How Living a Life of Chastity Brought Me Closer to God
Written by Andy Aguirre
At the age of 21, I had one goal in life and that was to meet or “hook up” with as many girls as possible, with the sole purpose of trying to sleep with them. All the money that I made from my minimum wage job went towards weekend dates. I had a nice haircut, […]
A Reflection on Matthew 25
Written by Andy Aguirre
I would like to share with you an experience I had a couple days ago. I stop at gas station and as soon as I started to pump gas a homeless man approach me and ask for spare change. I said sorry I don’t have change. I could have easily gone inside the food mart and bought him some food, but I didn’t. When I exited the freeway there was a man with a sign that read: “I am Hungry – Please help”. I could have easily given him my tuna sandwich, but I didn’t. It was inconvenient for me, to give up my money and my lunch. Later that same day my conscience got to me and I realize what I was doing was selfish and wrong and I remembered what Jesus said in the Gospel of Matthew:
Mother Teresa and the Pursuit of Holiness
Written by Ricky Jones
A person like Mother Teresa sets an awe-inspiring example of what holiness is in our modern world. To care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to help the poor, and to comfort those who are suffering are all actions to which we are called. It’s not to say that we must all become nuns or monks, but we most certainly must make a serious effort to live out the Gospel, to bring to life the words and teachings of Jesus Christ. It might not be popular amongst our peers and our society might tell us otherwise, but deep inside of each one of us there lies a yearning for good and a longing for God.
The Life-Changing Power of God’s Mercy
Written by Ricky Jones
Understanding how God’s mercy can change your life is essential in your walk of faith. Pope Francis has made that abundantly clear in this Year of Mercy. But many times we’re perplexed and wonder how does mercy really work? Well, I’ve put together the perfect talk for you in which I explain it all.
Summer Time and Attire for Mass
Written by Andy Aguirre
Summer time is one of my favorite times of the year; I enjoy doing outdoor activities, like going to the beach, going hiking and playing soccer at the park. I wear a t-shirt and shorts to those activities; I dress comfortable for the occasion. However, I understand that wearing shorts and flip flops are not […]
What is Divine Mercy?
Written by Jenn Greene
Posted by Jenn Greene, Saint Joseph Communications What is Divine Mercy? It is God’s compassionate treatment toward sinners. He yearns to be with each one of us in this life, and then forever in the next. His Divine Mercy is a gift that He gives us to do just that. Divine Mercy is a pardoning […]
My Encounter with Jesus on the Cross and Why it Made Me Smile
Written by Ricky Jones
When I entered the church I went straight to Our Blessed Mother to ask for her intercession, that she would pray that the Lord allow me to rest my head on His breast. I believe she did. Then I passed the altar on my way to the chapel and caught a glimpse of Jesus on the cross—which I often forget about since it is off to the side giving the premier spot front-and-center to the Risen Christ.
7 Lessons for Leading People to Life Change
Written by Ricky Jones
As Christians we have an intense desire and passion for changing the world. And that happens most commonly on an individual basis, through our personal interactions with others. Call it evangelization or leading people to Jesus, the point is we are seeking to build up the kingdom of God, one soul at a time. We’ve all had failures and successes in this ball-game of evangelization, and today I’d like to share with you seven lessons I’ve learned in leading people to life change.
Making a New Year’s Resolution to Kick Off the New Liturgical Year
Written by Ricky Jones
Every time a new year begins we make resolutions that we know we can’t keep. Whether it’s to lose weight, save money, or spend more time with the kids, we know it’s important, but for some reason we fail. We set ourselves up for failure. Well as the liturgical year comes to an end this week, let us make resolutions that will help us to deepen our relationship with God, and let’s keep them.
Community: Why You Can’t Walk the Christian Journey Solo
Written by Ricky Jones
It is easy for me to fall into the mistake of trying to do everything on my own. It’s a problem I continue to battle with everyday. This applies to my work, my faith, and many other things. But what I have to do is realize that I meant to live in community, to love and be loved—just as God is an intimate union of three distinct persons caught in an eternal exchange of love. The truth is you can’t walk the Christian journey alone. We need each other, as much as I’d like to think otherwise.