Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of articles focusing on the eight Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew
By Debbie Shelley
The Catholic Commentator
Keeping the “dos” and “don’ts” of the Ten Commandments is a good way to stay clear of the sins that can keep one from entering heaven. But to better understand God’s divine purpose behind these biblical laws and achieve the communion with him that they ultimately desire, Catholics should also reflect on the Beatitudes, according to Father Miles Walsh, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Baton Rouge.
A good way to understand the Beatitudes is to read St. John Paul II’s 1993 encyclical, “Veritatis Splendor” or “The Splendor of Truth,” according
To prepare means to get ready. Most prepare for something every day, including dinner, celebrations, school, projects, vacations, presentations, budgets, construction, conversations, meetings, competitions, assignments, to read a book, to pray, etc. The upcoming Sunday Mass Readings offer inspirations revealing those whom God sent to prepare the way and the call to arise and follow the way.
Prepared to be a witness
The Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist
By Dina Dow
The Sunday Mass readings for the upcoming weeks begin with a “fall” and end with an agricultural lesson. The messages from each yield insight into reasons for redemption, reasons for hope and reasons for courage.
You can hide, but not for long
The account from the Book of Genesis begins with the effects of original sin. Adam and Eve, knowing what evil is, experience the brokenness of inner harmony with God so much so they attempt to hide from him. To us this sounds ridiculous. Yet, think of a time when you made a
Ordinary Time is upon us, as we conclude the Easter Season with Pentecost. The coming of the Holy Spirit sets in motion the missionary activity of the church, focusing first on the most holy trinity and second on the most holy body and blood of our Lord, Jesus. These two solemnities point to who God is and how we are united by his real presence. Before embarking on this journey the faithful are to be rooted in a simple reality: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The church’s celebration of Easter continues as we rejoice in Jesus’ ascension into heaven and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The next two weeks capture the richness of the resurrected Lord together with the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit. Both enable the faithful to believe in the glory of God, to proclaim the faith and the ability to witness the mission by means of special gifts.
To believe
The Catholic Commentator
First of two articles
A unique long-standing tradition allowed children from Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Baton Rouge to receive their first Communion encircled by the love of their family the weekend of April 28-29.
Children sing “I Want to Walk as a Child of The Light” in thanksgiving after receiving their first Communion April 28 at Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Baton Rouge.
United in love, we are called to gather as one faith in Jesus Christ. The Easter season continues with the fifth and sixth Sundays. Mass readings point to our oneness in God. We grow in a deeper understanding of community, truth and love.
Community
The readings from the Acts of the Apostles tell of how the early church, led by the Holy Spirit, grew primarily through the preaching, teaching and prayers of the apostles, disciples and
The Catholic Commentator along with the Archives Department of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, is launching Capital City Faith, which will trace the history of Catholicism in the city of Baton Rouge through a series of articles and photographs provided by the Archives Department.
By Ann Boltin
Although we are celebrating the bicentennial of the incorporation of the great city of Baton Rouge, the Catholic Church has been a
The Catholic Commentator
About 300 black Catholics throughout South Louisiana examined their spiritual roots during a Lenten Day of Reflection at the Catholic Life Center on Feb. 13.
More than 300 black Catholics from around South Louisiana attended the Sankofa Lenten Day of Reflection at the Catholic Life Center on Feb. 13. Photo provided by Deacon Alfred
By Richard Meek
The Catholic Commentator
(Second in a series)
Holy Communion will always be at the center of the Catholic Church; it is what separates Catholicism from other denominations.
But not all who attend Mass are necessarily eligible to receive the body and blood of Christ. Father Paul Counce, judicial vicar for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, said canon law is clear that a communicant must meet four requirements, including having fasted for at least one hour prior to receiving Communion; be in a state of grace, also known as properly disposed; believe in the
