Hope you had a blessed Sunday! 🙏
Time for another Catholic Meme Monday.
That’s all I have this week. Stay tuned for next week’s Catholic Meme Monday. Receive updates straight to your email inbox by subscribing to The Simple Catholic blog.
P.S. If you prefer receiving quality Catholic humor in daily doses follow me on Instagram @thesimplecatholic.
Shalom, faithful followers! Welcome to what promises to be an absolutely electrifying evening of Biblical athletics. I’m Matthew here with my colleague Luke the Physician for tonight’s highly anticipated 100-cubit dash.
“Luke, we’ve got an absolutely stellar field tonight. What are your thoughts on our competitors?”
“Well Matthew, this might be the most prestigious field we’ve seen assembled since the days of our fathers. John, the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved, remains one of the favorites – even several years after his legendary Empty Tomb victory, he still possesses that same passionate energy that helped him outrun Peter that momentous morning.”
“Indeed, and let’s not overlook the Loving Father. He’s dominated the long-distance circuit – that sprint across the field to embrace his Prodigal Son is still discussed in every village square. The question before us is whether he can translate that endurance into pure speed.”
“Paul’s someone to watch too, Matthew. This zealous runner from Tarsus has been absolutely transformed on the racing circuit lately – having completely changed his running style after a dramatic fall on the Damascus track! And speaking of surprising speed, the mysterious Naked Runner from Gethsemane – likely John Mark himself – has proven he can escape even Roman guards!”
“And completing our field is Zacchaeus – don’t let his short stature fool you! Anyone who can scale a sycamore tree that quickly surely has the agility for this race. Though I must say, it’s refreshing to see him competing openly rather than trying to see over the crowd!”
The runners take their marks…
AND THEY’RE OFF!
John and the Naked Runner burst out front like deer from a lion’s den! But wait, here comes the Loving Father, showing surprising speed for a distance specialist! Through 30 cubits, it’s John by a sandal’s length, the Loving Father gaining ground, with Paul and the Naked Runner running like twin lambs for third!
Zacchaeus is making his move through the pack – that tree-climbing agility is serving him well! At the halfway point, John still leads but the Loving Father is RIGHT THERE! The Naked Runner has slipped into third – he’s living up to his reputation for unexpected appearances!
Down the final stretch they come! The Loving Father has pulled even with John! Paul making one final charge – the same determination we’ve seen in all his recent races! Ten cubits to go – John and the Loving Father matching stride for stride! The crowd is crying out like at the walls of Jericho!
AND AT THE LINE… IT’S THE LOVING FATHER BY A TUNIC’S LENGTH! What a finish! What a race!
“Luke, let us recall what our eyes have just witnessed. You can see John had the early lead, but observe the Loving Father’s form – arms wide open, just like when he embraced his returning son. Those open arms must have been the blessing that carried him to victory!”
“Indeed, Matthew. According to the water clock, the Loving Father crossed in time to complete two full psalms, with John following in the space of a single selah. The Naked Runner took third, while Paul – who’s certainly become one of our most dedicated racers – finished fourth. Zacchaeus, though finishing last, certainly proved he belonged in this field!”
With our victor, the Loving Father
“I must testify, I was prepared to run twice this distance if needed. When you’re running with love in your heart, you find strength like Samson of old. John ran with the vigor of youth – he reminds me of my own son with that boundless energy. But love… love will always find a way to cross the finish line first.”
Tonight’s race showed us that in the greatest of competitions, love conquers all. The Loving Father’s victory serves as a beautiful reminder that God’s love will always outrun our expectations, meeting us wherever we are on life’s path. And perhaps most touching was seeing Zacchaeus, once hidden in trees, now standing proudly among his fellow runners, and Paul showing how completely a runner can be transformed when racing for the right cause…
Matthew and Luke the Physician, your faithful servants in these games. May peace be upon you all, and we shall meet again at the next great contest…
Have you ever felt that gentle tug on your heart, that whisper in your soul calling you to something greater? Maybe you’ve dismissed it, thinking it couldn’t possibly be for you. But what if I told you that this call is the beginning of the greatest adventure of your life?
As I sit here, reflecting on my own journey of faith, I’m reminded of the countless stories in Scripture and throughout history of ordinary people who said “yes” to an extraordinary calling. From fishermen becoming apostles to a humble nun in Calcutta changing the world with her love, the pattern is clear: God delights in using the unexpected to accomplish the unimaginable.
In our modern world, filled with distractions and comfort, it’s easy to overlook or ignore this divine invitation. We might feel unqualified, unprepared, or simply too busy. But today, I want to challenge you to see sharing the Gospel not as a burden, but as the thrilling adventure it truly is. Let’s explore together why answering this call might just be the most exciting thing you ever do.
God calls you to follow him. He did this with the first Apostles. Everyone’s calling looks a bit different but it almost always seems to be an interruption of your normal life and routine. I’m currently reading my children The Hobbit before bedtime. Something Gandalf the Wizard said in the opening chapter has prompted me into a deeper reflection of the Good News of Jesus Christ. He tells the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, “I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it’s very difficult to find anyone.”
How true is this when we are evangelizing? Once people realize that Jesus is calling us to a life of service and carrying the cross, it is easy for people to give up the journey or to never begin at all. The Hobbit’s tagline is “An Unexpected Journey”. Our journey of faith is often much like an unexpected journey too.
As Saint Pope John Paul II wisely said, “Life with Christ is a wonderful adventure.” This adventure, while unexpected and sometimes challenging, is the most fulfilling journey we can embark upon.
Once the excitement of the call wears off worry and anxiety sets in. “What if I’m not good enough or talented enough or tough enough?”. You might question your worthiness in general. Paralysis by analysis. I totally get it! I have often struggled to act or start the “journey” because of the worry I let in and allowed it to simmer in my mind.
God knows that humans struggle with over analysis and angst. He wants to encourage us and gives us plenty of examples in the Gospel to show how He is trustworthy and to lean on Him. One of my favorite bible verses is from the Epistle of Peter. The saint writes, “Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
In moments of doubt, it’s important to remember the words of Pope Benedict XVI: “The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” This greatness often lies just beyond our comfort zone, in the realm of faith and trust in God’s plan.
The Nike slogan “Just Do It” is so simple and natural. It’s an effective brand saying because of its applicability to daily life. We see amazing athletes run, leap, and tackle difficulties in their sports. But it’s also a metaphor and practical mantra to take on life’s daily tasks. Wake up without hitting the snooze button. Make your bed before work. Eat your breakfast. These are things we should do and aren’t extraordinary, but they lead to extraordinary results when compounded day after day.
God is inviting you to join Him in sharing the Good News: Jesus died and rose from the dead. He wants to free us from our sins. But you gotta just do it. Jesus’ final words in Matthew’s Gospel were a command: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). In other words, Jesus is saying to just go out and preach the Gospel.
We are called to be bold. Not to hide our light under a basket. But to shine it and share it with others. Light begets more light. When you share your gifts God is generous and increases your gifts exponentially.
I have felt apprehensive about continuing on an adventure God invited me back in 2023. I let fear of failure seep into my heart and mind. Satan wants to sidetrack you and tempt you to give up the adventure altogether.
In these moments of hesitation, I’m reminded of the wisdom of Saint Francis of Assisi: “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” This step-by-step approach can help us overcome our fears and doubts, allowing us to grow in our faith journey.
But remember, sharing the Gospel is the greatest adventure in life. It’s a journey that may seem unexpected, filled with challenges and self-doubt, but it’s also one that brings immeasurable joy and fulfillment. Just as Bilbo Baggins found courage he never knew he had, we too can discover strength we never imagined when we step out in faith to share the Good News.
So, are you ready for the adventure? The call has been issued, the journey awaits. It’s time to cast aside your worries, trust in God’s care, and just do it. The world is waiting for the light you have to share.
Hope you had a blessed Sunday! 🙏
Time for another Catholic Meme Monday.
That’s all I have this week. Stay tuned for next week’s Catholic Meme Monday. Receive updates straight to your email inbox by subscribing to The Simple Catholic blog.
P.S. If you prefer receiving quality Catholic humor in daily doses follow me on Instagram @thesimplecatholic.
Editor’s Note: Post originally published on October 28, 2021.
The Sacred Scriptures contain truth and wisdom from God. These truths are eternal and ever relevant— and practical. When you live in accordance with the Word of God everything in your life is ordered. This doesn’t mean you will be free of struggles and suffering. However, you will experience an otherworldly joy and peace more often than when you don’t follow the Word of God.
One of my favorite books of the Bible is the Letter of Saint James. Despite being a short epistle (five chapters) it’s rich in wisdom and practical advice. Chapter 3 is especially relevant for my battle against sin. Saint James details out the importance of how your words can guide your spiritual life. The old adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me” is false. Words matter. How you phrase something helps or hurts people. The Apostle gives a few tangible examples in chapter three of his epistle showing how speech helps or hinders the spiritual life.
How many times this past week have you said something you regretted? Emotions get high in stressful situations. This year (it still feels like 2020 right?) has tossed enough curveballs at us to last ten lifetimes. Pandemic. Social unrest. Inflation. And other unimaginable situations hit you. Even something simple as workplace conflict with a coworker can set your tongue shooting verbal fireworks.
Saint James writes, “If anyone does not fall short in speech, he is a perfect man, able to bridle his whole body also (James 3:2). The word bridle refers to headgear placed on a horse (including reins and a mouth-bit) to help restrain the animal from running too fast—knocking a rider off. It helps allow the rider to communicate with the horse. Synonyms include check, curb, tame, rule, or govern. The saint tells his readers the perfect man can govern his whole body when he keeps his words in check.
Words are manifestations of thoughts. In my life, I tend to lash out verbally at my family or at work when I internalize negative thoughts. Short-staffing issues at work has drained everyone in my workplace. Add increased demands and it is a potential emotional powder keg. How am I going to control my negative feelings amid a stressful situation? How can you prevent your tongue from steering you off the path of holiness?
Saint James calls the tongue rudder of the mouth. Boats were a common mode of travel in ancient times. The rudder is the part of a ship that steers—gives direction for the boat’s journey. So too, your words can guide how your daily travels with go. During the stressful storms (of a Monday or frantic weekend shift) how do you react? How do you show your frustrations?
While words (thoughts externalized) steer your attitude and have a big impact on your day don’t lose hope if you begin the day “sailing” away from your destination. The Holy Spirit is always present to help redirect you on the holy path. If you’ve ever sailed on a boat, you know how the impact airstreams are and how you need to adjust your sails. God sometimes allows you to suffer setbacks for you to realize you aren’t always in control. You need help. Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak—it’s a strength and sign of humility.
The third image Saint James compares the tongue to is fire. Fire is often associated with being a destructive force. I remember teachers and my parents cautioning me against playing with flames. Stop. Drop. And roll. “Only you can prevent forest fires.” These words are imprinted into my memory forever. I stayed away from fire out of love and obedience to my teachers and parents. Saint James writes, “The tongue is also a fire. It exists among our members as world of malice, defiling the whole body and setting the entire course of our lives on fire, itself set on fire by Gehenna (James 3:6). Words have the power to set tempers ablaze. You don’t have to search far on the Internet to know how true this is.
But there’s another aspect of fire you might not immediately realize—healing. The Catholic Church’s doctrine of purgatory compares the process of being purged from impurities as painful. Saint John Vianney wrote, “The fire of Purgatory is the same fire as the fire of Hell; the difference between them is that the fire of Purgatory is not everlasting.” What a thought-provoking quote! To tie-up this point (before I fall into a theological rabbit-hole), fire is in one sense destructive, but in another a means to purify. God’s love is all-encompassing and fervent it sometimes it feels painful.
Saint Catherine of Siena often referred to the Holy Trinity’s love as a fire. Writing to Brother Matteo di Francesco Tolomei of the Order of the Preachers, Catherine offers words of encouragement that hope is founded in the love of God, “kindled by the fire of divine charity.” In another letter, to religious sisters, she longed for the passing of their suffering in saying,
Dearest mother and daughter in Christ sweet Jesus: I Catherine, servant and slave of the servants of Jesus Christ, write to you in His precious Blood: with desire to see you so clothed in the flames of divine charity that you may bear all pain and torment, hunger and thirst, persecution and injury, derision, outrage and insult, and everything else, with true patience; learning from the Lamb suffering and slain, who ran with such burning love to the shameful death of the Cross (emphasis mine).
Going back to Saint James’ letter, the apostle wanted to remind his fellow Christians how important words can harm or help in the spiritual life. Amid stressful situations you may have to bridle your tongue against harsh language. The mouth is a rudder of the body and sins like gossip, anger, calumny, and lying can steer you off course. Finally, his imagery of the tongue being akin to a fire ablaze in a forest teaches how words can build up (or tear down) your relationship with God and others.
3 Ways the Epistle of James Will Help You Succeed in Daily Life
Editor’s Note: Article originally published in 2017.
My wife and I completed an intense bout of pre-spring cleaning (it was a mere 2 days before the official start of spring J) this past weekend. That coupled with a reference to avoiding desolation and clearing our soul from the “dustiness” of a dry spiritual life during my weekly parish men’s group influenced the title of this post and inspired me to write today.
I am a neat freak. In fact, one of the major three tenets my blog is based on is organization. I am passionate about decluttering, sorting, and cleaning dusty crevices in my house. Yet, when it comes to the spiritual life, why do I occasionally lack the same fervor that I have cleaning my physical house?
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 797,
“What the soul is to the human body, the Holy Spirit is to the Body of Christ, which is the Church.”243 “To this Spirit of Christ, as an invisible principle, is to be ascribed the fact that all the parts of the body are joined one with the other and with their exalted head; for the whole Spirit of Christ is in the head, the whole Spirit is in the body, and the whole Spirit is in each of the members.”244 The Holy Spirit makes the Church “the temple of the living God”.
This imagery of the Holy Spirt being housed in the church is not new. St. Paul clearly states this in 1 Corinthians 3:16 and 2 Corinthians 6:16 to name just a couple verses. However, it was through the intercession of St. Teresa of Avila’s writing that I especially encountered this truth recently.
She begins her greatest work, Interior Castle, with the following divinely inspired words, “ I thought of the soul as resembling a castle, formed of a single diamond or a very transparent crystal and containing many rooms, just as in heaven there are many mansions.”
Teresa’s description of the soul is easy for me to understand yet at the same time illustrates the complexity of our human condition.
Throughout the Interior Castle the doctor of the Church takes readers on a spiritual journey by examining how in navigating through the castle of our soul we are able to grow in closer union with God.
Without a thorough examination of oneself and spiritual guidance we are not able to recognize the graces God grants us daily and gives ways for us to clear out the “dustiness” of our soul. Just like how my home needs frequent seasonal cleanings, the Church in Her wisdom has seasonal cleanings as well for us to grow in holiness.
My goal is to take a few minutes each week to reflect on St. Teresa of Avila’s words in Interior Castle. I hope you all prayerfully consider to join me in this journey and cleanse your own soul of the “dustiness” of sin and temptation.
Spiritual Surgeons—Saint Catherine of Siena
Spiritual Surgeons— Saint Isidore of Seville
Doctors of the Catholic Church: Definition and Complete List
Spiritual Surgeons— Alphonsus Liguori
Spiritual Surgeons—St. Lawrence of Brindisi
Hope you had a blessed Sunday! 🙏
Time for another Catholic Meme Monday.
That’s all I have this week. Stay tuned for next week’s Catholic Meme Monday. Receive updates straight to your email inbox by subscribing to The Simple Catholic blog.
P.S. If you prefer receiving quality Catholic humor in daily doses follow me on Instagram @thesimplecatholic.