Ex umbris et imaginibus in veritatem

As I reflect upon Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, three things in particular bring me encouragement: First is the image of the People of God as sheep calls to mind our frailty and vulnerability. Though we may think ourselves strong, we are, in truth, weak and dependent. In these days, we are reminded all the more how easily health, wealth, and even our loved ones may be taken from us. Yet we are invited to place our trust in the constant and unfailing love of God. Then in the Sacred Scripture, Our Lord is revealed both as the Good Shepherd and as the Gate of the sheepfold. In the time of the New Testament, sheep belonging to various shepherds were often gathered together within one fold. This image teaches us that the People of God are not separated from the world, but live within it. As members of His flock, we are called to care for one another, mindful that all share the same frailty. Christ Himself stands as the guardian of the flock, watching over all, and loving each soul withou...

The confessional is truly a sacred space. It is a doorway into the inner sanctuary of the human soul and the heart’s point of entry for Divine Light. No one should be left to carry the burden of sin alone. The weight of our sinful choices and actions can press heavily upon our hearts and lives, wounding us interiorly and distancing us from God and from one another. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is the place where the wounded come to be healed. It is there that they acknowledge their wounds and receive healing and peace through the forgiveness of the God of infinite love. During His earthly ministry, Our Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, exercised this divine authority to forgive sins: “Your sins are forgiven” On the evening of Easter, He entrusted this same power to His Apostles when He appeared among them and said: “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained”. In this moment, Christ instituted the Sacrament of Reco...

Life isn’t about keeping score. It’s not about how many people call you and it’s not about who you’ve dated, are dating or haven’t dated at all. It isn’t about who you’ve kissed, what sport you play, or which guy or girl likes you. It’s not about your shoes or your hair or the color of your skin or where you live or go to school. In fact, it’s not about grades, money, clothes or colleges that accept you or not. Life isn’t about if you have lots of friends, or if you are alone, and it’s not about how accepted or not accepted you are. Life just isn’t about that. But life is about who you love and who you hurt. It’s about how you feel about yourself. It’s about trust, happiness and compassion. It’s about sticking up for your friends and replacing inner hate with love. Life is about avoiding jealousy, overcoming ignorance and building confidence. It’s about what you say and what you mean. It’s about seeing people for who they are and not what they have. Most of all, it is about choosing to...