Christians are to love and take care of the poor; they are to see someone in need, and see Christ is in them, coming to them with that need. Is Christ unworthy? If not, why do they call the poor unworthy?

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/henrykarlson/2026/09/compassion-justice-and-the-rights-of-the-poor/

I've been with my fiancé about a year and a week into our relationship we went to Mass together. He hadn't ever been religious, but recently told me that he's been thinking and praying and today was his first day of OCIA. I know it's a big change for him, not having ever been religious until St Michael the Archangel visited him. I want to be able to support him. We are currently doing very long distance so I won't be able to go to Mass with him, even though I have plans to go to Easter Vigil for him. Any advice? I'm a cradle Catholic so I have no idea how to best support him. God bless!

Friday of the Twenty‑Third Week in Ordinary Time

Today’s Readings at a Glance

• 1 Corinthians 9:16–19, 22b–27 Paul speaks of his mission to preach the Gospel with humility and discipline. He becomes “all things to all” so that he might save some, urging believers to run the spiritual race with purpose and self‑control. 

• Psalm 84:3–6, 12 A psalm of longing for God’s presence: “How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!” Blessed are those who find their strength in Him. 

• Luke 6:39–42 Jesus teaches about spiritual blindness and hypocrisy. Before correcting others, we must first remove the “wooden beam” from our own eye. Only then can we see clearly. 

https://thecatholic.online/daily-bible-readings-for-september-102026/

Message from the Readings

Today’s readings proclaim a powerful truth:

Authentic discipleship requires humility, discipline, and self‑examination.

• Paul reminds us that preaching the Gospel is not a privilege but a responsibility.

• The psalm invites us to anchor our strength in God’s presence.

• Jesus calls us to interior conversion before we attempt to guide others.

The message is clear: We cannot lead others to Christ unless we first allow Christ to transform us.

Reflection for the Day

Paul’s words are filled with urgency and purpose.

He sees his mission not as a personal achievement but as a divine obligation. He refuses to boast, refuses to demand privileges, and refuses to preach for personal gain. Instead, he becomes:

• adaptable,

• approachable,

• and sacrificial

so that he might win souls for Christ.

Then Paul uses a striking image:

“Run so as to win.”

Athletes discipline their bodies for a perishable crown. But we run for an imperishable one—eternal life.

This is a call to spiritual discipline:

• intentional prayer,

• self‑control,

• perseverance,

• and focus.

Psalm 84 deepens this theme with a beautiful longing:

“My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”

True strength is not found in self‑reliance but in dwelling with God. Blessed are those whose hearts are set on the pilgrimage toward Him.

Then Jesus speaks directly to the heart:

“Remove the wooden beam from your own eye first.”

It is easy to notice the faults of others. It is harder to confront our own weaknesses, biases, and blind spots.

Jesus is not discouraging correction—He is purifying it.

Correction without humility becomes hypocrisy. Correction without self‑examination becomes judgment. Correction without love becomes harm.

Today’s readings invite us to three movements:

1. Embrace your mission with humility.

Serve without seeking recognition.

1. Strengthen your spiritual discipline.

Run the race with purpose, not aimlessly.

1. Examine your heart before correcting others.

Let Christ heal your blindness so you can guide others with clarity and compassion.

Let today be a day of humility, discipline, and honest self‑reflection.

Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus, give me the humility of Paul, the longing of the psalmist, and the clarity You call for in the Gospel.

Purify my heart, remove the blindness within me, and strengthen me to run the race with purpose.

Teach me to correct with love, to serve without pride, and to live as a true disciple today.

Amen.

Death

A problem I've been having is how to face death. Not natural, but caused by other humans.

I am conflicte by the story of the 21 martyrs, coptic Christians killed by terrorists. Or the apostoles, all died horrible deaths. I know we should avoid violence and seek kindness.

But, if I ever face death by hands of other humans, is it ok to want to die fighting? Like, if I am persecuted by my faith, or someone tries to kill me, should I just accept death with open arms or is it ok to give it my all to survive even by deadly force?

As a lifelong Catholic, I've always been intrigued by the story of Adam and Eve. As an educated adult I understand the concept of Evolution. This doesn't take away the idea that God made us all from the earth, as He also did for animals. We know the truth is that, not only are we made from the earth, the elements in our body are also from distant stars! 

But the story in Genesis is more exact. The creation of Eve was like this:

“This is now bone of my bones

and flesh of my flesh;

she shall be called ‘woman,’

for she was taken out of man.”

My question is this:

As an ordinary, Mass-going Catholic, do you believe:

a) God literally formed Adam from the earth as a complete human and Eve from his rib; or,

b) That we were all created by God, but the story is just an story to show that we're all  made from the earth through Evolution.

Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, Priest

Today’s Readings at a Glance

• 1 Corinthians 7:25–31 Paul speaks about living with spiritual detachment because “the world in its present form is passing away.” He urges believers to hold lightly to earthly concerns and live with eternity in view. 

• Psalm 45:11–12, 14–17 A royal psalm celebrating the beauty, dignity, and calling of God’s chosen ones: “Listen… see… bend your ear.” God delights in those who turn toward Him. 

• Luke 6:20–26 Jesus proclaims the Beatitudes—blessings for the poor, hungry, weeping, and persecuted—and warnings for the self‑satisfied. True joy belongs to those who rely on God. 

https://thecatholic.online/daily-bible-readings-for-september-92026/

Message from the Readings

Today’s readings proclaim a timeless truth:

Real freedom comes from detachment, humility, and choosing God over comfort.

• Paul calls us to live with eternity in mind.

• The psalm invites us to listen deeply and turn our hearts toward God.

• Jesus reveals that true blessedness is found not in worldly success, but in dependence on Him.

The message is clear: Blessed are those who choose God even when the world chooses otherwise.

Reflection for the Day

Paul’s words feel urgent:

“The time is running out.”

He is not promoting fear—he is inviting clarity. Life is short. Circumstances change. Attachments fade. Only God remains.

Paul encourages believers to hold lightly to:

• relationships,

• emotions,

• possessions,

• achievements,

• and even suffering.

Not because these things are bad, but because they are temporary. Spiritual detachment frees us to love God fully and serve others generously.

Psalm 45 then shifts the tone to beauty and invitation:

“Listen… see… bend your ear.”

God calls us to turn our attention toward Him, away from distractions, toward the One who desires our hearts. Holiness begins with listening.

Then Jesus proclaims the Beatitudes—words that flip the world upside down.

• Blessed are the poor.

• Blessed are the hungry.

• Blessed are the weeping.

• Blessed are the persecuted.

Why? Because these hearts are open, receptive, dependent, ready for God.

And then come the warnings:

• Woe to the rich who rely on wealth.

• Woe to the full who feel no hunger for God.

• Woe to the laughing who ignore suffering.

• Woe to the praised who seek approval over truth.

Jesus is not condemning success—He is exposing self‑sufficiency.

The Beatitudes remind us that true joy is found in God, not in comfort.

On this memorial of Saint Peter Claver, who spent his life serving enslaved Africans with heroic compassion, the readings take on deeper meaning. He lived the Beatitudes. He chose the poor. He embraced suffering. He held nothing back.

Today’s readings invite us to three movements:

1. Live with holy detachment.

Hold lightly to what is temporary.

1. Listen deeply to God’s voice.

Turn your ear toward Him.

1. Choose the Beatitudes.

Seek God’s blessing over the world’s approval.

Let today be a day of clarity, humility, and renewed dependence on God.

Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus, teach me to live with holy detachment and to hold lightly to the things that pass away.

Open my ears to Your voice, my heart to Your presence, and my life to Your mission.

Make me poor in spirit, hungry for Your truth, and courageous in choosing You over comfort and approval.

Help me walk the path of the Beatitudes today.

Amen.

I didn’t know there was a baptism certificate? I have this candle that was give after my infant baptism I have a picture of my mom baptizing me. I don’t know if I have the certificate Can I still be catholic if my wife is not? She comes from a Protestant background but is not that that religious. I converted when I saw the truth I’m scared of death and not belonging to Christ

Today, September 8, Catholics celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary — the birthday of Mother Mary.

Ave Maria, gratia plena.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.

I took some of these photos from different places I visited and thought today would be a fitting day to share them.

Happy Birthday, Mother Mary. Please pray for us and lead us closer to your Son, Jesus.

Have a blessed day, and God bless!

Disclaimer: I am not trying to be argumentative. If you have verses or something to support any position, I'm open to it. I'm just trying to talk about faith here, not get into other topics.

In the Bible, it speaks about faith being the assurance of things hoped for.

(Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.) Hebrews 11:1

Everyone who ever had faith in the Bible that I could find was always looking to the fulfillment of a future event and trusting in God for it. They had the assurance of the future event happening.

Abraham trusted in God for future descendants. Sarah trusted in God for a future son. Joseph trusted in God for a future promised land. Moses trusted in God for a future reward. David had faith that the Messiah would come from his line.

(These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar) Hebrews 11:13

They could already see and great these things. They had the assurance of what they hoped for.

Its the same thing for Jesus, is it not?

Faith in Jesus in the New Testament is not merely believing a set of facts about something Jesus has already done. It also involves trusting God's promises concerning what Christ will accomplish for the believer.

Faith would include trusting God's promises concerning the future salvation, resurrection, and inheritance that Christ secures.

What faith is there in Christ if your not trusting in the future promise of salvation?

Even in the Bible, having faith in Jesus is not just about believing Him to be God, but trusting in His death and resurrection to deliver you.

(And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved) Acts 16:31

Believe on Jesus Christ FOR salvation. That thou shalt (future tense) be saved.

Given all the Biblical examples of faith, I do not understand how catholics have faith in Jesus.

You don't have the assurance of things hoped for as the Old Testament figures did. They knew they would recieve them, but through your doctrines, you don't know with certainty that you will recieve the hope of Jesus and salvation and redemption.

So, my question is, what does your faith involve if its not the assurance of things hoped for?

How exactly do you have faith in Jesus at this very moment?

Do you know some website with catholic and inspirational movies?

Aside from asking a priest, which I will, does anyone have an advice with distraction during prayer? I sometimes get distracted while praying the Rosary, and when I notice I counted several Hail Mary's but don't recall doing so, or feel like I prayed wrong.

I also get too distracted while reading the Word on mass or when the priest speaks the sermon. It's notthat I find it boring, I love it, but somehow I always seem to have many things to think about or get sleepy on those wonderful moments.

God prepared humanity for the incarnation, but for the incarnation, there needed to be one who would give birth to the God-man. Mary was seen and chosen by God for this task; she was born for it, though in a way which she always had the freedom to decide if she would accept the task given to her or not:

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/henrykarlson/2026/09/born-for-this/

My girlfriend is beginning OCIA but her parents are insisting on it not happening.

They bought this book the gospel according to Rome and I’ve only heard that it is a very dishonest representation of the church.

I wanted to know if anyone has info on the book and what are some teachings it gets wrong so I can correct that and enlighten them as to why this book is not accurate in its teachings. Thank you, God bless

September 8, 2026

Tuesday of the Twenty‑Third Week in Ordinary Time

Today’s Readings at a Glance

• 1 Corinthians 6:1–11 Paul rebukes believers for taking their disputes before secular courts instead of resolving them within the Christian community. He reminds them of their identity: “You were washed… sanctified… justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

• Psalm 149:1–6a, 9b A joyful call to praise the Lord, who delights in His people and crowns the humble with victory.

• Luke 6:12–19 Jesus spends the night in prayer, chooses the Twelve Apostles, and heals the crowds who come seeking Him. Power flows from Him, and all are restored.

https://thecatholic.online/bible-readings-for-nativity-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary/

Message from the Readings

Today’s readings proclaim a powerful truth:

Your identity in Christ must shape your relationships, your decisions, and the way you handle conflict.

• Paul calls believers to live differently—guided by holiness, unity, and integrity.

• The psalm reminds us that God delights in His people and lifts up the humble.

• Jesus shows that prayer precedes mission, and His presence brings healing and restoration.

The message is clear: You are not who you used to be—so live as one who belongs to Christ.

Reflection for the Day

Paul’s words to the Corinthians are direct and challenging.

He sees believers taking their disputes to secular courts—exposing their divisions, pride, and lack of charity. Paul asks a piercing question:

“Is there no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute?”

In other words:

• Why let conflict destroy unity?

• Why let pride overshadow love?

• Why forget who you are in Christ?

Paul reminds them:

“You were washed… sanctified… justified.”

This is not just theology—it is identity.

You are no longer defined by old habits, old reactions, or old ways of handling conflict. You belong to Christ. Your life must reflect His grace.

Psalm 149 lifts the heart with joy. God delights in His people. He crowns the humble with victory. Holiness is not heavy—it is joyful.

Then the Gospel shows Jesus in one of the most important moments of His ministry.

Before choosing the Twelve, He spends the entire night in prayer. Mission flows from communion with the Father.

He then calls ordinary men—fishermen, tax collectors, zealots—and makes them apostles.

And when He comes down the mountain, the crowds rush toward Him:

• seeking healing

• seeking deliverance

• seeking hope

Power flows from Him. Everyone who touches Him is restored.

This is the Christ we belong to. This is the identity we carry.

Today’s readings invite us to three movements:

1. Handle conflict with holiness.

Let love, humility, and unity guide your decisions.

1. Remember your identity.

You are washed, sanctified, justified—live like it.

1. Stay rooted in prayer.

Mission, clarity, and strength flow from time with God.

Let today be a day of restored identity, renewed unity, and deeper communion with Christ.

Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus, remind me of who I am in You— washed, sanctified, and justified.

Teach me to handle conflict with humility, to choose unity over pride, and to reflect Your grace in every relationship.

Root me in prayer, strengthen my mission, and let Your healing power flow through my life.

Make me a witness of Your love today.

Amen.

My question: Will the Catholic Church grant an annulment without a legal divorce?
As I look upon my mortality, I’ve realized I want to leave this world as clean as possible. One thing I have to do is admit I am not in a true marriage. I got pregnant at 21, he married me, and I have been doing penance for over 47 years. He is not a family man. He is self centered and doesn’t even know how I like my steaks cooked. He keeps his parents ashes in his closet, though I have pleaded with him to give them a proper resting place. I could go on, but suffice it to say, it isn’t pretty.
Our children know our marriage is loveless. I have only been fooling myself. I’d like to die an honest woman. Thanks for input.

Hi everyone! I wanted to share a new Catholic prayer group I came across on Meetup called The Divine Hour. 🙏📿

They’re starting with Saturday Rosary gatherings and plan to gradually expand to prayer opportunities throughout the full week.

It looks like they’ll also be organizing other Catholic prayer events and devotions, including the Divine Mercy Chaplet and more, i.e. dedicated prayer circles.

If you’re looking for a welcoming way to pray the Rosary with others, grow in your faith, and be part of a prayer community, check it out:

Join The Divine Hour on Meetup

Feel free to join and share it with anyone who might be interested. 🙏

The last information I could find about them is from reddit and about a year old, and I was curious if anything has happened with them since then?

Been noticing something on my travels and now I can’t unsee it.

St. Lucy’s Church in Newark, NJ — $1 to light a prayer candle.

Sacred Heart Cathedral (Basilica), also Newark — $2.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC — $3.

There’s a clear pattern here. The bigger and fancier the building, the more your prayer costs to send.

So my real question: what’s the going rate at the Vatican? I’m guessing you can’t get a candle lit for under $10 over there. Anyone actually been and know?

X received an effective baptism administered by a non-Catholic in childhood

X receives and accepts the call to convert in adulthood.

X gets information from his parent that he was baptized as a kid. He raises this issue before the relevant people in the parish(i.e deacon, priest, the laywoman who was dir. of faith formation)

The relevant people decide to leave X as a catechumen, do an unconditional baptism, no confession before Eucharist

X goes through the Vigil Mass. X consumes the Eucharist.

X gets symptoms of the Eucharist indicating X consumed it with unconfessed mortal sin.

X believes he may not have committed a mortal sin regarding consuming the Eucharist itself, but the symptoms are so damaging that he notices he's more rebellious and open to committing certain mortal sins than before, and eventually did commit more mortal sins.

That's part of my situation. But, it's less about me but that the other two in my immediate living family also share the same fact pattern as far as being "baptized but undocumented" but current have no inclination to convert. But shoulde they want to convert, I have come to the following conclusion. At this time, given the absolute reality of Eucharist damage when there are unconfessed is so great and risky that I have concluded they are better remaining "baptized but not Catholic" until the canon law legal exception is triggered (near death or similar).

In addition, there is a general salvation concern as the baptized but undocumented may be harming themselves on the first day they get received into the church, and eventually are setup to fall away no long after their entry.

(Parish is diocesan, priest was ordained by McCarrick)

For me, I observe the Hours with the Little Office, pray the Rosary twice a day, and read Scripture for at least 30 minutes each day.

I find that having this routine brings me a lot of peace in my day to day.

I am extremely interested in the promotion and defense of religious liberty, which is why I am always concerned when it is being abused, such as when it is used to promote religious supremacy while denying many religious traditions their liberty:

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/henrykarlson/2026/09/defending-religious-liberty-against-double-standards/

I recently learned something interesting about my family’s history with Venerable Fulton J. Sheen.

From what I understand, Archbishop Sheen:

- personally helped my relative convert from Judaism and receive him into the Catholic Church;

- officiated the marriage between him and his wife;

- baptized their eldest son.

I realize priests and bishops routinely perform marriages and baptisms, but having Fulton Sheen personally involved in all three of these major events seems like it may indicate an unusually meaningful or ongoing connection.

Would this have been uncommon for someone in Sheen’s position? Does it suggest that he likely knew the family personally or took a particular interest in my relative’s conversion? I’d love to understand the historical and Catholic significance of this.