To be just means to order everything to the glory of God and the good of every creature. It is both retributive AND restorative. It demonstrates an adherence to the moral law as well as rendering what is due to individuals.

Then one general senses a shift. A ripple moves through the opposing army, and to the general it seems to become confused. News soon reaches the general that the opposing general has fallen.

In today’s world, meekness often carries a connotation of weakness. But that is not what Jesus says it is.

What is fear? St. Denis the Carthusian says that fear is “avoidance of future evil.” We have all experienced fear at several points in our lives, but for most of us, it’s not an emotion we seek out, and I think it is fair to say that we all hope to avoid future evil.

I don’t think we understand just how merciful God is and how unfounded our fear of coming to Him for forgiveness is.

Holy boldness gave the Apostles the courage to go out and preach, even when they knew they could very well be killed for it.

When we pray for something, we are usually looking for an immediate answer or sign, and while this can definitely happen, it doesn’t happen as often as we would like it to. Those moments where we are invited to wait, are also invitations to grow closer in relationship with God.

I was preparing my lesson for the CYM class I teach when I was struck by the thought of how many people do not know just how much the Father loves them.

Trust is the source of surrender. If you are confident in God and His promises, then you know that all will be well and because of that you will have the courage to surrender.

I propose that there are three key aspects of authentic masculinity, united under one overarching theme. These essential aspects are to build, to protect, to serve. The common theme? Sacrificial love.