The Roman Catholic Church’s belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist has never varied in twenty centuries. Many other Christians have disagreed and got it wrong, sometimes with disastrous results. We once lived about 100 miles south of Waco where Vernon Wayne Howell wrecked havoc when he was […]
“If you want to change the world, make your bed.” No, these ‘words of wisdom’ are not my mom’s. This is lesson #1 on Retired Navy Seal and Commander of the US Special Forces Admiral William H. McRaven’s list of 10 Life Lessons. McRaven outlined his 10 Life Lessons in a 2014 commencement speech delivered […]
For a Christian, prayer is as vital as water is for the body. Like water, prayer quenches the heart’s thirst for God. It allows us to be fulfilled by our deepest longing, which is to know the One who made us. We all have a “God-shaped hole” in our hearts that can only be satisfied […]
Jonathan Byrne is a professional mid-career artist who lives in the coastal town of Blackrock in Dublin, Ireland. After many years of making images and exhibiting at home and abroad, he returned to a subject that has always enthralled him, the Face of Christ. The images, of which there are over 30 in different colours, […]
A legacy is defined as something handed down by a predecessor. When I think about the concept of spiritual joy, I see it as a legacy handed down to us by the Lord himself. Jesus wants you to receive his joy, and pass it along to others. Pope St. John Paul II, said, “Christ came […]
This piece is not what you might think. I’m not going to tell you how to get your dream job, climb the corporate ladder, navigate social circles, or make an obvious impact on society. I won’t tell you those things, partly because I don’t know them, but also because I want to challenge their status […]
Early within The Acts of the Apostles, angels gain the attention of Christ’s chosen through a provocative question. As the eleven stare in amazement at Christ’s Ascension into heaven, they soon hear the following words, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky?” (Acts 1:11) This brings to light the fact […]
Summer is a time we invite family and friends over for dinner often. The sun sets later and evenings are warm. It is an ideal season to entertain guests, to sit down with family and friends and share a meal together. Hospitality is a Christian virtue. Pope Francis has mentioned that it runs the risk […]
A good friend, Martha, from Madonna House, “happened” to sit beside a self-proclaimed witch on an old bus heading towards the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico. Noticing Martha’s large cross identifying her as a member of the Lay Apostolate, the witch cynically remarked that most Christians were stupid because they were completely clueless […]
Although we do not like to admit it, even to ourselves, we still believe that prayer suddenly happens, or never happens at all. We kid ourselves that saints are born, or created by an arbitrary decision of God who every now and then suddenly decides to top up humanity’s quota. This is a comforting idea […]
Many people erroneously believe that the dark ages were caused by the Catholic Church and its hatred of science/love of superstition, and its dominant control of the mind of man during what has been called the “medieval” or “dark ages.” But nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, just the opposite is true. […]
Summer is here with its invitation to come outdoors, to be in God’s healing and restorative nature. Childhood memories of picnics at state parks or simple days at the beach remind me what summer can be if I so choose. In this season of natural sensory abundance, natural drawing out-of-doors, I sense the Lord asking […]
When I began my new job as a youth minister last year, I didn’t have a whole lot of experience with youth ministry. I did have the opportunity to teach several summer programs to teens in my previous job, as a librarian, But apart from that, I was flying somewhat blind. When it came to […]
We are blessed to live in Toledo, Ohio, where we have one of the most diverse populations in the U.S., and an amazing choice of ethnic restaurants. Most notably, the corridor from Toledo to Detroit is home to one of the oldest and largest Arab-American populations in our country (God bless Danny Thomas and Jamie […]
A few years back I was visiting a friend when a man in a sparkling white uniform walked out of my friend’s home. When my friend told me that this gentleman was there to repair his washing machine, I was somewhat surprised. After all, I thought, how can anyone repair anything without getting at least […]
May marked one year since my college graduation, so in honor of the occasion I thought I would take a chance to reflect upon my college years. This might seem like an odd thing to do on a site called Catholic Stand, but the connection is that I attended a faithful Catholic college. Because God […]
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has a host of artistic problems, but its most profound failures are of moral understanding. Whereas the original novels by J.K. Rowling embraced the Christian sanctity of life, understanding that death was an evil, and expressed hope for repentance and forgiveness of sins, this late coming play, written by […]
Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 I had a dream last night that I was on my patio planting some flowers. Everything seemed fine until I looked up and saw something coming towards me in the distance. I […]
Every year, more than three million pilgrims visit the small French town of Lourdes to pray for healing and grace. Lourdes is perhaps the most famous and beloved Catholic pilgrimage site in the world, and it continues to inspire and strengthen those who visit. Many come to seek healing and solace from Our Lady, who […]
I have written before that my spiritual life is owed to Mary. A few years ago, after a long period of lapsed faith, I felt suddenly called to pray the Rosary, which was followed by daily Mass attendance, then Confirmation into the Church, and the rest, as they say, is history. It is impossible for […]
Artist Jonathan Byrne and The Face of Christ
Jonathan Byrne is a professional mid-career artist who lives in the coastal town of Blackrock in Dublin, Ireland. After many years of making images and exhibiting at home and abroad, he returned to a subject that has always enthralled him, the Face of Christ. The images, of which there are over 30 in different colours, […]
Are Most Christians Clueless About Their True Identity?
A good friend, Martha, from Madonna House, “happened” to sit beside a self-proclaimed witch on an old bus heading towards the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico. Noticing Martha’s large cross identifying her as a member of the Lay Apostolate, the witch cynically remarked that most Christians were stupid because they were completely clueless […]
Practice Makes Perfect in Life and Prayer
Although we do not like to admit it, even to ourselves, we still believe that prayer suddenly happens, or never happens at all. We kid ourselves that saints are born, or created by an arbitrary decision of God who every now and then suddenly decides to top up humanity’s quota. This is a comforting idea […]
The Catholic Church and Science
Many people erroneously believe that the dark ages were caused by the Catholic Church and its hatred of science/love of superstition, and its dominant control of the mind of man during what has been called the “medieval” or “dark ages.” But nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, just the opposite is true. […]
Our Faith Is Not About Clean Uniforms
A few years back I was visiting a friend when a man in a sparkling white uniform walked out of my friend’s home. When my friend told me that this gentleman was there to repair his washing machine, I was somewhat surprised. After all, I thought, how can anyone repair anything without getting at least […]
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