Seek the Lord this holiday season and bring Him into your life. As we approach the day of His birth go forth to someone who has borne the love of Jesus to you and tell her or him how they have been a blessing to you. Find it in yourself to promote peace this week among your family or co-workers. If your alone this season look to the community to join in celebrating the season together. You are important and He as a plan for all of us. God Bless You!

Recently, Bishop Robert Barron and Michael Knowles have a conversation about philosophy and culture on youtube discussing many different topics. Give it a watch to dive more deeply about “philosophers who shaped modern culture, the states of politics and education in America, and Michael’s own story of reversion to Catholicism.”

One of the comments on the video talked about how Bishop Barron claims to host “people of all stripes,” and confused why he continues to only create content with “right wing talking heads.” I feel this comment misses that a lot of people like Knowles and multiple personalities from the Daily Wire that are discussing topics with Bishop Barron are because they are of the same faith/mindset. A lot of the comments in retort, also bring up the issue that there may not be people of the left that are easy to come together in providing conversations that are meaningful. I truly believe if someone on the left was of the faith and could provide deeper thoughts to these ideals then he would have a discussion with them. It’s also good to understand that Bishop Barron may not want to have debates with someone who views differently. The problem I also see with debate content is the fact that some people tend not to bring an understanding mindset to the table and will only push their own agendas. The straying from their beliefs or holes to their argument would make them look bad and this would not help with trying to view the truth. The left was adamant throughout the recent election about wanting abortion. Catholic teaching says that this is something evil and should not be done. At least the right perspective was to leave it up to elections from the people at the state level. Even though, this was not an ideal election for Catholics, the right perspective was very passive over the active want to make it available federally the left had. Unless there is someone who can provide a proper discussion and willing to meet with him. I personally don’t see a reason for him not to accept. At the end of the day, it’s up to him who he discusses with and what they talk about. The best you can do is pray that we all may be of the same mindset and look forward to what the future has to offer.

Have you heard of Bible in a Year or The Catechism in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz. Ascension is creating a new series called Rosary in a Year with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames CFR. These podcast are a few digital tools that Ascension has decided to publish for those seeking to deepen their faith and to help with the understanding of these religious tools. This new podcast “will guide listeners through six phases doing a ‘slow build’ to form a lasting habit of prayer and gain the tools to enter more deeply into fruitful meditation on the lives of Jesus and Mary through the Rosary.” (Ames pg. 9) If your someone who is looking for a podcast to listen to that will help you in your faith journey; then, these are definingly a great way to get started. I appreciate the dedication and time that is put behind these tools that are available online for people to use. All these podcast are free to listen to and if you wanted to support the organization further they do offer books to help in the journey. If your looking for a better explanation take a look at The Catholic Talk Show where they published a video with Fr. Mark-Mary to talk about the podcast, what to expect, and even their journey with the Rosary. Ascension also published a video with both Fr. Mark-Mary and Fr. Mike Schmitz to talk about the new podcast. Take this as an opportunity to deepen your faith in the tools available for you, free of charge.

Have you knelt for Holy Communion or notice other kneeling and wonder why? Kneeling is an act to lower oneself before the Lord. Taylor Marshall provides a good counter argument of the importance for kneeling in his lived streamed video about how Cardinal Cupich urged Catholics to stand while receiving Holy Communion. Taylor would continue to talk about receiving Holy Communion via the tongue, which is, more of a centuries-old custom. In America, it’s actually been requested by the Bishop conferences that allows permission for American Catholics to receive Holy Communion from the hand.

The daily reading for today is Isaiah 48:17-19, Psalm 1-2, 3, 4 and 6, and Matthew 11:16-19.

I took this reading today to express the importance of following the Lord and His teachings. A brighter light of life will shine for us and bring us closer to Him. Our lives will be blessed with the fruits of the world. Not following Him or falling on deaf ears will cause life to be blown in the wind to vanish and not prosper. Keep the Lord in your life and spread His word to all those willing to listen and meet Him.