I Take Off the Mask

Scripture: Matthew 19:23-30 (WEBBE) 23 Jesus said to his disciples, “Most certainly I say to you that a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with difficulty. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard it, they were exceedingly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 Looking at them, Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter answered and said to him, “Behold, we have left everything, and followed you. What then will we have?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I say to you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man shall sit on the throne of his glory, you also shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive one...

Lord, I don’t know how much longer I can carry on. It’s so dark around me and within me. It’s as though the very air I breathe is suffocating me and I am terrified that I will completely lose my way. You know, O Lord, that I am barely holding on. My heart feels empty, and my soul is dry. I’m clinging to the very last thread of hope! Please, Lord, come rescue me quickly before I fall into utter despair! Everything is so overwhelming and I can see no help or comfort anywhere. It’s very painful just to go on that I don’t know how much longer I can endure it. Reach out your strong and loving hand, pull me out of this pit I’m in. Draw me close to you, Lord where I can catch a glimpse of light once again. You are my refuge, and my faithful Friend. Dear Jesus, embrace me in the warmth of your love and never let me go. Lead me and sustain me. For there is nothing impossible with Your power and love. Amen. “My wanderings you have noted; are my tears not stored in your flask, recorded in yo...

Have you ever been on the receiving end of a truthful revelation from a close friend and it just hurt so badly? You knew deep inside that your friend was only pointing out a true defect or weakness he or she may have seen in you. You also know that your friend never meant you harm. But why is it that it still hurt so much? Aside from the issue of pride that is also often involved when it comes to criticism, there is another factor I have realized when it comes to hearing or speaking the truth. Sometimes, the truth hurts because it isn’t the  “complete”  truth! What does this mean? Does it mean that what you heard was also half a lie? Not at all! But it isn’t the  fullness of truth  either. Let’s talk about an example. One day, your friend may notice how you don’t seem to have a concrete goal in life and that is why your life is getting nowhere. She said it out of real concern for you and there is some truth in it. But why does it hurt so much? It’s because the indirect implications of ...

The concept of hell as an eternal reality is a deeply challenging one, both theologically and emotionally. In Catholic teaching, hell is understood as a permanent state of separation from God, and its eternity reflects the gravity of rejecting divine love and grace. This article explores why hell is considered eternal from a Catholic perspective, using insights from Scripture and Church teachings to illuminate this profound doctrine. The Nature of God’s Justice Central to understanding the eternity of hell is the nature of God’s justice. In Catholic theology, God’s justice is perfect and is intimately connected with His infinite goodness. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that God respects human freedom even in the context of eternal consequences. As stated in Catechism #1035: “The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Hell’s eternity follows from the divine justice which is itself eternal.” God’s justice ensures that the consequences of hu...

The idea that some people might choose hell over heaven and seeking God’s mercy is a challenging concept, but it’s one that the Catholic faith addresses with profound theological and spiritual insights. At the heart of this discussion is the understanding of human free will, the nature of sin, and the profound gift of divine grace. This article explores why, despite the boundless mercy of God, some may find themselves on a path to hell instead of embracing salvation. The Gift of Free Will The Catholic Church teaches that God has granted humanity the gift of free will. This freedom allows us to choose between good and evil, to follow God’s commandments or reject them. As Pope John Paul II expressed, “Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought” (Homily, 2002). Scripture underscores the significance of free will in our spiritual journey. In Deuteronomy 30:19 (WEBBE), God says through Moses: “I call heaven and earth to wit...

Heavenly intercession is a profound aspect of Catholic spirituality, rooted in the belief that the saints in heaven, along with the Blessed Virgin Mary and the angels, actively participate in God’s plan by interceding on behalf of those still on earth. This belief is deeply connected to the Catholic understanding of the Communion of Saints, which underscores the unity between the Church Militant (those on earth), the Church Suffering (those in purgatory), and the Church Triumphant (those in heaven). In this article, we will explore the theological foundations of heavenly intercession, the role of the saints in Catholic belief, and the significance of this practice in the life of the faithful. Theological Foundations of Heavenly Intercession The concept of intercession is deeply embedded in the Bible and is an integral part of Catholic theology. Intercession, in essence, refers to the act of praying or petitioning on behalf of another. The Bible provides numerous examples of interc...

The concept of heaven and the resurrection of the body is central to Christian eschatology. It offers hope and comfort to believers, promising not only eternal life but also the renewal of the whole person, body and soul. This belief, rooted in Scripture and affirmed throughout Christian tradition, is a profound expression of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. In this article, we will explore the biblical basis for the resurrection of the body, its theological significance, and what it means for our understanding of heaven. The Resurrection of the Body in Scripture The resurrection of the body is a foundational doctrine of the Christian faith, articulated in both the Old and New Testaments. The concept is first hinted at in the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly in the Book of Daniel, where the prophet speaks of a future resurrection: “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12...