faith

The Hour to Shine

Posted on by

 

THERE is much chatter these days among the Catholic remnant about “refuges” — physical places of divine protection. It is understandable, as it is within the natural law for us to want to survive, to avoid pain and suffering. The nerve endings in our body reveal these truths. And still, there is a higher truth yet: that our salvation passes through the Cross. As such, pain and suffering now take on a redemptive value, not only for our own souls but for that of others as we fill up “what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the Church” (Col 1:24).Continue reading →

Frozen?

Posted on by
 
 
ARE you feeling frozen in fear, paralyzed in moving forward into the future? Practical words from Heaven to get your spiritual feet moving again…

Continue reading →

The Essence

Posted on by

 

IT was in 2009 when my wife and I were led to move into the country with our eight children. It was with mixed emotions that I left the small town where we were living… but it seemed that God was leading us. We found a remote farm in the middle of Saskatchewan, Canada lodged between vast treeless tracts of land, accessible only by dirt roads. Really, we couldn’t afford much else. The nearby town had a population of around 60 people. The main street was an array of mostly empty, dilapidated buildings; the schoolhouse was empty and abandoned; the small bank, post office, and grocery store quickly closed after our arrival leaving no doors open but the Catholic Church. It was a lovely sanctuary of classic architecture — strangely large for such a small community. But old photos revealed it brimming with congregants in the 1950s, back when there were large families and small farms. But now, there were only 15-20 showing up to the Sunday liturgy. There was virtually no Christian community to speak of, save for the handful of faithful seniors. The nearest city was almost two hours away. We were without friends, family, and even the beauty of nature that I grew up with around lakes and forests. I did not realize that we had just moved into the “desert”…Continue reading →

This is the Hour…

Posted on by

 

ON THE SOLEMNITY OF ST. JOSEPH,
HUSBAND OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

 

SO much is happening, so quickly these days — just as the Lord said it would.[1]cf. Warp Speed, Shock and Awe Indeed, the closer we draw to the “Eye of the Storm”, the faster the winds of change are blowing.  This man-made Storm is moving at an ungodly pace to “shock and awe” humanity into a place of subservience — all “for the common good”, of course, under the nomenclature of the “Great Reset” in order to “build back better.” The messianists behind this new utopia are beginning to pull out all the tools for their revolution — war, economic turmoil, famine, and plagues. It is truly coming upon many “like a thief in the night”.[2]1 Thess 5:12 The operative word is “thief”, which is at the heart of this neo-communistic movement (see Isaiah’s Prophecy of Global Communism).

And all this would be a cause for the man without faith to tremble. As St. John heard in a vision 2000 years ago of the people of this hour saying:

“Who can compare with the beast or who can fight against it?” (Rev 13:4)

But for those whose faith is in Jesus, they are going to see the miracles of Divine Providence soon, if not already…Continue reading →

Footnotes

Footnotes
↑1 cf. Warp Speed, Shock and Awe
↑2 1 Thess 5:12

Simple Obedience

Posted on by

 

Fear the LORD, your God,
and keep, throughout the days of your lives,
all his statutes and commandments which I enjoin on you,
and thus have long life.
Hear then, Israel, and be careful to observe them,
that you may grow and prosper the more,
in keeping with the promise of the LORD, the God of your fathers,
to give you a land flowing with milk and honey.

(First reading, October 31st, 2021 )

 

IMAGINE if you were invited to meet your favorite performer or perhaps a head of state. You would likely wear something nice, fix your hair just right and be on your most courteous behavior.Continue reading →

When Face to Face With Evil

Posted on by

 

ONE of my translators forwarded this letter to me:

For too long the Church has been destroying itself by refusing messages from heaven and not helping those who call heaven for help. God has been silent too long, he proves that he is weak because he allows evil to act. I don’t understand his will, nor his love, nor the fact that he lets evil spread. Yet he created SATAN and did not destroy him when he revolted, reducing him to ashes. I do not have more confidence in Jesus who supposedly is stronger than the Devil. It could just take one word and one gesture and the world would be saved! I had dreams, hopes, projects, but now I only have one desire when comes the end of the day: to close my eyes definitively!

Where is this God? is he deaf? is he blind? Does he care about people who are suffering?…. 

You ask God for Health, he gives you sickness, suffering and death.
You ask for a job you have unemployment and suicide
You ask for children you have infertility.
You ask for holy priests, you have freemasons.

You ask for joy and happiness, you have pain, sorrow, persecution, misfortune.
You ask for Heaven you have Hell.

He has always had his preferences — like Abel to Cain, Isaac to Ishmael, Jacob to Esau, the wicked to the righteous. It’s sad, but we have to face the facts SATAN IS STRONGER THAN ALL THE SAINTS AND ANGELS COMBINED! So if God exists, let him prove it to me, I am looking forward to converse with him if that can convert me. I didn’t ask to be born.

Continue reading →

The Great Stripping

Posted on by

 

IN April of this year when churches began to close, the “now word” was loud and clear: The Labor Pains are Real. I compared it to when a mother’s water breaks and she begins labor. Even though the first contractions may be tolerable, her body has now begun a process that cannot be stopped. The following months were akin to the mother packing her bag, driving to the hospital, and entering the birthing room to go through, at last, the coming birth.Continue reading →

When Wisdom Comes

Posted on by

THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent, March 26th, 2015

Liturgical texts here

Woman-praying_Fotor

 

THE words came to me recently:

Whatever happens, happens. Knowing about the future does not prepare you for it; knowing Jesus does.

There is a gigantic gulf between knowledge and Wisdom. Knowledge tells you what is. Wisdom tells you what to do with it. The former without the latter can be catastrophic on many levels. For example:

Continue reading →

My Young Priests, Be Not Afraid!

Posted on by

THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for Wednesday, February 4th, 2015

Liturgical texts here

ord-prostration_Fotor

 

AFTER Mass today, the words came strongly to me:

My young priests, do not be afraid! I have put you in place, like seeds scattered among fertile soil. Do not be afraid to preach My Name! Do not be afraid to speak the truth in love. Do not be afraid if My Word, through you, causes a sifting of your flock…

As I shared these thoughts over coffee with a courageous African priest this morning, he nodded his head. “Yes, we priests often want to please everyone rather than preach the truth… we have let the lay faithful down.”

Continue reading →

Touching Jesus

Posted on by

THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for Tuesday, February 3rd, 2015
Opt. Memorial St. Blaise

Liturgical texts here

 

MANY Catholics go to Mass every Sunday, join the Knights of Columbus or CWL, put a few bucks in the collection basket, etc. But their faith never really deepens; there is no real transformation of their hearts more and more into holiness, more and more into Our Lord himself, such that they can begin to say with St. Paul, “yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me.” [1]cf. Gal 2:20

Continue reading →

Footnotes

Footnotes
↑1 cf. Gal 2:20

Do Not Be Shaken

Posted on by

THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for January 13th, 2015
Opt. Memorial of St. Hilary

Liturgical texts here

 

WE have entered a period of time in the Church that will shake the faith of many. And that is because it is going to increasingly appear as though evil has won, as though the Church has become completely irrelevant, and in fact, an enemy of the State. Those who hold fast to the whole of the Catholic faith will be few in number and be universally considered antiquated, illogical, and an obstacle to be removed.

Continue reading →

Knowing Jesus

Posted on by

 

HAVE you ever met someone who is passionate about their subject? A skydiver, horse-back rider, a sports fan, or an anthropologist, scientist, or antique restorer who lives and breathes their hobby or career? While they can inspire us, and even spark an interest in us toward their subject, Christianity is different. For it is not about the passion of yet another lifestyle, philosophy, or even religious ideal.

The essence of Christianity is not an idea but a Person. —POPE BENEDICT XVI, spontaneous speech to the clergy of Rome; Zenit, May 20th, 2005

 

Continue reading →

Speak Lord, I am Listening

Posted on by

THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for January 15th, 2014

Liturgical texts here

 

 

EVERYTHING that happens in our world passes through the fingers of God’s permissive will. This does not mean that God wills evil—He doesn’t. But he permits it (the free will of both men and fallen angels to choose evil) in order to work toward the greater good, which is the salvation of mankind and the creation of a new heavens and new earth.

Continue reading →

The Time of the Tomb

Posted on by

THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for December 6th, 2013

Liturgical texts here


Artist Unknown

 

WHEN the Angel Gabriel comes to Mary to announce that she will conceive and bear a son to whom “the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,” [1]Luke 1:32 she responds to his annunciation with the words, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” [2]Luke 1:38 A heavenly counterpart to these words is later verbalized when Jesus is approached by two blind men in today’s Gospel:

Continue reading →

Footnotes

Footnotes
↑1 Luke 1:32
↑2 Luke 1:38

The City of Joy

Posted on by

THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for December 5th, 2013

Liturgical texts here

 

 

ISAIAH writes:

A strong city have we; he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us. Open up the gates to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith. A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in you. (Isaiah 26)

So many Christians today have lost their peace! So many, indeed, have lost their joy! And thus, the world finds Christianity to appear somewhat unattractive.

Continue reading →

Your Testimony

Posted on by

THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for December 4th, 2013

Liturgical texts here

 

 

THE lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute… these are the ones who gathered around the feet of Jesus. And today’s Gospel says, “he cured them.” Minutes before, one could not walk, another could not see, one could not work, another could not speak… and all of sudden, they could. Perhaps a moment before, they were complaining, “Why has this happened to me? What did I ever do to you, God? Why have you abandoned me…?” Yet, moments later, it says “they glorified the God of Israel.” That is, suddenly these souls had a testimony.

Continue reading →

Arcātheos

Posted on by

 

LAST summer, I was asked to produce a video promo for Arcātheos, a Catholic boys summer camp based at the foot of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. After much blood, sweat, and tears, this is the final product… In some ways, it is a camp that portends the great battle and triumph to come in these times.

The following video portrays some of the events that occur at Arcātheos. It’s but a sampling of the excitement, solid teaching, and pure fun that happens there each year. Further information on the specific formation goals of the camp can be found throughout the Arcātheos website: www.arcatheos.com

The theatrics and battle scenes herein are intended to inspire fortitude and courage in all areas of life. The boys at the camp quickly realize that the heart and soul of Arcātheos is love for Christ, and charity towards our brothers…

Watch: Arcātheos at www.embracinghope.tv

The Basics

Posted on by


St. Francis Preaching to the Birds, 1297-99 by Giotto di Bondone

 

EVERY Catholic is called to share the Good News… but do we even know what the "Good News" is, and how to explain it to others? In this newest episode on Embracing Hope, Mark gets back to the basics of our faith, explaining very simply what the Good News is, and what our response must be. Evangelization 101!

To watch The Basics, go to www.embracinghope.tv

 

NEW CD UNDERWAY… ADOPT A SONG!

Mark is just finishing the last touches on songwriting for a new music CD. Production is to begin soon with a release date for later in 2011. The theme is songs that deal with loss, fidelity, and family, with healing and hope through Christ’s Eucharistic love. To help raise funds for this project, we would like to invite individuals or families to "adopt a song" for $1000. Your name, and who you want the song dedicated to, will be included in the CD notes if you so choose. There will be about 12 songs on the project, so first come, first serve. If you are interested in sponsoring a song, contact Mark here.

We will keep you posted of further developments! In the meantime, for those new to Mark’s music, you can listen to samples here. All prices on CD’s were recently reduced in the online store. For those who wish to subscribe to this newsletter and receive all Mark’s blogs, webcasts, and news regarding CD releases, click Subscribe.

Recollection

Posted on by

 

IF you read Custody of the Heart, then you know by now how often we fail to keep it! How easily we are distracted by the smallest thing, pulled away from peace, and derailed from our holy desires. Again, with St. Paul we cry out:

I do not do what I want, but I do what I hate…! (Rom 7:14)

But we need to hear again the words of St. James:

Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  (James 1:2-4)

Grace is not cheap, handed over like fast-food or at the click of a mouse. We have to fight for it! Recollection, which is taking custody again of the heart, is often a struggle between the desires of the flesh and the desires of the Spirit. And so, we have to learn to follow the ways of the Spirit…

 

Continue reading →

Measuring God

Posted on by

 

IN a recent letter exchange, an atheist said to me,

If sufficient evidence was shown to me, I would start witnessing for Jesus tomorrow. I don’t know what that evidence would be, but I’m sure an all-powerful, all-knowing deity such as Yahweh would know what it would take to get me to believe. So that means Yahweh must not want me to believe (at least at this time), otherwise Yahweh could show me the evidence.

Is it that God does not want this atheist to believe at this time, or is it that this atheist is not prepared to believe in God? That is, is he applying the principles of the “scientific method” to the Creator Himself?Continue reading →