Truth is beauty!

The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor of life (Proverbs 22:4). By the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment (Rom 12:3). Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves (Phil 2:3).

“For indeed the world was barren of supernatural life, until Christ’s death sowed the seed of life in it. And it is his life that we are truly alive. He is not only the vine, he is the only vine; and there is no other life that really matters except that which is found in him.” Excerpt from Christ, the Mustard Seed, Magnificat, October 2026, page 377, author Dom Boylan, was a monk of the Cistercian Abbey of Mount Saint Joseph, Roscrea, Ireland. See Mass readings in comments and brief commentary about the readings by Dr. Tim Gray, Augustine Institute.

About 60 women are engaged in the St. Mark Women’s fall Bible study on the Letter of St. Paul to the Colossians, and we are truly inspired by the graciousness of God and the gifts we received from Jesus’ sacrifice and death on the cross, so that we could be saved from sin and be raised up with him. Through the study, we’re exploring how we are already conformed to Christ. He lives in us, and yet we have not experienced the complete redemption to come in Christ’s second coming. As part of the study, we read and contemplated the Catechism of the Catholic Church 1003 (CCC 1003) in Lesson 4, Day 4 which states, “United with Christ by Baptism, we believers already truly participate in the heavenly life of the risen Christ, but this life remains “hidden with Christ in God.” The Father has already “raised us up with him and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Nourished with his body in the Eucharist, we already belong to the Body of Christ. When we rise on the last day we “also will appear with him in glory.” To further explore CCC 1003 I researched using MagisAI what scripture verses support the catechism and the answer follows: Catechism of the Catholic Church 1003 teaches that, through Baptism, Christians are already united with the risen Christ: “You have been raised with Christ” (Colossians 2:12); their life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1–4); and they are already seated with Christ in heaven (Ephesians 2:6). The Catechism also emphasizes that this life remains “hidden with Christ in God” until the Christian’s future glory is revealed. The principal Scripture passages supporting CCC 1003 are: 1.Romans 6:4–5 — Through Baptism, we are buried with Christ and raised to “newness of life,” sharing in his death so that we may share in his resurrection. 2.Colossians 2:12–13 — In Baptism, we are “buried with him” and “raised with him through faith in the working of God,” receiving forgiveness and new life. 3.Colossians 3:1–4 — Christians have been raised with Christ; their life is “hidden with Christ in God,” and when Christ appears, they will appear with him in glory. This is the most direct biblical foundation for the wording in CCC 1003. 4.Ephesians 2:4–6 — God has made believers alive with Christ, raised them with him, and “seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” 5.Galatians 3:27–29 — Those baptized into Christ have “put on Christ,” belong to him, and become heirs according to God’s promise. 6.1 Corinthians 12:12–14, 26–27 — By one Spirit, believers are baptized into one Body, the Body of Christ, and become individually members of it. 7.Philippians 3:20–21 — Christ will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, expressing the future completion of the life already begun in Christ. 8.1 Corinthians 15:42–49 — The resurrection will transform the body from perishable to imperishable, from dishonor to glory, from weakness to power, and from a natural body to a spiritual body. In summary, CCC 1003 rests especially on Colossians 2:12; Colossians 3:1–4; Ephesians 2:5–6; and Romans 6:4–5. These passages express the threefold reality of Christian life: Already raised with Christ through Baptism Already united with Christ and incorporated into his Body not yet fully revealed in glory until the resurrection. The theological background is that Baptism gives the believer an initial participation in Christ’s risen life, while faithful perseverance leads to its complete manifestation in the resurrection. #BibleStudy #BibleVerse #CatholicTwitter #CatholicX

It is of great service to us to read those who lived their faith before us, served to help others find God. This writing from St. Anthony Mary Claret (died in 1870) is a simple reminder of what is most important — a reverence and love for God supersedes everything. Resolving to Bear Fruit written by St. Anthony Mary Claret Jesus and Mary are my guardians and guides. They are also the models whom I propose to follow and imitate…I propose never to lose a moment of time and always to be occupied in study, prayer, preaching, or administering the sacraments. I purpose to walk always in the presence of God, to direct all my thoughts, words, and actions to him, never to seek human praise or esteem, but only the glory of God by imitation of Jesus Christ, whom I shall endeavor to imitate on all occasions. I resolve to do my ordinary actions well and in the best possible manner. Of two things I shall try always to choose the more perfect, although this might cost me some sacrifice of my own will. I will especially choose those things that are the poorest, the most abject, and the most painful.* I purpose to keep always in the same humor and frame of mind, without ever being overcome by anger, impatience, sadness, or excessive joy, having having before my eyes always the example of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, who also had their sorrows, which were far greater than mine. Everything that may happen to meI will consider as coming from the almighty God for my good; and so without ever murmuringI will always say: God’s will be done. *Truly, a message of what it means to die to self. St. Anthony Mary Claret was a Spanish missionary and bishop who demonstrated and lived humble boldness. @Pontifex @BishopBarron @BishopGolka @USCCB #Catholic #CatholicX

Our Pastor at St. Mark in Highlands Ranch, CO offers a balanced wisdom and insight to help us discern the significance of this election cycle. Here’s a quick note: Yes on 133, Yes on 134, and Yes on 135. Listen for more thoughts on the elections of our time. Check out the attached meme you can share on your social media accounts, text, or email others about 133, 134, and 135. These measures are designed to protect the most vulnerable members of society, our children. Pastor’s Message: As you are well aware, election season has arrived, and there are several important issues on the ballot which directly impact the dignity of the human person, children in particular. Please take a moment to listen to Fr. Bierbaum’s remarks concerning this election. soundcloud.com/user-96998606…

I think about all the years I spent steeped in the worldly philosophies of the day and far away from Christ and the truth that he is the way, the truth, and the life; “no one” comes to the Father, but by me (John 14:6). Now, I cannot imagine missing Mass on Sundays knowing all the graces God bestows on us and all we need to give back in return is our presence, participation, and gratitude for such underserved, unfathomable gifts. In comments find a Mass nearby, today’s Mass (Biblical) readings, and brief commentary about the readings, which offers the common theme the readings offer.

Fulton J. Sheen was mediating on the words of John the Baptist, I must decrease and He must increase, while sitting alongside the Jordan. He offered this insightful reflection on what it means to decrease…