In this morning’s Gospel, from Luke 11:29-32, Jesus mentions the “Sign of Jonah”: Pieter Lastman, Jonah and the Whale (1621) When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For as Jonah became a sign… Continue reading Three Meanings of “the Sign of Jonah”
Author: Joe Heschmeyer
Nothing’s the Matter with Atheistic Materialism
The central problem with atheistic materialism is nothing, really. Metaphysical nothing, to be exact. The Solar System (not to scale) Any worldview, including atheism, should be able to give some sort of coherent answer to the rudimentary question of why the universe exists. I don’t mean “why does this universe exist rather than another?” I… Continue reading Nothing’s the Matter with Atheistic Materialism
What’s the Point of Mortification and “Offering It Up?”
Domenichino, The Way to Calvary (1610) One of those phrases that Catholics use that non-Catholics are often baffled by is “offer it up.” Usually the context involves some sort of hardship, either voluntary or involuntary. Elizabeth Scalia gives the example “when you are in pain, when you are disappointed, when your feelings have been hurt,… Continue reading What’s the Point of Mortification and “Offering It Up?”
The Feast of the Presentation: a Smoking Gun for Mary’s Sinlessness
Hans Memling, The Presentation in the Temple (1463) Do the Virgin Mary’s actions at the Feast of the Presentation prove or disprove her sinlessness? Here’s the passage in question (Luke 2:22-24): And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they [Joseph and Mary] brought him [Jesus] up to Jerusalem… Continue reading The Feast of the Presentation: a Smoking Gun for Mary’s Sinlessness
The Vocation Boom Interview is Up! [FIXED]
As I mentioned earlier, I had an hour-long interview on Vocation Boom on EWTN. The first part is my vocation story, and the second part is Q&A on vocations-related questions. If that sounds interesting to you (or you just want to hear how weird my voice sounds), check out the audio below: http://restlesspilgrim.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/JoeInterview.mp3 Your browser… Continue reading The Vocation Boom Interview is Up! [FIXED]
The Evangelical and Pastoral Heart of Francis de Sales
St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) is one of the most well-rounded Saints in Church history, and he played a major role in returning tens of thousands of Calvinists to the Catholic Church. You’ll often find a Saint who was accomplished as a theologian, or as a mystic, or as an apologist, or as a devotional… Continue reading The Evangelical and Pastoral Heart of Francis de Sales
How Do We Know Jesus Isn’t Speaking Figuratively About the Eucharist in John 6?
Cale B.T., an Anglican with some Catholic sympathies, asked one of the better questions I’ve seen regarding John 6 and the Eucharist: Guercino, Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well (1641) I’m an Anglican who is very sympathetic to Catholicism and I’ve a question regarding the Real Presence. A verse frequently used in defence… Continue reading How Do We Know Jesus Isn’t Speaking Figuratively About the Eucharist in John 6?
The Pope to Pentecostals: Pray for Christian Unity!
The pope was invited to give a message to a group of Pentecostals (it seems to be directed to Kenneth Copeland Ministries and the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches). It speaks volumes that he was even asked to do so. In my view, he took good advantage of the opportunity. Here’s what he said: The… Continue reading The Pope to Pentecostals: Pray for Christian Unity!
I’m on the Radio Monday and Saturday!
Thought I’d let you know that I’ll be on the radio twice in the next week: I’ll be on Son Rise Morning Show on Monday, 6:20 AM Central / 7:20 AM Eastern. You should be able to listen to it live here, and it should also be live on EWTN Radio. I’ll be talking about whether or… Continue reading I’m on the Radio Monday and Saturday!
Can Non-Catholics be Saved?
Twice this week, I’ve been asked about the Church’s teaching that there is no salvation outside the Catholic Church. More specifically, I’ve been asked how that teaching can be rectified with the Church’s hope that those who die outside of Her visible bounds might yet be saved. I’ve answered this question in greater depth before,… Continue reading Can Non-Catholics be Saved?