Author Archives: Holy See

A strong awareness of God’s presence is a powerful way to drive sin from the world, to bring even the worst sinners back to God, to awaken the lukewarm, and to inspire them towards fervour. It also helps the righteous grow in virtue until they reach perfection. This is what God told Abraham in Genesis 17:1: “Walk before me, and be perfect,” as if He were saying, “In everything you do and every step you take in your earthly journey, keep Me in mind, and you will be perfect in virtue.” The patriarchs and ancient fathers followed this teaching, of whom it is written that they “walked in the sight of God” (Genesis 48:15). The psalmist did the same, saying, “I keep the Lord always in my sight” (Psalm 16:8), and he urged others to do likewise: “Seek the Lord and be strengthened; seek His face (His presence) always” (Psalm 104:4). This practice has always been followed by the saints, and it is what made them saints. (more…)

Consider this undeniable truth, a core tenet of our faith that no Christian can doubt: the great God who created us all—the eternal, incomprehensible, and infinite majesty, to whom all creation is as nothing—is present everywhere. He is truly in every place and in every being. Wherever we are, God is there, with all His divine attributes. The entire deity, the whole Blessed Trinity, is present. As Scripture says, “Can a man hide himself in secret places so I cannot see him?” says the Lord. “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” (Jeremiah 23:24). And in Psalm 138 (139:7) “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I descend into hell, you are there.” How is it that Christians know this and yet still dare to sin? They cannot claim ignorance; it’s one of the first truths taught from childhood. Their problem is they think so little of God or His presence that they forget it entirely. It is as St. John the Baptist said to the Jews about their Messiah: “There stands one among you whom you do not know” (John 1:26). How little, indeed, do so many Christians truly know the great God! (more…)

Today, we commemorate the recovery of Christ’s Cross from unbelievers and its triumphant restoration at Mount Calvary. The Church celebrates the exaltation of Christ, who died for us on the Cross, and His glorious victory over sin, death, and all the powers of hell. This victory also signifies the establishment of His Kingdom, where He reigns by grace in the souls of His followers today and will reign in them forever in glory. As St. John wrote (John 12:31-32), referring to Christ’s triumph on the Cross: “Now is the judgment of this world, now the prince of this world (the devil) will be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” Rejoice, my soul, in the triumph of your crucified King, and pray that He may establish His reign in you, lifting your heart from this earthly life and uniting it forever with Him. (more…)

Patience, like all virtues, cannot be gained simply by wanting it, seeking it, or praying for it in a half-hearted manner. It requires sincere desire, diligent effort, and fervent prayer. As St. James says, “If anyone needs wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all, and it shall be given to him; but let him ask in faith, without doubting” (James 1:5-6). However, how can we truly desire, seek, or pray for something we don’t value? Therefore, the first step in acquiring patience is to understand its worth and the immense blessings it brings to the soul that possesses it. This understanding comes through reflection and meditation on the many benefits patience offers, both in this life and the next: victory over our enemies, peace of soul, true freedom, mastery over our passions, and many other graces. In the life to come, patience leads to the rewards promised to those who overcome, as described in Revelation 2 and 3: “To the one who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7), and “To the one who overcomes, I will make a pillar in the temple of my God, and they will never leave it. I will write on them the name of my God” (Revelation 3:12), and “To the one who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne” (Revelation 3:21). (more…)