As Catholics, we're called to follow Christ, not the spotlight. While it is perfectly natural to yearn for recognition, to be remembered by those around us, it is not our final calling. Our true calling is heaven-bound love for God! Around 1285, a man at a Cistercian monastery in Belgium died in obscurity. No large funeral, no procession, just a simple funeral followed by a simple tomb on the Abbey grounds. The man had a hard life, from a shipwreck to surviving exile from his land due to his role as Bishop of Hamar in Norway, he remained a kind a humble man to the end of his days. In the course of building maintenance within the monastery in 1335, his tomb was opened; a strong, pleasing odor emanated from his body. After some research, it was determined that it was the tomb of Thorfinn. Sensing the potential presence of a Saint, his tomb was left open, and miracles began occurring throughout the Abbey. While this story is inspiring, it's important to remember that he was just a man who sought Christ until the end of his days. We all ought to aspire to be like St. Thorfinn, not desiring anything but Christ, becoming Saints in the process. Saint Thorfinn, pray for us! https://americaneedsfatima.org/articles/saint-thorfinn-of-hamar

Looking through all the amazing posts people shared of praying the Rosary, a newly canonized saint comes to mind. Saint Bartolo Longo, who was officially declared a Saint by Pope Leo just 10 days ago, was a man who turned from grave sin to declare his love for the rosary. Living in southern Italy at the turn of the 20th century, Bartolo was born into a devoutly Catholic family. Due to a multitude of factors, he came to hate the Catholic church as his life progressed, going so far as to be "consecrated a satanic priest and promised his soul to a demon." While the pleas from his Catholic family did not work, they petitioned a local professor to talk with him. Not sugar-coating the state of mortal sin Bartolo was in, the professor accosted him, "Do you want to die in an insane asylum and be damned forever?" This encouragement, along with other concerned laypeople and religious who gave witness to him, helped him see the error in his ways and turn towards Christ. From here, he became a third-order Dominican, the driving force to build the Basilica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Pompeii, and publish writings that would go on to inspire the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary. With all of these works, Pope John Paul II went on to declare him an “Apostle of the Rosary.” Upon seeing this story, we must first acknowledge that, while being confrontational with others may not be easy, it has the power to lead people onto the right path. Additionally, we are all called to be apostles of the rosary in our own lives. Saint Bartolo Longo, Pray For Us! For more information about this great saint, feel free to visit the following site: https://dominicanfriars.org/former-satanist-priest-became-saint/

I have a twin brother. Much to the displeasure of our parents, we would do as all siblings do. We would poke and prod one another, wanting to get a rise out of one another. While immature, we craved one another's reaction. Society is the same way, wishing to see the flock of Christ riled up to the point of agitation when provoked, and then being the first one to point the finger. In a recent address by Pope Leo, he told the Jubilee for Legal Professionals, “Striving for justice, therefore, requires being able to love it as a reality that can only be achieved through constant attention, radical disinterest, and assiduous discernment." This is the antithesis to the plan that Satan and an apathetic society have for God's kingdom; they elicit a response. As we heard today in Church, "Man cannot serve God and mammon." We are not called to enact the "justice" of the world, but justice as put forth by Christ. It is radical and opposing to our human nature, and while righteous indignation is allowed, it's what we do with this anger that will define us. As Fr. Fleming said this week, we are all called to live courageously. As an action from this, consider saying an Our Father for those in places of power and justice throughout the world. If you're interested in reading more about the Pope's message, feel free to visit the link below: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/266689/forgiveness-is-fundamental-to-justice-pope-leo-xiv-tells-legal-professionals-at-jubilee-of-justice

While God's plan is clear in the Bible, it becomes harder when searching for God's plan in our lives and the world around us. While we know we must do all things to the Glory of Christ, seeing how to do so is a lifelong journey. One such priest who searched out God's will in his life to the end was Father Mychal Judge. A priest, Franciscan friar, and FDNY Chaplain; he was known to recite this prayer asking for direction: "Lord, take me where you want me to go; let me meet who you want me to meet; tell me what you want me to say; and keep me out of your way." Whatever he did, he aimed to be where God needed him most. 24 years ago he heard God calling him for action, this being to respond to the attacked Twin Towers. Upon arrival, he rushed into the crumbling buildings to give last rites to firefighters. In doing so, he became the first certified fatality of the 9/11 attack, perishing while preparing others to cross this mortal plane. While he made a great sacrifice, it should remind us to be people of both prayer and action. Death may be bittersweet, but the one who has hope in Christ is always alive, now and forever. With this said, please pray for the repose of all the souls tragically taken from us this week as well and on that faithful day years ago. To read more about this incredible Franciscan hero, please visit the link below: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/mychal-judge-ofm-hero-on-9-11/