Have HOPE.

There are prominent examples in the Bible where prophecies did not take place as initially declared because of prayer and repentance. These instances highlight the conditional nature of some of God's pronouncements, particularly those concerning judgment. Here are two well-known examples: Nineveh (Book of Jonah): God sent the prophet Jonah to Nineveh to declare its impending destruction: "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!" (Jonah 3:4). However, the people of Nineveh, from the king to the common person, responded with repentance, fasting, and prayer. Because of their sincere change of heart, God "relented from the disaster that he had said he would bring upon them, and he did not do it" (Jonah 3:10). This is a classic case of a conditional prophecy where a change in human behavior (repentance) led to a change in the predicted outcome. King Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:1-6 and Isaiah 38:1-6):   The prophet Isaiah came to King Hezekiah and told him, "Th...

It's a common sentiment in our modern world: "Let them decide when they're old enough." This often surfaces when it comes to significant life choices, and increasingly, we hear it regarding the Catholic sacraments for children. We see parents who, for various reasons, postpone their children receiving First Reconciliation (Penance), First Holy Communion, and Confirmation, sometimes until the children are "old enough to truly understand" or "can decide for themselves." While the intention behind this might stem from a desire for genuine belief, it inadvertently creates a significant gap in a child's spiritual formation and can, in fact, undermine the very faith parents hope their children might one day embrace. The Problem with "Letting Them Decide Later"   Missing the Foundation  Imagine building a house without a foundation. First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are foundational sacraments. Reconciliation offers the profound ...

In today's digital age, video games are an undeniable part of childhood. From vibrant adventures to creative building simulations, the world of gaming offers much to explore. However, beneath the surface of seemingly innocent fun, a darker trend is emerging that demands our attention as parents: the desensitization of our children to violence through prolonged exposure to certain game content. We're not talking about every game, of course. Many titles offer fantastic educational or problem-solving opportunities. But a growing number of games, even those popular among younger audiences, are normalizing concepts that should give us pause – particularly violence and even murder. The Alarming Trend: When "Murder" Becomes Commonplace Let's take a platform like Roblox as an example. While Roblox offers incredible creative potential and a wide variety of user-generated experiences, it also highlights this alarming trend. Despite content maturity settings designed to filt...

Who has watched The Passion of the Christ in its entirety and remained unmoved? Who has become hooked on The Chosen and is not continuously being transformed?  These powerful productions remind us of the enduring impact of biblical storytelling. Whether reliving the profound sacrifice or walking alongside disciples in their daily lives, these films bring ancient narratives to life, inviting us into a deeper, more personal encounter with the sacred. The dawn of the new evangelization has come. God is our God of the past, our God of the future, and our God of the here and now. In every generation, even the means of evangelization must adapt. And our Lord knows that. He will not be contained in the past. He will be among us, here. Now. As one of us. God and human, God incarnate dwelling among us, preaching of His Kingdom. Whoever has ears, let them hear.  - Matthew 11:15 (Watch this on  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkfzovXpAVA  )

Two Branches, One Root: Finding Unity in Israel and Palestine   My heart's lament.... (Verse 1) From ancient hills where olive trees do sway, A mingled tear descends this very day. For daughters weep and sons in sorrow stand, Upon the soil they both call motherland. Two branches sprung from roots entwined as one, Now shadows fall where golden light once shone. (Verse 2) Oh, bitter winds of discord, how ye blow, And seeds of anger in young hearts do sow. Misspoken words, like arrows, find their mark, Leaving a scar within the spirit's dark. Yet in the quiet whispers of the breeze, A longing stirs for moments of such ease. (Verse 3) Remembered tales of kinship, hand in hand, Across the valleys of this sacred land. The shared delight of harvest, sun, and rain, Before the echoes of such bitter pain. Can memory's soft light no longer gleam? Awaken hearts from this relentless dream. (Verse 4) Like David sang of pe...

  Be afraid.  Be very afraid.  For God cannot br mocked. Rodrigo Duterte, former president of the Philippines, has made several public statements that were widely interpreted as critical of God and the Catholic Church. Here are some key instances:  * Criticism of the Creation Story:    * Duterte questioned the biblical story of Adam and Eve, expressing his disbelief and asking "Who is this stupid God?" for creating them only to allow them to be tempted. This critique of the concept of original sin was a major source of controversy.  * Statements about God's "Stupidity":    * He publicly used the word "stupid" to describe God, which caused significant outrage in the predominantly Catholic Philippines.  * Challenges to God's Existence:    * Duterte also stated that he would resign if anyone could prove God's existence, further fueling the debate about his religious views.  * Attacks on the Catholic Church:    * He ...