Proving the Assumption of Mary: Part Two, The Assumption of Moses

In part one of this series, we saw the descriptions of Enoch and Elijah's assumptions in both the New and the Old Testaments.  Elijah's Assumption into Heaven is confirmed in the New Testament at the Transfiguration, where we see Moses and Elijah with Christ in Heaven. The story of Elijah's assumption into Heaven riding on a fiery chariot (2 Kings 2) is well-known, but what about Moses' assumption? But wait! How can it be that Moses was assumed, if Scripture tells us that he was buried ? Moses' burial is described at Deuteronomy 34:5-6 : So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord, and he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth-pe′or; but no man knows the place of his burial to this day . Wait, he was buried, but "no man knows" where? That's a curious statement. The same Israelites who kept the bones of the Patriarch Joseph for hundreds of years and then ca Read More March 30, 2017

Proving the Assumption of Mary: Part One, The Assumptions of Elijah and Enoch

"The Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory" (Pius XII,  Munificentissimus Deus  44). But can we prove this using Scripture? Also, who else was assumed into Heaven according to Scripture? And how do these other assumptions point to Mary? Let's start with the obvious: Elijah. Elijah rode his fiery chariot in Heaven at 2 Kings 2 : And as they still went on and talked, behold, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Eli′jah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.  And Eli′sha saw it and he cried, “My father, my father! the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more. (2 Kings 2: 11-12) This last phrase also points to another assumption, namely, that of Enoch. Enoch's assumption occurs in Genesis 5 , where the descendants of Adam are described: When Enoch had lived sixty-five years, he became the father of Read More March 29, 2017

Personality Quiz: Which is Your Gift of the Holy Spirit?

In Baptism and Confirmation, we receive all the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, but which is your PRIMARY gift? This might help you see where God wants you to focus your efforts and discern your call to ministry. Also remember, that certain of the gifts might be called out of you in certain relationships, certain seasons of your life, or in certain situations. When taking the quiz, also think about what your secondary gifts might be.  Read More March 20, 2017

Why Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving in Lent?

Thinking about what to give up for Lent? Wondering why we fast during the season of Lent? Why do Catholics (1) pray, (2) fast, and (3) give alms during Lent? What is traditional Catholic fasting and where does this tradition come from? Also, how does this connect to Jesus' Temptation in the Desert? The basis for all this will amaze you!   "Give alms...Pray to your Father...Fast without a gloomy face..." (Matthew 6:1-18) So why do Catholics (1) pray , (2) fast , and (3) give alms during Lent?  I think, if asked, most savvy Catholics would be able say something along the lines of "well, it comes right out of the Bible." Maybe not chapter and verse - specifically, Matthew 6:1-18 as provided above -- but I think most Catholics realize the tradition is rooted in Scripture.  But there's SO MUCH MORE to it! These three practices - prayer, fasting, and almsgiving - are hidden throughout Scripture.  They correspond to the three temptations Chris Read More March 01, 2017

What Are You Doing for Lent?

Happy Ash Wednesday!  Here are some resources for Lent. These will help you dig deeper into the season and rise further with Easter. Remember, your Lenten sacrifices should consist of (1) prayer, (2) fasting, and (3) almsgiving -- why these three?? Have you ever wondered that? Here's another blog post that answers that very question. To get started, check out the infographic below from NCEA, the National Catholic Educational Association : Think of Lent as a time to evangelize! Before I get into this, the Gospel today warns against the "blaring of trumpets" before your almsgiving and Lenten sacrifices. But there's nothing wrong with letting your actions speak for themselves, or even provoke questions.  Here's a question you might get today: "Hey, man -- what's that dirt on your head? " First off, if it's someone from another Christian denomination rebuking you for the practice of wearing ashes, inform them that it's Read More March 01, 2017