The recent incident involving the pastor of a Tennessee parish who decided to purge the school library of Harry Potter books has kicked off another round of verbal sparring over whether or not these books are dangerous because they contain real spells. As this article will point out, these arguments reveal an alarming naivete about the “Craft” and the science of spell casting.
Jesus, Teach Us to Pray
Jesus’ words recorded in Sacred Scripture continue to speak to us just as clearly today as to the eager crowds who listened to Him on the hills of Galilee. The subject of prayer, which Jesus addressed often and practiced consistently throughout His time on earth, is one eminently worthy of revisiting. The Gospels make it clear that, by word and example, Jesus modeled for us the importance of a close personal relationship with the Father we share in common.
With unveiled face
September 19
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
-2 Corinthians 3:18
Today’s Reflection:
When we come with openness of heart to pray before the Presence of our Lord, we grow more and more into His likeness.
How is this evident in your life?
Can you not spend one hour with me?
September 18
“Can you not spend one hour with me?”
-Matthew 26:40
Today’s Reflection:
Jesus desires for us to spend time alone with Him. Sometimes our time of prayer or adoration feels dry. What are some ways that you can ignite your desire to be in His presence?
Big Win for Religious Freedom!
The Arizona Supreme Court ruled on Monday that the city of Phoenix cannot use an anti-discrimination law to force two artists to design and create custom wedding invitations expressing messages that conflict with their core beliefs.
Our inner life
September 17
“In our inner life it is the Eucharist above all which expresses our personal union with Jesus…The more perfectly we become assimilated to Christ in the Eucharist the more perfect will be our unity in him.”
-Canon Jacques Leclercq
Today’s Reflection:
How much do you desire to be united to Jesus? How is this reflected in your time with Him at mass and adoration?
Why Catholics Should Avoid Shopping at Botanicas
A botanica shop in Massachusetts
JJ writes: “I live in a largely Hispanic section of town and there is a botanica shop here that sells a lot of Catholic items such as rosaries and statues along with items associated with Santeria. Is it okay to buy from these shops?”
Rash of Desecrations Target Catholic Churches in Jersey City
The skyline of Jersey City where multiple acts of desecration of Catholic churches have occurred in the past year.
The face of a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary was found smeared with dog feces outside of a downtown Jersey City, NJ church. It was the fourth act of desecration to occur in the area in the past year.
Discovery of Fetal Remains Found on Abortionist’s Property Sparks Outrage
The discovery of more than 2,200 preserved fetal remains on the property of the late abortionist Dr. Ulrich George Klopfer has shocked the nation and caused pro-life leaders to demand answers to why these babies were preserved, if their mothers knew that their babies’ remains would be treated like this, and how to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
Jesus, transform me
September 16
“Jesus, transform me, miserable and sinful as I am, into your own self…”
-St. Faustina Kowalska
Today’s Reflection:
Jesus desires that each of us become a temple in which He dwells continually and that we be transformed into His very image and likeness. How will you take this great gift and imbue the world with His presence?