Corpus Christi Blog

Ember Days

11-24-2019Weekly ReflectionPhilip Kosloski

The following excerpts are from an article on Aleteia.org written by Philip Kosloski on Mar 8, 2017: Do Catholics still celebrate Ember Days? And what ARE Ember Days?

“These special days of fasting were established very early on in the Church and are observed at the beginning of each season.”

“In the Western (Latin) Catholic Church there is an ancient liturgical tradition that revolves around the changing of the four seasons and consists of 3 days set apart for fasting and prayer. In Latin these days are referred to as Jejunia quatuor tempora (the fast of the four seasons), while in English they became known as “Ember Days” (from a corruption of the Latin word tempora). These special days of fasting were established very early on in the Church and consist of a Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at the beginning of each season (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter).”

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Deathbed Victories

11-18-2019Weekly ReflectionPatti Armstrong, © 2019 EWTN News

3 Accounts of How Grace Conquers Sin, Even in Life’s Final Moments
Choosing conversion as eternity nears.

The deathbed is the final battlefield where eternal destiny is decided: heaven or hell.

It is the reason the Catholic Church offers the sacrament of last rites, to fortify souls with the sacrament of penance, anointing of the sick, and viaticum — Holy Communion as food for the eternal journey. Likewise, accounts of deathbed victories, such as those that follow, can serve as powerful food for thought and inspiration among the faithful — and for those open to the truth.

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Purgatory

11-10-2019Weekly ReflectionFr. Chad King

The month of November is dedicated to praying for the souls in Purgatory. Through Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead and Ascension into Heaven, every person has the opportunity to live with Him in Heaven. However, just because Heaven is now a possibility, it does not mean it will happen for all of us, and for many, it won’t be right away. The truth is, after death, entrance through the “Pearly Gates” is not automatically or immediately given to those who have some degree of faith in God or to those who have been a “pretty good person.” While it is true that after death, one either goes to Heaven or Hell, the Church has always taught there is a state of purification for the believers who are not yet ready to enter Heaven. This purification that souls undergo is what the Church calls Purgatory. In a special way this month, and indeed at every Mass, we pray for all the souls who are in purgatory, that are being purified in order to receive the gift of Heaven.

Every soul must choose Heaven. We must actively accept to be in perfect union with God in Heaven. At the moment of death, every soul has one last chance to repent of his or her sins and choose to live with God forever, or not. If a soul does repent, maybe even for the first time in the person’s life, then that soul receives the certitude of God’s love and mercy, and the knowledge they will one day experience the fullness of life and love in Heaven. But an unclean soul cannot enter into eternal paradise and experience complete unity with God. The consequences of an individual’s sin remains after death even though God has forgiven the person’s sins. Since the soul has thus received a glimpse of the immense glory of Heaven, and the light of God has revealed the darkness in the soul due to sin; the soul sends itself to Purgatory to be purified so as to be made ready to receive the great gift of Heaven.

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Life at the Seminary

11-03-2019Weekly ReflectionJeffrey Pooley

Dear Friends in Christ,
I am writing you from my dorm at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, a place that seemed likea far off dream just over two years ago. As I was sittng on a friend’s couch in Chandler, the Lord askedwhat I was waiting for. I made one small act of faith and he hasn’t stopped working miracles yet!Thank you so much for welcoming me into your parish family. It truly has become my home awayfrom home!

I want to give you a glimpse into my life at seminary! We started the year with a seminary-widecamping trip in Southern Colorado. Our campsite was absolutely beautiful — I slept maybe 10 yardsfrom a stream and the sky was so free from light pollution you could see so many stars! It was a greatevent to be introduced to the seminary community and really experience the love the older seminarianshave for the younger guys. The number of times we were extended kindness that weekend mademe feel so welcomed and so at ease with all of the guys!

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