I get some variation of the above question frequently from Protestants. This objection supposes that we have two options: go to the Saints, or go to God. From a Catholic perspective, this is a false choice. Of course we should go directly to God. As Hebrews 4:16 says, “let us then with confidence draw near… Continue reading Pray to Saints? Why Not Go Directly to God?
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Demons, Playing Cards, and Telescopes
Atheistic materialism is the belief that matter is all there is: not only does God not exist, this theory argues, but there’s no spiritual realm. From a Christian perspective, this position can seem baffling: how do these atheists account for all of the evidence of miracles, or conversely, demonic possession? One answer is that they… Continue reading Demons, Playing Cards, and Telescopes
The Universal Call to Holiness: The Antidote to Clericalism
You don’t have to be a priest, nun or monk to be a Saint. We need Saints who are homemakers, construction workers, and even lawyers. Today is the feast day of St. Josemaria, Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei, and one of my favorite Saints. He helped sound a vitally important wakeup call within the Church,… Continue reading The Universal Call to Holiness: The Antidote to Clericalism
How the Trinity Reveals the Love of God
Georg Pencz, Holy Trinity (c. 1530) “God is love.” We’ve heard this repeatedly, but have we stopped to consider what it really means? It’s an invitation to know and love God. We see a hint of this invitation in today’s First Reading from Exodus 34 in which God describes Himself as “The LORD, the LORD,… Continue reading How the Trinity Reveals the Love of God
Romeward Bound!
Yesterday morning, I checked my e-mail to discover that I had been accepted by the Pontifical North American College in Rome. This means that, beginning next year, I’ll be studying theology from some of the best minds in the Church in the heart of the Church, the Eternal City. I don’t know that many details… Continue reading Romeward Bound!
Any Topics You’d Like to See?
So this summer, I’m going to be working under Fr. Tom Aduri at Mother Teresa of Calcutta parish in Topeka, Kansas. I spoke with him yesterday, and he asked if I had any desire to do any faith formation presentations. Obviously, I do, and I have a few ideas for what might be enjoyable and… Continue reading Any Topics You’d Like to See?
What the Canonization of John XXIII and John Paul II Means for SSPX and Traditionalists
Two days ago, on Divine Mercy Sunday, Pope Francis canonized Popes John XXIII and John Paul II. For most of us Catholics, this was a time of great rejoicing. But it was not so for everyone. Critics of JPII at both extremes of the ideological spectrum (so to speak) denounced his canonization. Both his canonization,… Continue reading What the Canonization of John XXIII and John Paul II Means for SSPX and Traditionalists
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]
7 Quick Takes, March for Life Edition: Why We’re Marching
Today is the annual March for Life. Here’s seven Quick Takes for why we’re marching: 1. Roe v. Wade Really was a Terrible Court Decision Abortion is talked about in emotionally-charged soundbites, and it’s easy to overlook how radical the Roe v. Wade decision actually is. A federal law legalizing abortion would be bad enough. Instead, we… Continue reading 7 Quick Takes, March for Life Edition: Why We’re Marching