The sin against the Holy Spirit is not a single act or offense but a persistent state of rejecting God’s grace and the workings of the Holy Spirit in one’s heart. It involves a refusal to repent and accept forgiveness, which makes it impossible to be reconciled with God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church […]
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One of the most striking and challenging statements made by Jesus in the New Testament is found in Matthew 10:34-36, where He declares, This passage seems shocking on the surface, especially when considering the overall message of love and unity that permeates Jesus’ teachings. However, the context and deeper meaning reveal a powerful truth about
Matthew 10:34-36: Why Jesus’ ‘Sword’ of Truth Divides Read More »
The Church’s teaching on the necessity of confessing sins aloud in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, rather than privately, is rooted in several key theological and biblical principles. While Jesus indeed teaches us to pray privately (Matthew 6:6), confession of sins in the context of sacramental Reconciliation serves a different purpose. Here are the reasons why
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In Chapter 3 of Volume 2 of Jesus of Nazareth, Pope Benedict XVI reflects on the profound symbolism behind the washing of the feet. He explains that “those who have bathed” refers to those who have been baptised. They do not need to be washed all over again, but only their feet, which signifies that
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The Meaning of “I Am” Throughout the Gospels, especially in the Gospel of John, Jesus often refers to Himself using the phrase “I Am”, a term that is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. This title carries immense theological weight and reveals Jesus’ divine nature and oneness with God. In this final post of the
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The Significance of “The Son” One of the most profound titles Jesus used to describe Himself is the Son. This title, along with Son of God, appears frequently in the Gospels and carries deep theological implications. Unlike the term Son of Man, which has roots in Old Testament prophecy, the Son highlights Jesus’ unique relationship
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Jesus Declares His Identity The identity of Jesus has been a subject of contemplation and interpretation since His lifetime. People in His day tried to define His mysterious figure using familiar categories like Elijah, John the Baptist, or Jeremiah. However, Jesus didn’t directly claim titles such as Messiah for Himself, though His followers did. After
There are moments in life when the veil between the temporal and the eternal seems thin—when reality, as we know it, is momentarily suspended, and we glimpse something of the divine. In the life of Jesus, the Transfiguration is precisely such a moment. This extraordinary event, witnessed by Peter, James, and John, is not only
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In the Gospels, one of the most pivotal moments in the life of Christ is Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah. This event marks a turning point not only in the understanding of Christ’s disciples but also in Jesus’ journey towards His Passion. Pope Benedict XVI reflects on this profound moment in his book
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In the rich tapestry of Christian theology, the image of Christ as the Good Shepherd is one of the most profound and comforting. Rooted in both Old Testament tradition and the life of Jesus, the Good Shepherd conveys an intimate relationship between the shepherd and his flock, a bond of love, care, and sacrifice. This
Christ the Good Shepherd: A Reflection on Jesus’ Shepherd Discourse Read More »
