Born Edith Stein on 12 October 1891 in Breslau, Germany (now Wrocław, Poland), Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross was an exceptional figure with deep intellectual and spiritual interests. She was the youngest of 11 children in a devout Jewish family. However, during her teenage years, Edith declared herself an atheist.

Edith’s intellectual prowess led her to the University of Göttingen, where she was influenced by the teachings of the prominent philosopher, Edmund Husserl. Her studies in phenomenology culminated in a doctorate in 1917, after which she worked as Husserl’s assistant. Despite her academic success, Edith’s spiritual journey led her to a transformative moment in Frankfurt Cathedral where she witnessed a woman’s deep devotion. This, coupled with reading the autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila, set Edith on a path back to faith.

In 1922, Edith was baptized into the Catholic Church. She yearned for deeper consecration and entered the Carmelite Convent in Cologne in 1933, taking the name Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.

However, as the dark cloud of Nazism spread over Germany, Edith, being of Jewish heritage, faced increasing persecution. In an effort to protect her, the Church transferred her to a convent in the Netherlands. But the Nazi grip extended there too, and in 1942, she was arrested.

Edith Stein, along with her sister Rosa who had also become a Catholic and a Carmelite, died in the Auschwitz concentration camp, martyred for her Jewish ancestry, Christian faith, and outspoken criticism of Nazism.

In 1998, Pope John Paul II canonized her, recognizing her as Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.

Photo credit: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

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My go-to response when my prayers weren’t answered used to be to take it as a personal failure of faith. If only I had prayed harder, said all the right words, picked the perfect novena, then God would have given me what I asked for!

I erroneously believed that my actions and words are what move God’s heart, but today’s Gospel gently (okay… not so gently) challenges that way of thinking. Here we witness the disciples—faithful followers, handpicked by Jesus—unable to heal the boy. Not seeing the results they expected, with prayers unanswered and miracles that once seemed easy now out of reach, the disciples begin to wonder, “What are we doing wrong?”

As I read this Scripture, I find myself internally whispering, “Well… that’s kinda comforting.” If they struggled, maybe my own moments of “Why isn’t this working, Lord?” aren’t failures—they’re invitations to stop trying to find the magic prayer formula and instead to trust Jesus more.

The father in this Gospel doesn’t arrive with perfect faith. He comes desperate. Honest. A little worn down. And isn’t that exactly how most of us show up in prayer? He becomes a living example of what St. Paul taught, that “when we are weak, then we are strong” (2 Cor 12:10).

In so much of life, we’re trained to rely on effort, strategy, and doing more. But faith? Faith is different. It’s quieter. Simpler. Sometimes it looks like showing up again with the same prayer you prayed yesterday… and the day before that. Knowing it is not what we say, but with the heart in which we say whatever words come tumbling out.

Maybe the disciples’ struggle wasn’t about failure but rather about dependence. A reminder that this life of faith was never meant to be powered by our own strength. “Jesus, I trust You… even here.” So today, instead of striving for “bigger” faith, I’m leaning into truer faith. Authentic and surrendered, because apparently… that’s all Jesus needs to start moving mountains.

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Mi respuesta habitual cuando mis oraciones no eran respondidas solía ser tomarlo como un fracaso personal de fe. ¡Si tan solo hubiera rezado con más intensidad, dicho todas las palabras correctas, elegido la novena perfecta, entonces Dios me habría concedido lo que pedía!

Creía erróneamente que mis acciones y palabras eran lo que conmovía el corazón de Dios; sin embargo, el Evangelio de hoy desafía suavemente (bueno, capaz no tan suavemente) esa forma de pensar. Aquí somos testigos de cómo los discípulos —seguidores fieles, elegidos personalmente por Jesús— son incapaces de sanar al muchacho. Al no ver los resultados que esperaban, con oraciones sin respuesta y milagros que antes parecían sencillos ahora fuera de su alcance, los discípulos comienzan a preguntarse: “¿Qué estamos haciendo mal?”

Al leer este pasaje de la Escritura, me encuentro susurrando por dentro: “Bueno… eso es, en cierto modo, reconfortante”. Si ellos tuvieron dificultades, tal vez mis propios momentos de preguntarme “¿Por qué no funciona esto, Señor?” no sean fracasos, sino invitaciones a dejar de buscar la fórmula mágica de la oración y, en su lugar, a confiar más en Jesús.

El padre de este Evangelio no llega con una fe perfecta. Llega desesperado. Sincero. Un poco agotado. ¿Y acaso no es exactamente así como la mayoría de nosotros nos presentamos ante la oración? Él se convierte en un ejemplo vivo de lo que enseñó San Pablo: que “cuando somos débiles, entonces somos fuertes” (2 Co 12,10).

En gran parte de la vida, se nos enseña a depender del esfuerzo, de la estrategia y de hacer “más”. Pero, ¿la fe? La fe es diferente. Es más silenciosa. Más sencilla. A veces consiste simplemente en volver a presentarse con la misma oración que rezaste ayer y anteayer. Sabiendo que no importa tanto lo que decimos, sino el corazón con el que pronunciamos las palabras que brotan espontáneamente.

Tal vez la lucha de los discípulos no se trataba de un fracaso, sino más bien de dependencia. Un recordatorio de que esta vida de fe nunca estuvo destinada a ser impulsada por nuestras propias fuerzas. “Jesús, confío en Ti… incluso aquí”. Así que hoy, en lugar de esforzarme por alcanzar una fe “más grande”, me inclino hacia una fe más auténtica. Una fe genuina y entregada; porque, al parecer… eso es todo lo que Jesús necesita para comenzar a mover montañas.

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Allison Gingras (www.ReconciledToYou.com ) shares an everyday Catholic faith with humor and honesty. Her writing includes The Handy Little Guide to Novenas (OSV), Encountering Signs of Faith (Ave Maria Press), the Stay Connected Journals for Catholic Women (OSV), and her newest book, Jesus Heals (OSV), published in 2025. Allison is the Director of Digital Evangelization for Family Rosary USA.
 
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Saint Dominic was the child of Felix Guzman and Bl. Joan of Aza. He was born in Calaruega, Spain, and pursued his education at the University of Palencia. It is believed that he was ordained there while still studying. In 1199, he was appointed canon at Osma. Dominic eventually became the prior superior of the chapter, known for its strict adherence to St. Benedict’s rule.

In 1203, he went to Languedoc with Bishop Diego de Avezedo of Osma. There, Dominic preached against the Albigensians, a group considered heretical, and helped in reforming the Cistercians. In 1206, within Albigensian territory, he founded an institute for women at Prouille, supported by a group of preaching friars.

When the Albigensians murdered papal legate Peter of Castelnan in 1208, Pope Innocent III led a seven-year crusade against them with Count Simon IV of Montfort at the helm. Dominic joined this army and tried to convert the heretics through preaching. His initial efforts, however, weren’t successful.

While praying in the Church of Prouille in 1208, he reportedly received a message from Our Lady. She informed him that his efforts had borne little fruit because he had been working on barren soil, not yet touched by Divine Grace. She then instructed him to preach her Psalter, made up of 150 Angelic Salutations and 15 Our Fathers. Pope Leo XIII confirmed this revelation of the Rosary’s origin, and it’s a tradition upheld by 13 Popes that Mary first revealed the Rosary to St. Dominic. Subsequently, Dominic experienced great success with this new form of devotion, leading to the conversion of the Albigensians.

In 1214, Count Simon gifted Dominic a castle at Casseneuil. There, with six followers, he established an order devoted to converting the Albigensians. The following year, the bishop of Toulouse canonically approved this order. Although Dominic failed to receive approval for his order of preachers at the fourth General Council of the Lateran in 1215, Pope Honorius III gave his approval a year later, leading to the foundation of the Order of Preachers, also known as the Dominicans.

Dominic devoted the final years of his life to organizing the order. He traveled across Italy, Spain, and France, preaching, recruiting new members, and setting up new houses. The order was highly successful in conversions, thanks to Dominic’s unique approach of combining intellectual life with popular needs.

In 1220, he organized the first general council of the order in Bologna. After falling ill during a preaching tour in Hungary, he was forced to return to Bologna, where he passed away on August 6, 1221.

Centuries later, the Dominican Pope, St. Pius V, rallied for a rosary crusade to push back the invading Muslims. The Battle of Lepanto was won on October 7, 1571, largely attributed to the power of praying the Rosary. This victory saved Europe from the Turkish threat. News of this significant victory reached the Holy Father divinely before human channels could deliver it. That date is now celebrated as the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary. In honor of this Dominican Pope and the power of the Rosary, Popes have since worn the Dominican white as their special cassock.

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The snack food industry has perfected the balance of salt, sugar, and fats, and when coupled with just the right crunch, these foods have become irresistible. This concept of perfecting the amount of sweet and salty is known as the “bliss point,” and companies track this so they can create foods that we will never grow tired of eating. When combined with nutrients that are digested quickly so that our stomachs aren’t capable of recognizing when we’re full, you have a recipe for food that will never truly satisfy.

This type of food is a perfect analogy for what the things of the world offer us. We have certain desires, and when we try to fill them with things of the world, we find ourselves consuming nonstop, yet never being satisfied. Whether it’s eating snack food, streaming TV shows, scrolling on social media, drinking alcoholic beverages, or something else, we continue to try to feel fulfilled with all of the wrong things. No matter how blissful something is when we first taste it, that bliss never lasts.

In today’s Gospel we read about Jesus’ feeding of the 5,000. After the death of His cousin, Jesus sought a quiet place to mourn and pray. He went off on his own in a boat, hoping for a few moments of peace and solitude. As He disembarked, He discovered that vast crowds had already arrived ahead of Him. Instead of turning back to fulfill His desire for time alone, He chose to stay and minister to the crowd. As evening drew near, His disciples recommended that He send the people away so they could buy something to eat.

Jesus knew what the people truly desired. They came to witness miracles. They wanted to be healed and to have their earthly needs met. They recognized their need for Jesus in that respect. But Jesus wanted to satisfy their deeper, true desire, the need that only He could fill. He wanted to give them the life-sustaining bread, the gift of Himself, the only thing that could fulfill their innermost wants and desires. This is why at the end of today’s Gospel we hear, “They all ate and were satisfied.”

Jesus could have fed the crowd in any way He chose, but He decided to invite his disciples to participate as His ministers. Jesus wants us to be a part of His mission. He calls each one of us to feed others. When we participate in the Lord’s plan in this way, we will be overcome with His generosity. The disciples started with just a few fish and loaves, and ended with twelve wicker baskets full of leftovers. The Lord is never outdone in generosity. When we give the little we have, thousands can be satisfied.

While the world is preoccupied with fleeting earthly pleasures, like finding the perfect bliss point, may we recognize that what truly satisfies comes only from the Lord.

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La industria de las meriendas ha perfeccionado el equilibrio entre la sal, el azúcar y las grasas; y, cuando esto se combina con el punto exacto de textura crujiente, estos alimentos se vuelven irresistibles. Este concepto de perfeccionar la proporción de dulce y salado se conoce como el “punto de la dicha perfecta” (bliss point), y las empresas lo monitorean para poder crear alimentos de los que nunca nos cansemos. Cuando esto se combina con nutrientes de rápida digestión —de modo que nuestro estómago no es capaz de reconocer cuándo estamos saciados—, el resultado es la receta de un alimento que nunca nos saciará.

Este tipo de alimento constituye una analogía perfecta de lo que nos ofrecen las cosas del mundo. Albergamos ciertos deseos y, cuando intentamos colmarlos con cosas mundanas, nos encontramos consumiendo sin parar, pero sin llegar a sentirnos satisfechos jamás. Ya sea comiendo aperitivos, viendo series en línea, navegando por las redes sociales, bebiendo alcohol o haciendo cualquier otra cosa, seguimos intentando sentirnos plenos mediante los medios equivocados. Por muy placentera que resulte una experiencia en el primer instante, esa dicha nunca perdura.

En el Evangelio de hoy leemos el relato de la alimentación de los cinco mil por parte de Jesús. Tras la muerte de su primo, Jesús buscó un lugar tranquilo para guardar luto y orar. Se retiró a solas en una barca, con la esperanza de disfrutar de unos momentos de paz y soledad. Al desembarcar, descubrió que una inmensa multitud ya había llegado antes que Él. En lugar de dar media vuelta para satisfacer su deseo de pasar un tiempo a solas, decidió quedarse y servir a la multitud. Al caer la tarde, sus discípulos le sugirieron que despidiera a la gente para que pudieran ir a comprar algo de comer.

Jesús sabía lo que la gente deseaba en lo más profundo de su ser: habían acudido para ser testigos de milagros. Querían ser sanados y ver satisfechas sus necesidades terrenales; en ese sentido, reconocían su necesidad de Jesús. Pero Jesús quería saciar su deseo más hondo y auténtico: esa necesidad que solo Él podía colmar. Quería ofrecerles el pan que da la vida, el don de sí mismo; lo único capaz de satisfacer sus anhelos y deseos más íntimos. Por eso, al final del Evangelio de hoy, escuchamos: “Todos comieron hasta saciarse”.

Jesús podría haber alimentado a la multitud de cualquier manera que hubiera elegido; sin embargo, decidió invitar a sus discípulos a participar en la tarea como sus ministros. Jesús desea que formemos parte de su misión. Él nos llama a cada uno de nosotros a alimentar a los demás. Cuando participamos de este modo en el plan del Señor, nos vemos colmados por su generosidad. Los discípulos comenzaron con apenas unos pocos peces y panes, y terminaron con doce canastas repletas de sobras. El Señor nunca se deja vencer en generosidad. Cuando entregamos lo poco que tenemos, miles pueden quedarse saciados.

Mientras el mundo se afana tras placeres terrenales y efímeros, como hallar ese punto de dicha perfecta, reconozcamos nosotros que aquello que verdaderamente sacia proviene únicamente del Señor.

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Maria Riley is a passionate Catholic author and speaker who loves volunteering or playing board games when she’s not writing or mom-ing around with her four daughters. Her award-winning Catholic children’s chapter book series, Adventures with the Saints, is endorsed by her bishop. Visit her at MariaRileyAuthor.com or on social media @mariarileyauthor. She and her family live in Kansas.

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Almost every line in today’s Gospel is a warning from Jesus. We have all heard that we should take up our cross. We have all heard or even said ourselves, “That is their cross to bear.” We understand the weight of the cross in human terms, that it would be heavy and cause splinters in our hands. That it might dig into our shoulders or cut into our face as we try to hold it up, let alone trying to walk with it. We comprehend the cross in physical human terms because we have prayed the Stations of the Cross, but Jesus said these words (“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me”) well before he took up his physical cross. 

Jesus is asking us to take up a spiritual cross. We try to be good Christians, following Jesus’s teachings to lead a good life. We embrace the Ten Commandments and go to church. But Jesus is asking for more than that. He is asking everything of us, but he gives so much more back to us in return. Jesus offers eternal life to those who deny themselves to follow Jesus fully. 

At the end of this passage, Jesus drops this confusing last line: “Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” What does that mean exactly? If we are truly following Jesus, then there will be no death, only eternal life. But he is warning of the bitter taste of death if we choose not to follow Him. 

If we truly hope for eternal life with the Father, then we must heed the Son. We must do what Jesus asks of us in this passage and throughout Scripture. We are to give ourselves over to Jesus. Read Scripture, participate in the sacraments, volunteer as Jesus asked by taking care of the sick, the elderly, the poor, and the incarcerated. Stretch yourself beyond what you think you have time for or what you think you are capable of to become a more active part of the Body of Christ in His Church, in your family, and in your community. Deny yourself, take up your cross, lose your life as you know it, and follow Him.  

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Casi cada línea del Evangelio de hoy constituye una advertencia de Jesús. Todos hemos escuchado que debemos tomar nuestra cruz. Todos hemos oído, o incluso hemos dicho nosotros mismos: “Esa es la cruz que le toca cargar”. Comprendemos el peso de la cruz en términos humanos: que va a ser pesada y nos puede clavar astillas en las manos; que podría hundirse en nuestros hombros o cortarnos el rostro mientras intentamos sostenerla, por no hablar de intentar caminar con ella. Entendemos la cruz en términos físicos y humanos porque hemos rezado el Vía Crucis; sin embargo, Jesús pronunció estas palabras (“El que quiera venir conmigo, que renuncie a sí mismo, que tome su cruz y me siga”) mucho antes de tomar sobre sí su cruz física.

Jesús nos pide que tomemos una cruz espiritual. Intentamos ser buenos cristianos, siguiendo las enseñanzas de Jesús para llevar una vida recta. Acogemos los Diez Mandamientos y asistimos a la iglesia. Pero Jesús nos pide algo más que eso. Nos lo pide todo, pero a cambio nos devuelve mucho más. Jesús ofrece la vida eterna a aquellos que se niegan a sí mismos para seguirlo plenamente.

Al final de este pasaje, Jesús deja caer esta última frase desconcertante: “Yo les aseguro que algunos de los aquí presentes no morirán, sin haber visto primero llegar al Hijo del hombre como rey”. ¿Qué significa eso exactamente? Si verdaderamente seguimos a Jesús, entonces no habrá muerte, sino vida eterna. Pero Él nos advierte de la muerte si elegimos no seguirlo.

Si verdaderamente anhelamos la vida eterna junto al Padre, entonces debemos hacerle caso al Hijo. Debemos hacer lo que Jesús nos pide en este pasaje y a lo largo de toda la Escritura. Debemos entregarnos por completo a Jesús. Lee las Escrituras, participa en los sacramentos, ofrece tu servicio voluntario —tal como pidió Jesús— cuidando a los enfermos, a los ancianos, a los pobres y a los encarcelados. Vete más allá de lo que crees tener tiempo para hacer o de lo que consideras capaz de lograr, para convertirte en una parte más activa del Cuerpo de Cristo: en tu Iglesia, en tu familia y en tu comunidad. Niégate a ti mismo, toma tu cruz, pierda tu vida tal como la conoces, y sígalo.

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Anita Renaghan is the author of several books including literary fiction, science fiction, and a young adult trilogy. She loves a good character study and has been many characters herself including: an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force, a college graduate, a second degree blackbelt, lost, a waitress and bartender, a wife and mother, an account executive, found, and a constantly inventive singer-songwriter. Anita is interested in sharing her faith with others through her writings and story characters. Her website is anitarenaghan.com

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Pope Saint Hormisdas, born in Frosinone in the Roman Campagna, had a vibrant and impactful pontificate, characterized by peace and victory. Before his ordination, he was married and had a son, Silverius, who also became a pope. As a deacon, Hormisdas firmly supported St. Symmachus during his conflict with the antipope Lawrence and the pro-Byzantine group. Although he faced difficulties during his election, St. Hormisdas began his papacy on a victorious note by reconciling with the remnants of the Laurentian schism.

A more significant achievement was soon to follow. The Church of Constantinople had been in schism since 484, due to the actions of Patriarch Acacius. Even after many patriarchs returned to orthodoxy, they resisted removing Acacius’s name from the liturgical tablets. This division was further complicated by Emperor Anastasius’s leanings towards Monophysite heresy. Nevertheless, the Eastern Church’s clergy, monks, and laypeople increasingly desired an end to the schism, which weakened their stance against Monophysites.

An unsuccessful attempt to reconcile was made in 514 when General Vitalian revolted and pressured Anastasius. However, after Anastasius’s death in 517, optimism grew. His successor, the Orthodox believer Justin I, facilitated the reunion, as did popular opinion. A synod at Constantinople sent a representative to Pope Hormisdas to seek reunion.

In response, Hormisdas sent back a delegation with a formula of faith. This was accepted on Holy Thursday, March 28, 519, reuniting the Church of Constantinople with the Catholic Church. This event brought immense joy and relief to the faithful.

The Pope’s formula of faith was crystal clear, reasserting the condemnation of the heresies deemed wrong by the ecumenical councils, and particularly condemning the actions of Acacius. It strongly underlined the primacy and infallibility of the Roman See, proving to be a robust defence for Catholic orthodoxy from then on. It was signed by the patriarch of Constantinople and, eventually, by 2,500 bishops across the East.

St. Hormisdas also rejoiced when he received news that the African Church was enjoying a brief period of peace following the death of the Vandal king Thrasamund.

During his reign, Hormisdas took disciplinary actions and banned the phrase “one of the Trinity was crucified”, due to its misuse as a Monophysite slogan. When he passed away in 523, the Church was generally peaceful, although there were signs of looming troubles in the West.

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Today’s readings describe events that are difficult for us to imagine: Daniel’s burning bright vision of God, the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven to receive everlasting glory and kingship, mountains melting “like wax before the Lord”, Jesus on a high mountain shining like the sun accompanied by Moses and Elijah, and the voice of the Father coming from a cloud.

In Scripture, mountains are often sacred places where Heaven and earth meet, places where divine encounters happen (think Mounts Moriah, Sinai, Carmel, and more). Jesus ascended mountains to pray in solitude, or to teach (the Sermon on the Mount), or to perform miracles. It was up on a high mountain that Jesus was transfigured, with Peter, James, and John as witnesses.

In this moment on the mountain, the Apostles “were very much afraid”. They were immersed in a Trinitarian experience that overwhelmed them, bowed low before a mystery they could not process fully. In the presence of the glory and the bright cloud, of Moses and Elijah, they fell prostrate in awe and fear, until Jesus touched them and they dared to raise their eyes again. They could not have understood the full meaning of what was happening, nor could they comprehend Jesus’ command to keep it to themselves “until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

They could not have known that this experience would give them a cosmic context for what they were soon to witness: the brutal execution of the Lord they had given up everything to follow. As they walked back down the mountain, they could not foresee that this was a kind of preparation, that this vision would sustain them from Good Friday through to the Resurrection. They had been given a glimpse of Christ’s future glory and its true continuity with the Old Testament Covenant in this blinding vision – this event would later allow them to see Jesus’ horrific suffering and death as the culmination of God’s Plan of Salvation, begun in the primordial Garden, carried in the Law and the Prophets, fulfilled by Christ, and destined to last forever.

Sometimes, we are also given glimpses into the truth, beauty, and goodness of God. In brief moments, the Lord can give us clarity, peace, a sense of our belovedness, a certainty of the “rightness” of things. We rest in those moments in gratitude and praise, and they make us ready and open to accept His will in our lives. We can see these as spiritual “mountaintop experiences”.

But we must descend from our mountaintop experience, back to the valley of shadows, and even to Mount Calvary’s apparent defeat. In these low moments, the certainty of God’s love and power that we received on the mountain can strengthen our faith and hope, sustaining an eternal perspective.

Whether we are experiencing the nearness of God’s presence on the mountain or straining to make sense of His will in the valley, we must continually remember the Father’s directive: “Listen to him.”

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Las lecturas de hoy describen acontecimientos que nos resultan difíciles de imaginar: la visión resplandeciente de Dios que tuvo Daniel, el Hijo del Hombre viniendo sobre las nubes del cielo para recibir gloria y realeza eternas, las montañas derritiéndose “como cera ante el Señor”, Jesús en una alta montaña brillando como el sol, acompañado por Moisés y Elías, y la voz del Padre que surge de una nube.

En las Escrituras, las montañas son a menudo lugares sagrados donde el Cielo y la tierra se encuentran; lugares donde tienen lugar encuentros divinos (pensemos en los montes Moria, Sinaí, Carmelo y otros más). Jesús subía a las montañas para orar en soledad, para enseñar (el Sermón de la Montaña) o para realizar milagros. Fue en la cima de una alta montaña donde Jesús se transfiguró, teniendo como testigos a Pedro, Santiago y Juan.

En aquel momento en la montaña, los apóstoles estuvieron “llenos de un gran temor”. Estaban inmersos en una experiencia trinitaria que los sobrecogió; se postraron humildemente ante un misterio que no lograban asimilar plenamente. Ante la presencia de la gloria y de la nube resplandeciente, de Moisés y de Elías, cayeron postrados, llenos de asombro y temor, hasta que Jesús los tocó y se atrevieron a alzar la vista de nuevo. No podían haber comprendido el significado pleno de lo que estaba ocurriendo, ni tampoco podían entender la orden de Jesús de guardar silencio al respecto “hasta que el Hijo del hombre haya resucitado de entre los muertos”.

No podían haber sabido que esa experiencia les proporcionaría un contexto cósmico para lo que pronto habrían de presenciar: la brutal ejecución del Señor, quien, para seguirlo, habían dejado todo. Mientras descendían de la montaña, no podían prever que esa experiencia constituía una especie de preparación; que esa visión los sostendría desde el Viernes Santo hasta la Resurrección. En esa visión deslumbrante se les había concedido un atisbo de la gloria futura de Cristo y de su verdadera continuidad con la Alianza del Antiguo Testamento; un acontecimiento que, más tarde, les permitiría contemplar el terrible sufrimiento y la muerte de Jesús como la culminación del Plan de Salvación de Dios: iniciado en el Jardín de Edén, anunciado en la Ley y los Profetas, cumplido por Cristo y destinado a perdurar por siempre.

A veces, también a nosotros se nos conceden atisbos de la verdad, la belleza y la bondad de Dios. En breves instantes, el Señor puede concedernos claridad, paz, un sentido de ser amados y la certeza de que las cosas son “como deben ser”. En esos momentos descansamos con gratitud y alabanza, y ellos nos preparan y nos abren a aceptar Su voluntad en nuestras vidas. Podemos considerar estas experiencias espirituales como “momentos cumbres”.

Sin embargo, debemos descender de nuestra experiencia en la cima, de regreso al valle de las sombras, e incluso hacia la aparente derrota del Monte Calvario. En estos momentos de adversidad, la certeza del amor y del poder de Dios —que recibimos en la montaña— puede fortalecer nuestra fe y nuestra esperanza, sustentando así una perspectiva eterna.

Ya sea que estemos experimentando la cercanía de la presencia de Dios en la montaña, o esforzándonos por comprender Su voluntad en el valle, debemos recordar continuamente la instrucción del Padre: “Escúchenlo”.

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Kathryn Mulderink, MA, is married to Robert, Station Manager for Holy Family Radio. Together they have seven children (including Father Rob), and eleven grandchildren. She is President of the local community of Secular Discalced Carmelites and has published five books and many articles. Over the last 30 years, she has worked as a teacher, headmistress, catechist, Pastoral Associate, and DRE, and as a writer and voice talent for Catholic Radio. Currently, she serves the Church by writing and speaking, and by collaborating with various parishes and to lead others to encounter Christ and engage their faith. Her website is www.KathrynTherese.com

Feature Image Credit: falco, pixabay.com/photos/russia-church-orthodox-historical-1173258/

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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The three Synoptic Gospels – Matthew (17:1-8), Mark (9:2-9), and Luke (9:28-36) – all recount the story of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Interestingly, they all place the event after Peter’s affirmation of Jesus as the Messiah and Jesus’ first foretelling of his death. It’s thought that this event might have happened during the Jewish Feast of Booths, based on Peter’s inclination to build tents on the spot.

However, trying to fully understand the disciples’ experience of the Transfiguration is a challenge. This is because the Gospel accounts draw heavily from Old Testament depictions of God’s encounter at Sinai and prophetic visions of the Son of Man. It is clear that Peter, James, and John witnessed a glimpse of Jesus’ divine nature so powerful that it instilled fear in them. Describing such an overwhelming experience is difficult, so they used known religious terminology. Jesus, for certain, warned them that his glory and suffering were intertwined, a theme that the Gospel of John underscores repeatedly.

Mount Tabor is traditionally believed to be the location of the Transfiguration. The first church there was built and dedicated on August 6 in the fourth century. The Eastern Church started celebrating a feast in honor of the Transfiguration from around the same period. The Western Church began to observe it in some areas by the eighth century.

A significant event in history also falls on August 6. On this day in 1456, Crusaders won a victory over the Turks at Belgrade. Upon receiving news of this victory in Rome, Pope Callistus III decided to add the feast of the Transfiguration to the Roman calendar the following year.

Editorial credit: Renata Sedmakova / Shutterstock.com

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Many hard emotions are present in today’s Gospel reading. We might feel confidence, fear, boldness, persistence, joy, faith, trust, and gratitude. Which ones do you perceive? The first thing that comes to my mind is that seeing a daughter (or son) in such pain with no way to help them is overwhelming. Imagine yourself as the Canaanite woman in this scene. You courageously follow this Jesus, whom you hear is healing people everywhere He goes. As soon as you get close enough, you are at a loss for words. You simply cry out, “Have pity on me! Help me! I’m desperate and have nowhere else to turn!” 

The Canaanite woman’s request wasn’t worded in a special or holy way and God doesn’t ask that of us. Sometimes simply being bold and persistent shows that we have faith and trust in Him. We are already special and holy because God made us in His image and likeness, and made us part of His family through Baptism and the Holy Spirit.  

Considering the woman’s boldness and faith, Jesus’s response seems harsh. If I had just pushed past my fear and confidently asked for help like the Canaanite woman, I believe His reaction would have made me cower and feel the piercing pain of rejection. I would have wanted a hug, some sign that He understood, but she does not let it sway her and presses onward.

Fr. Columba Jordan CFR, said that Jesus recognizes greatness in the Canaanite woman and does what He can to bring it out, serving as an example for us. His initial silence does not mean He is ignoring her, nor is His comment about the dogs an insult. Jesus wanted to show us through the Canaanite woman’s actions, that sometimes all He needs to hear is complete trust. That is a true sign of faith and love. Sometimes we turn back to a safe place instead of pursuing Jesus during difficult times. He is teaching us not to be afraid of what makes us uncomfortable, but to look to Him with confidence, trust, persistence, joy, faith, and gratitude.

What is the last thing you persistently asked Jesus for? He is right beside you, just waiting for you to courageously ask for His help. 

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En la lectura del Evangelio de hoy están presentes muchas emociones intensas. Podríamos experimentar confianza, miedo, audacia, perseverancia, alegría, fe, seguridad y gratitud. ¿Cuáles percibes tú? Lo primero que me viene a la mente es que ver a una hija (o a un hijo) sufriendo tanto, sin tener forma alguna de ayudarla, resulta abrumador. Imagínate a ti mismo en el lugar de la mujer cananea en esta escena. Sigues con valentía a este Jesús, de quien has oído decir que sana a las personas dondequiera que va. En cuanto logras acercarte lo suficiente, te quedas sin palabras. Simplemente clamas: «¡Ten piedad de mí! ¡Ayúdame! ¡Estoy desesperada y no tengo a dónde más acudir!»

La petición de la mujer cananea no fue formulada de una manera especial o santa, y Dios no nos exige eso a nosotros. A veces, el simple hecho de ser audaces y perseverantes demuestra que tenemos fe y confianza en Él. Nosotros ya somos especiales y santos, pues Dios nos creó a Su imagen y semejanza, y nos hizo parte de Su familia por medio del Bautismo y del Espíritu Santo.

Considerando la audacia y la fe de la mujer, la respuesta de Jesús parece dura. Si yo acabara de vencer mi miedo y pidiera ayuda con confianza —tal como hizo la mujer cananea—, creo que Su reacción me habría hecho encogerme y sentir el dolor punzante del rechazo. Habría deseado un abrazo, alguna señal de que Él me comprendía; sin embargo, ella no permite que eso la desanime y sigue insistiendo.

El P. Columba Jordan, CFR, afirmó que Jesús reconoce la grandeza en la mujer cananea y hace todo lo posible por sacarla a relucir, sirviendo así de ejemplo para nosotros. Su silencio inicial no significa que la esté ignorando, ni tampoco es un insulto Su comentario acerca de los perros. Jesús quiso mostrarnos, a través de las acciones de la mujer cananea, que a veces todo lo que Él necesita escuchar es una confianza absoluta. Esa es una verdadera señal de fe y amor. En ocasiones, en lugar de buscar a Jesús durante los momentos difíciles, retrocedemos hacia un lugar seguro. Él nos está enseñando a no temer lo que nos resulta incómodo, sino a dirigir nuestra mirada hacia Él con confianza, seguridad, perseverancia, alegría, fe y gratitud.

¿Cuál fue la última cosa que le pediste a Jesús con perseverancia? Él está a tu lado, esperando que le pidas Su ayuda con valentía y fe.

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Marti Garcia’s passions are her retired life and growing deeper in her Catholic faith. Marti is a Sacristan/EM, facilitates small groups, and assists as a First Communion Catechist for parents. Being a parent educator and writer for 35 years, she recently published a children’s chapter book on Amazon, The Ladybugs. You can find her at her blog: MartiGarcia.org, or thewaterisshallow.com, or her cohost podcast, findingacommonthread.com, which is coming soon.

Feature Image Credit: Willem van Oordt, art.diocesan.com/stock-photo/jesus-and-the-canaanite-woman-11119/

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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The Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the most significant church in Rome dedicated to Our Lady, dates back to the year 352 during Pope Liberius’ reign. An intriguing legend tells of an aristocratic couple, John and his wife, who had no children. They prayed fervently to the Blessed Mother, asking her to designate an heir to inherit their fortune.

On the night of August 4-5, the couple were blessed with a dream in which Our Lady of the Snows appeared to them. She requested that they build a church in her honor on the Esquiline hill. The miraculous sign accompanying this dream was the outline of the church marked in snow on a hot summer night.

Not only did the couple dream of this miraculous event, but so did Pope Liberius. As dawn broke, both the couple and Pope Liberius rushed to the site and were met by a crowd of people marveling at the unusual snowfall. The area outlined by the snow was marked off before it could melt, and construction of the church began.

Within two years, the basilica was completed and consecrated by Pope Liberius, earning it an alternate name – the Basilica Liberiana. After the Council of Ephesus in 431 A.D. affirmed Mary as Theotokos, or the God-bearer, Pope Sixtus III rebuilt and embellished the basilica. From the 7th century onward, it was often referred to as St. Mary the Great or Major. It was also occasionally called Our Lady of the Snows, recalling the miraculous snowfall that prompted its construction.

One of the basilica’s most precious treasures is the painting of Madonna and Child, named Salus Populi Romani, believed to be painted by St. Luke. It was retrieved from the Holy Land by St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine. This revered painting was initially housed in Pope Liberius’ private chapel but was later moved to the Basilica for public veneration.

Over the centuries, this famous image of Our Lady has been held in great esteem. Popes have carried it in processions, praying to the Protectress of the People of Rome during times of plague and cholera. In recognition of these answered prayers, Pope Gregory XVI placed crowns of gold and gems on the heads of Mary and the child Jesus in the image.

In the 17th century, Pope Paul V commissioned a special chapel to house this venerated image. In the heart of the basilica, under the high altar, the manger from Bethlehem’s stable is venerated.

The Basilica of St. Mary Major’s Dedication feast is celebrated annually on August 5th. A delightful tradition on this day is the showering of white rose petals from the dome of the Chapel of Our Lady, symbolizing the miraculous snowfall that inspired the church’s construction.

Photo credit: Public Domain via Look and Learn

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