BIG C CATHOLICS

Fr. Charles Irvin Diocese of Lansing ( Click here for today’s readings ) All of us know people of good character, people who have a reputation of being decent, respectful of others, law-abiders who lead good lives, or so they appear. We also know of some who, even though they enjoy a good reputation, turn out to be a whole lot less than we thought, some of them going on to bring terrible hurt to others and inflict real damage upon them. As the old saying goes, appearances are deceiving. Looking good does not mean that our hearts are filled with goodness. The scribes and Pharisees had a certain kind of goodness, even holiness. Jesus did not condemn them for the goodness they sought, rather He condemned them for what they did not have in their hearts. They had no depth. They governed their thoughts and actions by their external observance of the Jewish laws and how they appeared in the eyes of others. The love of God and the love of others that flows from our love of God ne

Sermon on the Mount, Basilica of Sant' Apollinare, Ravenna, Italy. Saint Augustine once observed that “anyone who piously and earnestly ponders the Sermon on the Mount — as we read in the Gospel according to Mathew — I believe he will find therein ... the perfect standard of the Christian Life.” Indeed, Christ’s words are the very embodiment of Catholic moral theology. The following is excerpted from Book One on the Lord's Sermon on the Mount by St. Augustine. "If it be asked what is signified by the mountain, the same may well be understood to indicate the higher and greater commandments of righteousness, since those that were given to the Jews are the lesser.  In an excellent order of dispensations, the one and same God gave, by his servants the holy Prophets, his lesser commandments unto the people that still had need to be bound by fear; but by his Son he gave the greater to the people whom it was expedient now to set free by love.  But whether it be the lesser

Detail, The Sermon on the Mount , James Tissot, c. 1886-1896. Fr. René J. Butler, M.S. Provincial Superior, La Salette Missionaries of North America Hartford, Connecticut ( Click here for today’s readings ) Jesus conjures up two images in today’s famous Gospel passage that, on the surface, do not make sense. One is obvious: you wouldn’t light a lamp and then hide it. What would be the point? The other is the idea that salt could lose its flavor. That doesn’t make sense, either. Sodium chloride is a chemical compound. It’s either sodium chloride or it isn’t. Various explanations have been offered to explain why Jesus would say such a thing. Here is mine. Both images imply the word “suppose.” For example, suppose that in a storm you lost power and someone lit a hurricane lantern and then put it in a closet and closed the door. That would be foolish. Suppose salt could lose its flavor. For example, if someone puts salt and sugar in the same container, the sal

February 5, 2017 Today we pray that we may imitate the simplicity of St. Bernadette's life. She focused her whole heart and mind on Our Lady's call to love the Lord. Today, let us pray that we may do the same. Our Lady of Lourdes, please intercede on our behalf for fortitude, faith and courage in facing our trials, difficulties and despair. Day 4 - The Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes Immaculate Mother, pray for the grace of God to be our strength. Our Lady of Lourdes, we come to you like little Bernadette at the grotto. We pray with childlike trust in you. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, when you appeared in Lourdes, you made it a holy sanctuary where many have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. We pray with confidence for your holy intercession. (State your intentions here) Holy Mother of the Rosary, we feel confident that your prayers on our behalf will be graciously heard by God. Immaculate Mother, show us your me

Saint John Vianney, the  Curé d'Ars , spent countless hours in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. He was completely devoted to Christ in the Eucharist as evidenced by his words below. Almighty and merciful God, who made the priest St. John Vianney wonderful in his pastoral zeal, grant, we pray, that through his intercession and example, we may in charity, win brothers and sisters for Christ and, by persevering in boundless fraternity, attain with them eternal glory. When you awake in the night, transport yourself quickly in spirit before the Tabernacle, saying: 'Behold, my God, I come to adore You, to praise, thank, and love you, and to keep you company with all the Angels,' *** The soul hungers for God, and nothing but God can satiate it. Therefore He came to dwell on earth and assumed a Body in order that this Body might become the Food of our souls. *** The many wonders of creation can only fill us with astonishment and admiration. But when we speak of th

Our priests are the busiest people we know. They labor tirelessly in serving the congregations that are entrusted to them and spreading the Good News of Christ. Does your priest deserve a break? Would he enjoy a retreat with Dr. Scott Hahn and St. Paul Center Fellows? Tell him about our Priests Retreat and Conference. Retreat and Conference Details Living Sacrifice: The Priesthood in Scripture July 10th-13th, 2017 The Old and New Testaments provide more than enough practical information on the office of priesthood. But just as abundant is the spiritual wealth that Scripture contains for the heart of every pastor. Join the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology as Drs. Scott Hahn, John Bergsma, Brant Pitre, and Fr. Pablo Gadenz address the centrality of the Word of God in the life and ministry of the Priest. The conference, for Catholic Priests, will take place on July 10-13, 2017 at the 4 star Oglebay Resort and Conference Center in Wheeling, WV. Registration is $550

February 4, 2017 Yesterday, we prayed for those suffering from physical illnesses. Today, we pray for those suffering from mental illnesses. May Our Lady of Lourdes intercede for them and beg Our Lord to heal them, and bring them peace and equanimity. Day 3 - The Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes Immaculate Mother, pray that we may have hope in times of trial. Our Lady of Lourdes, we come to you like little Bernadette at the grotto. We pray with childlike trust in you. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, when you appeared in Lourdes, you made it a holy sanctuary where many have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. We pray with confidence for your holy intercession. (State your intentions here) Holy Mother of the Rosary, we feel confident that your prayers on our behalf will be graciously heard by God. Immaculate Mother, show us your mercy, O Mother of God. Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone