Bishop Barron's Gospel Reflection July 4, 2018

Your daily Gospel reflection...

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Matthew 8:28-34

Friends, in today’s Gospel we see Jesus, the miracle worker, healing two demoniacs. I think it’s hard to deny that the first Christians were intensely interested in the miracles of Jesus and that they didn’t see them as mere literary symbols. Anglican theologian N.T. Wright argues that it’s hard to explain the enormous popularity of Jesus apart from this fascination with his wonder-working. Though God typically lets the universe run according to its natural rhythms and patterns, what is to prevent God from shaping it or influencing it occasionally in remarkable ways in order to signal his purpose and his presence? For evidence of this, I would like to draw your attention to an extraordinary book. It bears the simple title Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts, and it is written by the Protestant scholar Craig Keener. It is a truly exhaustive study of the theology and phenomenology of miracles, but the most surprising and exciting section of the book—at least for me—was his rehearsal of some of the literally millions of reports of miracles that come, even today, from every corner of the world. If you doubt God still works in the world today, pick up that book and think again. Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 379 Reading 1 Am 5:14-15, 21-24 Seek good and not evil, that you may live; Then truly will the LORD, the God of hosts, be with you as you claim! Hate evil and love good, and let justice prevail at the gate; Then it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will have pity on the remnant of Joseph. I hate, I spurn your feasts, says the LORD, I take no pleasure in your solemnities; Your cereal offerings I will not accept, nor consider your stall-fed peace offerings. Away with your noisy songs! I will not listen to the melodies of your harps. But if you would offer me burnt offerings, then let justice surge like water, and goodness like an unfailing stream. Gospel Mt 8:28-34 When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, "What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?" Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, "If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine." And he said to them, "Go then!" They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.

Fourth of July Forum: Remarks at U.S. Embassy to the Holy See 2018 Independence Day Celebration, by Ambassador Callista Gingrich - ZENIT - English

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Trump Goads Europe Into Awkward China Embrace: Balance of Power - Bloomberg

Trump Goads Europe Into Awkward China Embrace: Balance of Power - Bloomberg: Want to receive this post in your inbox every morning? Sign up for the Balance of Power newsletter, and follow Bloomberg Politics on Twitter and Facebook for more.

Millennials’ favourite gadgets dragged into trade war | Financial Times

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Pope Video for July 2018 --Aleteia

Pope Video for July 2018 --Aleteia: Pope Francis urges prayers for lonely and tired priests in new video.

Fertility drops below replacement rate in US, prompting worries about secularization--Aleteia

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Can we find God in dark times?

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Exclusive Photos: In Times Square, New Yorkers pray for persecuted Christians

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10 Founders of Catholicism in the United States --Aleteia

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How to Challenge the Elite Consensus for Endless War | The Nation

How to Challenge the Elite Consensus for Endless War | The Nation: How to Challenge the Elite Consensus for Endless War
There’s only one way: ​We have to harness the energy of millions of fed-up voters.

How to Challenge the Elite Consensus for Endless War | The Nation

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Another Saudi Coalition Wedding Massacre in Yemen | The American Conservative

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Rudy Giuliani Vows That Trump Will Help Bring Down Khamenei and the Iranian Regime | The New Yorker

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NED Pursues Regime Change by Playing the Long Game – LobeLog

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1958: When America first went to war in the Middle East

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Musings II … The “Intelligence Community,” “Russian Interference,” and Due Diligence | JackMatlock.com

Musings II … The “Intelligence Community,” “Russian Interference,” and Due Diligence | JackMatlock.com

The Overlords Have Arrived - American Greatness

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Pope says no to women priests, yes to women in Curial leadership

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The Liberal Stampede to 'Abolish ICE' | Patrick J. Buchanan - Official Website

The Liberal Stampede to 'Abolish ICE' | Patrick J. Buchanan - Official Website: By Patrick J. Buchanan

"No Borders! No Nations! No Deportations!" "Abolish ICE!"

Before last week, these were the mindless slogans of an infantile left, seen on signs at rallies to abolish ICE, the agency that arrests and deports criminal aliens who have no right to be in our country.

By last week, however, "Abolish ICE!" was no longer the exclusive slogan of the unhinged left. National Democrats were signing on.

Before his defeat in New York's 14th Congressional District, Joe Crowley, fourth-ranked Democrat in the House, called ICE a "fascist" organization.Read more on Buchanan.Org...

Trump Tax-Cut Bonuses are a Bust for Middle Class Workers, Wages Lie in a Wasteland of Failed Promises - The Great Recession Blog

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The fading American dream may be behind rise in US suicides | New Scientist

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Richard Murphy: Stock Markets Look Ever More Like Ponzi Schemes | naked capitalism

Richard Murphy: Stock Markets Look Ever More Like Ponzi Schemes | naked capitalism: Why is it entirely sensible to regard stock markets as Ponzi schemes.

Anthony Kennedy and Our Delayed Constitutional Crisis | naked capitalism

Anthony Kennedy and Our Delayed Constitutional Crisis | naked capitalism: The role Justice Anthony Kennedy played in the deteriorating legitimacy of the Supreme Court.

Tariffs are the Wrong Approach | U.S. Chamber of Commerce

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The EU and NATO and Trump — Oh My! – Foreign Policy

The EU and NATO and Trump — Oh My! – Foreign Policy

The Trump-Netanyahu honeymoon appears destined to end | Spectator USA

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Bishop Barron's Gospel Reflection July 3, 2018

Your daily Gospel reflection...

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Feast of Saint Thomas

John 20:24-29

Friends, today’s Gospel celebrates St. Thomas the Apostle. Why do we love this story of doubting Thomas so much? Perhaps because he is a saint especially suitable for our time. Modernity has been marked, from its beginning, by two great qualities: skepticism and empiricism, the very qualities we can discern in Thomas: "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." And I think a good amount of skepticism and "show-me" empiricism is called for in many situations and contexts. We shouldn’t be credulous, gullible, or naïve. Sometimes it is indeed good to wipe the slate clean, to clear out old cobwebs and intellectual humbugs, perhaps especially in the area of religion. Indeed, Catholicism has a very rich intellectual tradition, a tradition of questioning, wondering, and seeking understanding. Yet when the risen Jesus reappears, this time in the presence of Thomas, he invites the doubter to look, to see, and to touch. Then that devastating line: "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed." Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle Lectionary: 593 Reading 1 Eph 2:19-22 Brothers and sisters: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Gospel Jn 20:24-29 Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But Thomas said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe." Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

Ukraine: China Flexes Its Investment Muscle | The Diplomat

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Progressives Scramble To Block Potential Supreme Court Nominee Amy Coney Barrett Because She Is A Committed Christian – The American Dream

Progressives Scramble To Block Potential Supreme Court Nominee Amy Coney Barrett Because She Is A Committed Christian – The American Dream: There is a lot of buzz that Amy Coney Barrett is going to be President Trump's nominee for the Supreme Court, and that is causing many progressives to totally freak out. The reason that they are freaking out doesn't have anything to do with her credentials. In fact, as you will see below, Barrett is exceptionally

China warns tourists of gun violence, border agents during US travel - Business Insider

China warns tourists of gun violence, border agents during US travel - Business Insider: Nearly 3 million Chinese tourists visited the US and spent $33 billion, more than tourists from other countries, in 2016. China has warned its citizens to beware "frequent" shootings, expensive medical care, and the risks associated with running into border patrol agents.

Alan Dershowitz laments being ‘shunned’ on Martha’s Vineyard

https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/names/2018/07/02/alan-dershowitz-laments-being-shunned-martha-vineyard/kX4jw27NAMAXCEbabBSRlN/story.html?et_rid=1925983868&s_campaign=globesmostpopular:newsletter&et_rid=1925983868&s_campaign=globesmostpopular:newsletter

Palestine needs water

Palestine needs water: With the arrival of the dog days of summer, there also comes an insatiable desire for water—not just for water for swimming in a pool or the ocean, but also simply fresh water for drinking. While i…

"I thirst for you:" One of Mother Teresa's most powerful reflections on God's love for us --Aleteia

"I thirst for you:" One of Mother Teresa's most powerful reflections on God's love for us --Aleteia: p Kosloski | Jul 03, 2018
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"He thirsts for you. He loves you always, even when you don’t feel worthy."

Mother Teresa was one of the most gifted souls in recent history, piercing the darkness of this life to discover the unfathomable love God has for us. Her very life was a visible manifestation of God’s love for humanity, but she also left us a profound reflection that should be read over and over again on a daily basis.

She wrote a letter to her “spiritual family” dated March 25, 1993, asking the question, “Why does Jesus say ‘I Thirst’? What does it mean? Something so hard to explain in words.”

Mother Teresa went on to write, “He thirsts for you. He loves you always, even when you don’t feel worthy. When not accepted by others, even by yourself sometimes—He is the one who always accepts you.”
Read more:
You only need one thing to access Jesus’ heart, says pope

Mother Teresa continues, “The devil may try to use the hurts of life, and sometimes our own mistakes—to make you feel it is impossible that Jesus really loves you, is really cleaving to you. This is a danger for all of us. And so sad, because it is completely opposite of

Why ‘The Hobbit’ is not just for kids

Why ‘The Hobbit’ is not just for kids: I have a confession to make. I am just finishing The Hobbit for the first time. And I am almost 45. Okay, okay. So it’s not scandalous. But to those who consider themselves well-read Catholic…

The “Sword in the Stone” belonged not to King Arthur, but to an Italian saint

The “Sword in the Stone” belonged not to King Arthur, but to an Italian saint: Visit the post for more.

Can the Bible be used as a historical guide? One archaeologist thinks so

Can the Bible be used as a historical guide? One archaeologist thinks so: Stripling's findings were met with criticism from prominent Israeli archaeologist, Israel Finklestein, the man who led an extensive dig of the site in the 1980's. Finklestein does not believe the Bible is accurate enough to be relied upon as a resource and believes that the lack of evidence found at the site suggests the Tabernacle never stood there.

Greetings from Father Bog . . .

MASS CARDS ST. ANTHONY NOVENA RETREATS PRAY WITH FR. BOB DISCERN DONATE

Greetings from Father Bob ... July is a wonderful time at Graymoor. The surrounding hills are a blanket of different shades of green, and our flowerbeds are bursting with color. Just walking around the grounds is a joy and always refreshing. July is a special month for us because on July 9th we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of the Atonement, which is Graymoor's title for our Blessed Mother. Our founder, Fr. Paul once wrote that the title of Our Lady of the Atonement is unique to the Friars and Sisters of the Atonement; "For it did not begin in Rome or in a majestic basilica. It was not the interpretation of a great theologian. Approved by the Church, this feast day of Mary is ours. It began at Graymoor in the heart of New York State." So we can truly say that Our Lady of the Atonement is an American Madonna. Of course another special day for us is Independence Day. How do we as Americans celebrate the 4th of July, our country's special day? If we look at the bible, we see that what was demanded of the Israelites can be summed up in one word: remember. Ancient Israel was a community of faith vitalized by memory for Israel knew her God not by reflections on the mysteries of nature, but by reflection on her history. Anyone who wants to know who they are should start by finding out where they come from. The 4th of July for Christian people is an intriguing mix of religion and culture, piety and patriotism. We celebrate with Uncle Sam, as well as Jesus Christ. When we gather on our Independence Day, we do so both as believers and citizens, and we thank God for religious liberty and political freedom. Every civilization has its moments of pageantry, and every country has some kind of national day. On the 4th of July we give thanks for the birth of the nation, for its survival, for its growth, for its freedom. Today is a time to remember, to look back, and remember the thousands of people of many nations who have come to the U.S., seeing in this nation a land of freedom, or opportunity, a place of promise. For some it was the first time they could speak their mind freely and openly, and the first time they could worship their God without fear. It is good to remember where we came from: it helps us know where to go. And remember what we put on our money: in God we trust.

Yours in Christ, Father Bob Warren, SA

Liberty and Justice for All | The Vortex

Liberty and Justice for All | The Vortex: Seriously.

Senate Democrats’ Christian Problem

Senate Democrats’ Christian Problem: Bernie Sanders' unconstitutional religious litmus test

When No Longer of Christ’s Mind, Do Catholics Deserve the Name?

When No Longer of Christ’s Mind, Do Catholics Deserve the Name?: Part one: Christ's kingly vocation

Cardinal Parolin’s Address to ‘Defending International Religious Freedom: Partnership and Action’ Symposium

https://zenit.org/articles/cardinal-parolins-address-to-defending-international-religious-freedom-partnership-and-action-symposium/

Bolton Claims US Has Plan to Disarm North Korea Within a Year - News From Antiwar.com

Bolton Claims US Has Plan to Disarm North Korea Within a Year - News From Antiwar.com: Bolton Claims US Has Plan to Disarm North Korea Within a Year | Experts say plan would actually take far longer

Get On the Trump Peace Train! - Antiwar.com Original

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The Church and Immigration

https://blog.ascensionpress.com/podcast/the-church-and-immigration/?utm_source=Ascension+Press&utm_campaign=30d943f648-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_10_12_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e09e12a778-30d943f648-351387457&goal=0_e09e12a778-30d943f648-351387457&mc_cid=30d943f648&mc_eid=2bb902f84a

July 2, 2018—Anti-Catholic Bigotry | The Download

July 2, 2018—Anti-Catholic Bigotry | The Download: Will Dems go after Catholic High Court nominees?

That Was the Week that Was | Center for Strategic and International Studies

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Pentagon Audit: “There Will Be Unpleasant Surprises” – Federation Of American Scientists

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The audit, announced last December, is itself a major undertaking that is expected to cost $367 million and to involve some 1200 auditors. The results are to be reported in November 2018.

"Until t

Europe: "The Vision is an Islamic State"

Europe: "The Vision is an Islamic State": "The growing religiousness is not an expression of marginalization. We are talking about people who are well-integrated, but who want to be religious". — Professor Viggo Mortensen. "The vision is an Islamic state -- Islamic society... Muslims will prefer

Killing Roe

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Will Anti-Catholic Bigotry Resurface in the Senate?

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Listen to former American slaves give first-hand accounts of their lives

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UAE iceberg project for 2019 gets trial run - Abu Dhabi - Information Portal

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Trial run for UAE iceberg project in 2019 | GulfNews.com

Trial run for UAE iceberg project in 2019 | GulfNews.com

America's Regime Change Toolbox - Truthdig

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Concerns Mount About US Commitment to Allies, Global Order

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He’s At It Again | The Vortex

He’s At It Again | The Vortex: And he needs to stop.

Why thousands of us are fleeing San Francisco - Fabius Maximus website

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Pope Francis surprises poor at special dinner

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Tomgram: William Hartung, Weaponized Keynesianism in Washington | TomDispatch

Tomgram: William Hartung, Weaponized Keynesianism in Washington | TomDispatch: null

Why Does Jesus Curse the Fig Tree? | Catholic Answers

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Angelic Intercession is Totally Biblical

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How to Destroy Hate, Foster Love - Great 20th C. Russian Christian Philosopher (Ilyin)

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Americans, These Books Will Help You Understand Russian Orthodox Christianity - Level 1

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Federal Lawsuit Filed In Chattanooga "To Prevent VW From Swapping Older Workers For Younger Ones In U.S." - Chattanoogan.com

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The Rise of Bullshit Jobs

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The working-class struggles that propelled Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to victory - The Washington Post

The working-class struggles that propelled Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to victory - The Washington Post: In the Bronx and Queens neighborhoods she would represent, many struggle more to make ends meet, toiling away as servers, drivers and cashiers.

Taxcast: How Accountants Broke Capitalism | naked capitalism

Taxcast: How Accountants Broke Capitalism | naked capitalism: No matter what the scandal is, when it comes to financial secrecy and tax dodging, the so-called big four accountancy firms are key players. The latestJune 2018 Taxcast discusses how accountants broke capitalism.

Bishop Barron's Gospel Reflection July 1, 2018

Your daily Gospel reflection...

Sunday, July 1, 2018

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mark 5:21-43

Friends, the centerpiece of today’s Gospel is Jesus healing the hemorrhaging woman. Having a flow of blood for twelve years meant that anyone with whom she came in contact would be considered unclean. She couldn’t, in any meaningful sense, participate in the ordinary life of her society. The woman touches Jesus—and how radical and dangerous an act this was, since it should have rendered him unclean. But so great is her faith that her touch, instead, renders her clean. Jesus effectively restores her to full participation in her community. But what is perhaps most important is this: Jesus implicitly puts an end to the ritual code of the book of Leviticus. What he implies is that the identity of the new Israel, the Church, would not be through ritual behaviors but through imitation of him. Notice please how central this is in the New Testament. We hear elsewhere in the Gospels that Jesus declares all foods clean, and throughout the letters of Paul we hear a steady polemic against the Law. All of this is meant to show that Jesus is at the center of the new community. Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 98 Reading 1 Wis 1:13-15; 2:23-24 God did not make death, nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living. For he fashioned all things that they might have being; and the creatures of the world are wholesome, and there is not a destructive drug among them nor any domain of the netherworld on earth, for justice is undying. For God formed man to be imperishable; the image of his own nature he made him. But by the envy of the devil, death entered the world, and they who belong to his company experience it. Gospel Mk 5:21-43 or 5:21-24, 35b-43 When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, "My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live." He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him. There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, "If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured." Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who has touched my clothes?" But his disciples said to Jesus, "You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, 'Who touched me?'" And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction." While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official's house arrived and said, "Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?" Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, "Do not be afraid; just have faith." He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, "Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep." And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child's father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum," which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise!" The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat. or When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, "My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live." He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him. While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official's house arrived and said, "Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?" Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, "Do not be afraid; just have faith." He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, "Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep." And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child's father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum," which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise!" The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

ANGELUS ADDRESS: On What Is Required for Jesus to Heal Us - ZENIT - English

ANGELUS ADDRESS: On What Is Required for Jesus to Heal Us - ZENIT - English: 'To have access to His heart, to the heart of Jesus, only this is required: to feel in need of healing and to entrust himself to Him'

Pope at Angelus: Problems? Sins? Entrust to Jesus ... Be Renewed - ZENIT - English

Pope at Angelus: Problems? Sins? Entrust to Jesus ... Be Renewed - ZENIT - English: Reminds Before Jesus, Physical Death Is Like Sleep....No Need to Despair; But Be Aware of Death of Hearts, of 'Mummified Hearts'

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: A rare look at how the Little Sisters of the Poor serve in the shadow of the Navajo Nation

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: A rare look at how the Little Sisters of the Poor serve in the shadow of the Navajo Nation: A slowly building breeze gently sweeps across the high plains, giving rise to a ghostlike dust cloud obscuring where Rt. 66 meets the horizon, while tumbleweeds gleefully bounce along the well-worn…

Symbolism of the cruciform church --Aleteia

Symbolism of the cruciform church --Aleteia: When Christians starting building churches of their own, they naturally took great care when planning the construction.

What did Christianity look like before the Bible?

What did Christianity look like before the Bible?: The Holy Scriptures have long been a source of edification for Christians. In many Christian communities, this inspired text is considered to be the sole authority given to the faithful by God Hims…

Why a good cop show should make you think of St. Irenaeus (yes, we’re serious)

Why a good cop show should make you think of St. Irenaeus (yes, we’re serious): I love a good police procedural show. I love the stock characters that always appear: the gruff veteran detective, the geeky lab tech, and the street-wise young cop. I love the little bits that pro…

C.S. Lewis called it "spiritual cancer." Are you infected? — Aleteia

C.S. Lewis called it "spiritual cancer." Are you infected? — Aleteia: It's healthy to be proud of the achievements of people we love, but when pride is self-centered, and when what gives us pleasure isn't the actual achievement, but being better than others and seeing others lose, we are in trouble.

Do you struggle with doubt? So did one of Jesus’ closest friends

Do you struggle with doubt? So did one of Jesus’ closest friends: When we encounter doubts of our own, the example of the apostle Thomas's life is helpful to mediate on.