols. But regardless, know that with Christ within you lies the greatest source of confidence to proceed with His guidance. That is, to follow the path He set for you whatever the calling may be. And this is not only pertaining to religious works, but utilizing the greatness He has given you. Which should never be ignored.

Comment to begin discussion.

The Reading | Jn 6:51-58

Jesus said to the Jewish crowds:
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven;
whoever eats this bread will live forever;
and the bread that I will give
is my flesh for the life of the world.”

The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying,
“How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”
Jesus said to them,
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood,
you do not have life within you.
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood
has eternal life,
and I will raise him on the last day.
For my flesh is true food,
and my blood is true drink.
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood
remains in me and I in him.
Just as the living Father sent me
and I have life because of the Father,
so also the one who feeds on me
will have life because of me.
This is the bread that came down from heaven.
Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died,
whoever eats this bread will live forever.”

The post What is Eternal Life? first appeared on Cathoclick.

If you believe in God, He will give you life. That is, take you away from misery, pull you through the trials of life. It’s not always easy to be optimistic in a world that, to me, pulls you down more than supports you. Kicks you while you’re down. And the strange part is how many of these are of the faith, or closer to you than you think, that it makes me second guess the collective belief and strength of the church. Particularly, people I know.

But I would prefer not to question or judge. It is not my call, it is God’s. And Him alone. But even He, I’d think, would be forgiving regardless of how hypocritical they are. Not over time, instantaneously.

You see, how someone perceives something, regardless of the masses, is a reflection of their state of mind. Next time you hear someone speak, observe their choice of words, tone of voice, their spirit, their positive or negative undertone, and particularly energy level. It mirrors their internal state of mind. Hence, “Whoever does not believe has already been condemned.”

Since I realized this, I’ve come to a conclusion that I believe there are more troubled people out there than we realize. And it can have an effect around others more than you’d know. There’s a quote I knew: “Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching?” Some are aware of and are able to control this, some are not.

I must admit that I’m barely of the highest of spirits, and therein lies my biggest flaw. Surrounding don’t exactly help when they’re not in line with what you should be doing, or what God wants you to do. At least that’s my theory, because those I know that are doing what they love, surrounded by people they love, are in stark contrast to the dejected, oppressed, hateful, negative, etc. Religion is something I understand well, but I have a tough time practicing everything out in the secular world that is so contradictory and suppressing of the belief system.

It does keep me going, though, in my case. Those that know, rather those that are doing God’s work, I am not so much concerned. But it is those that are worse off than myself that Catholics should be wary about, to extend a hand, to be a support, to offer the help they need.

Comment to begin discussion.

The Reading | Jn 3:16-18

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish
but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.
Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,
but whoever does not believe has already been condemned,
because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

The post One of Life’s Secrets? God Answers With This Passage first appeared on Cathoclick.

It probably would’ve been appropriate to have created more posts during Cathoclick’s First Lenten season, but it has been a tough stretch for me. The job search has finally come to a close, lasting a good 2.5 months, and I can relax a little bit. But there’s much to do, and I’d like to get to the point where things here can be more consistent. In my early 30s, I know there are certain expectancies of what I’m supposed to know and do. But you know, there really is still a lot to learn about life and religion. And to improve on them both.

So, how was Lent for you? Was there something you gave up or something you didn’t? I guess just like anything, it is what you make it to be.

For me, Lent goes something a little like this. It is a time to honor the religion, pay a bit more attention to it, as well as work on yourself as a member of the Catholic church. I’d really like to know how many of you stop to reflect on how much more you can do as a Catholic, how you can make improvements within yourself to be even more of one, and how to make a signature mark as we’re called to do.

Let me back up a bit. When it comes to speaking about religion, it really is a mode of thinking and a way of life also.

I know there are so many who adopt the “I gave up ___ for Lent.” Giving up something for the season is respectable, reminds you of Jesus’ time in the desert, what He has done for you, etc…

Let me remind you that I’m here to provide a different point of view.

I do find value in “giving something up,” but I’m not necessarily sure removing something from my life for an extended period of time actually teaches me as much as, say, adopting something that’s an alternative to what’s part of your everyday.

So, what do I mean?

The focus of removing something is not necessarily as strong as a practice of something new that you would immerse yourself in. Take, for example, the following:

“Giving up soda for Lent” as opposed to “Choosing water as your beverage for all your meals.”

Or perhaps:

“Giving up meat for Lent” as opposed to “Concentrating on a vegetarian practice for 40 days.”

One year, I chose to dress well everyday at work instead of “not looking scruffy” at a workplace where there was no specific dress code. For me, it instilled a bit more of a lesson and that’s really how things are learned. Lent is a new season, a new year, and I find ironies in that it’s like carrying out a strict New Year’s resolution.

Another example:

Doing cardio exercises while watching TV, instead of just watching TV on the couch.

You get the picture?

You as a Catholic

I always make a point to stop and reflect how I could be a better person for whoever and overall. And it’s not easy, because I have to admit there are more personalities that I’ve had to deal with that didn’t necessarily fit my ideal kind of crowd. I can’t understand their way of communication, don’t appreciate the humor, behavior, off-the-wall thinking, etc. And yet, I must maintain some objectivity, patience, pleasantry, and respect for them all.

A wise piece of advice at Luke 6:31, while also being The Golden Rule, states: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” But being cruel does not bode well in this case, and is certainly a reflection of you as a person. Even thinking ill of someone does not fly.

Furthermore, one of the passages that I always had trouble with is from Matthew (Mt 5:43-48):

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for He makes His sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

It is tough, but I believe this allows you to have a greater and broader perspective. Find their “good side” and just roll with it. Who’s to say you can’t learn something useful from them?

But know there’s another passage that addresses those who you can’t stand. Ironically, one that I had trouble with and probably, the most of any. Also from Matthew (Mt 18:15-17):

“If your brother sins (against you), go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that ‘every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.”

Is this easy to do? Not one bit, but the effort is there for God to see.

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The post Another Lenten Season first appeared on Cathoclick.

This is when pushing the “reset” button becomes helpful. I know weekly mass can be a good solution. However, when going back to a continual grind that wears at you, it is a good time to stop and reflect.

Ask yourself, “Is this really good for me?” What can you change and what can you not? And of the things you can change, what adjustments to yourself can you do to make things that much easier to deal with?

As you consider, and in times of stress, consider the following as a helpful means to unwind, refocus, and proceed.

The post A Reset Button for You first appeared on Cathoclick.

Jesus’ baptism opened up the sky to reveal God. He received the Holy Spirit, and received approval from the Father Himself.

Similarly, this is what happens when you are in alignment with what God wants you to do. It’s a revelation not only to yourself, but also to the others around you in an awe-inspiring manner. Those around you will see you as someone that transcended. Not only will you gain a majority approval, but feel the same from God. For yourself as a person, it is an experience that’s beyond surreal. From personal experience, time seems to slow down while tasks are effortless. It’s pure joy in the moment, and at times, accompanied by goosebumps. In psychology, this is known as flow. In sports, it’s the zone.

From Wikipedia and according to the psychologist, Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, who coined the term:

“Flow is completely focused motivation. It is a single-minded immersion and represents perhaps the ultimate in harnessing the emotions in the service of performing and learning. In flow the emotions are not just contained and channeled, but positive, energized, and aligned with the task at hand. To be caught in the ennui of depression or the agitation of anxiety is to be barred from flow. The hallmark of flow is a feeling of spontaneous joy, even rapture, while performing a task.”

Comment to begin discussion.

The Reading | Lk 3:15-16, 21-22

The people were filled with expectation,
and all were asking in their hearts
whether John might be the Christ.
John answered them all, saying,
“I am baptizing you with water,
but one mightier than I is coming.
I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

After all the people had been baptized
and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying,
heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him
in bodily form like a dove.
And a voice came from heaven,
“You are my beloved Son;
with you I am well pleased.”

Note: Published 2/4 for 1/10

The post What Occurs in Optimal Settings first appeared on Cathoclick.

Is this reading as basic as a story? My guess is no.

When King Herod inquired about the whereabouts of the “newborn King of the Jews,” he asked more out of concern for his own position. Had he known where Jesus was, it is a shuddering thought to think what could’ve happened. In those days, not only sacrifices were conducted and accepted in general, but also blatant killing by those in power.

This is speculation on my part, but there was a reason the dream changed the kings’ route after paying homage. So, it is a possibility that Jesus may have never had the opportunity to do what He did for His time, for others, for generations, for us.

This confirms the saying, that “Things happen for a reason.” And in this case, Jesus was not only born on Earth but given many years to make His mark. And that He did.

Knowing that Jesus is our model and given a life on Earth, what do you with yours?

Comment to begin discussion.

The Reading | Mt 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.

Note: Published 2/2 for 1/3

The post Relative Circumstances Change the World first appeared on Cathoclick.

As an important note, let me talk about the kids, children, babies, or the young ones in general because they are the ones that really matter around this time of year. I know the kinds of emotions that babies elicit from me. More so from my own family, but the kind of joy and happiness that I experience from seeing them. I’ve noticed my smile, how I feel, and an overall better frame of mind. With all that they’ve given me during their times as little ones, it is truly a treasure. So, to further see them enjoy their time during Christmastime has been a real blessing.

But lost in all this is that we have to remember – to be grateful for Jesus’ arrival. Can you imagine what your life would be without Catholicism? In other words, what would your life be without Jesus and His teachings?

Know that we are a function, whether direct or indirect, of our surroundings. From my own spiritual and religious experiences, to my parents, to my grandparents and the generations before them that have passed on our religiously-based traits, I could say that my life could be that much more different.

In our religion, Jesus came to life to save us. To forgive us our sins and bring us to everlasting life. The Prince of Peace. Redeemer of the world. He is Our Savior.

For all that Jesus has done for you, how would you react had you been around His birth? We see this every year during the holiday season, and it’s a reason to truly celebrate.

Comment to begin discussion.

The post The Meaning of Christmas first appeared on Cathoclick.

When parents leave their child for an extended period of time, whether it’d be for college, seeing them off on their own, or maybe that first day of preschool, it is important to not necessarily be too worried about them. But rather, have faith that he or she will end up in their “Father’s house.”

What this means is that God has ways of bringing each and every one of us to a place in which, when separated from our parents, moves us to where He thinks we can flourish. “…and all who heard him were astounded 
at his understanding and his answers.” And remember, we are all given gifts that He would like us to share with the world. But know that the choice is really our own, and once we decide, God can put us in a position to make things happen.

Further commentary: It is tough to continue with something of our choosing particularly when things are not going well. But know that this is also a mechanism by which God moves us. If you have the ability to recognize this, try listening to it and let yourself move from something that doesn’t feel right to something that’s joyful, energizing and liberating.

While Jesus’ parents acted out of “great anxiety,” there really was no reason to. By the same token, each and every one of us, in the process of searching for what we seek, does not have to feel anxiety and carry on in our lives with such.

We must continue to believe.

Comment to begin discussion.

The Reading | Lk 2:41-52

Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast
 of Passover,

and when he was twelve years old,

they went up according to festival custom.

After they had completed its days, as they were returning,

the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem,

but his parents did not know it.

Thinking that he was in the caravan,

they journeyed for a day

and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 

but not finding him,

they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.

After three days they found him in the temple, 

sitting in the midst of the teachers,

listening to them and asking them questions, 

and all who heard him were astounded 

at his understanding and his answers.

When his parents saw him,

they were astonished,

and his mother said to him,

“Son, why have you done this to us?

Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.”

And he said to them,

“Why were you looking for me?

Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

But they did not understand what he said to them.

He went down with them and came to Nazareth,

and was obedient to them; 
and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor
before God and man.

Note: Published 2/2 for 12/27

The post The House of God is Closer and More Personal than You Think first appeared on Cathoclick.