holycrossmadill

Today’s Gospel speaks to us of the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. For two thousand years, we were taught that it was a great miracle—that many people were fed from just five loaves and two fish. We were told of Jesus’s power as God and of His miraculous signs.But starting in … Read more

During the Sunday Masses in July, the Gospel readings feature Jesus speaking in parables—short stories designed to explain the things of the Kingdom of God more clearly: heaven, the events at the end of time and at the moment of our death, as well as sin, mercy, forgiveness, conversion, and so forth. Yet, the reality … Read more

We have experienced the World Cup with great enthusiasm—huge crowds at every match, with fans full of spirit and joy as they cheer for their favorite teams. I marvel at how the stadiums fill up, and I compare that to the state of our churches during Mass. Soccer stirs up passion; Mass, it seems, does … Read more

In the month of June, the Church celebrates several very important solemnities and feasts in its liturgical calendar. Just as the civil calendar marks occasions like Independence Day and Mother’s Day, the Church has its own special observances. One of these is the Nativity of John the Baptist. John the Baptist is the precursor of … Read more

The year moves on. Summer begins, bringing with it heat that—were it not for air conditioning in our homes, workplaces, and cars—would make it impossible to stay cool and comfortable. Discomfort is bothersome, tiring, and exhausting. The same applies to the reality of sin; it wounds, causes pain, wears us down, and holds us captive. … Read more

THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS ​​The Church dedicates the entire month of June to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, so that Catholics may venerate and imitate Him during these 30 days. This means we must live out this month by showing Jesus through our actions that we love Him—considering all that we owe Him. Jesus … Read more

THE BODY AND BLOOD OF JESUS! In the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist, the body and blood—together with the soul and divinity—of our Lord Jesus Christ, and consequently the whole of Christ, are contained truly, really, and substantially. This presence is called “real.” Christ becomes present through the conversion of the bread and wine … Read more

THE MOST HOLY TRINITY The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of the Christian faith and life. It is the mystery of God in Himself. It is, therefore, the source of all other mysteries of faith; it is the light that illumines them. It is the most fundamental and essential teaching … Read more

Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of Pentecost—that special moment when the Holy Spirit was bestowed upon the Apostles, the Virgin Mary, and other women who were gathered in prayer, as recounted in the Acts of the Apostles. Pentecost marks the beginning of the development and consolidation of the Church that Christ would build for … Read more

In a week, we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, fifty days after the Lord’s Resurrection. It is then that the Lord Jesus sends His Holy Spirit to initiate the growth and consolidation of the Church. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Most Holy Trinity. He is considered a person because He possesses … Read more