Sunday Reflections

By Fr. Mazi Uc My Catholic Faith

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Reflection: The 26th Sunday, Year B of the Church's liturgical calendar 2024.

By Fr. Mazi Uc My Catholic Faith
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  Hello, dear reader!  I'm glad to have you here on the 26th Sunday of Year B in the Church’s liturgical calendar.  Once again, the evangelist Mark presents us with a reflection on the behavior of disciples. John, one of the twelve apostles, shares with Jesus that he has seen someone casting out demons in His name. Confident that Jesus wouldn’t approve of what these outsiders were doing, John attempted to stop them, particularly because they weren’t part of their circle of followers. It’s clear that John believed he was in the right, and we can even sense that he anticipated some recognition for his actions. Have you ever experienced the frustration of being stopped from pursuing something? You come up with great ideas, share your thoughts, and put your heart into them, yet the doubts overshadow the trust. This often leads to feelings of sadness, anger, or disappointment.  So, what happened? John was among the first to leave his old life behind in response to Jesus' call, dedic
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PURGATORY: MYTH OR REALITY?

By Fr. Mazi Uc My Catholic Faith
The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes purgatory as a process of purification that allows individuals to attain the holiness required to experience the joy of heaven. This is for those who pass away in God’s grace and friendship but are not yet fully purified (CCC 1030). It emphasizes that this final purification for the elect is distinctly different from the punishment faced by the damned (CCC 1031).  This purification is essential because, as the Scriptures indicate, nothing impure can enter God’s presence in heaven (Rev. 21:27). Even if we die with our mortal sins forgiven, we may still carry various impurities, such as venial sins and the temporal consequences of sins that have already been absolved. What Occurs in Purgatory?   Upon our passing, we experience what is known as individual or particular judgment. The Scriptures tell us that “it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Heb. 9:27). This means we are judged immediately and receive our rew
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Albanian Cardinal Ernest Simoni, who endured decades of imprisonment, torture, and forced labor

By Fr. Mazi Uc My Catholic Faith
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Albanian Cardinal Ernest Simoni, who endured decades of imprisonment, torture, and forced labor during his country's crackdown on religion, is recognized by Pope Francis as a "living martyr." At 95 years old, Cardinal Simoni continues to serve Christ, according to the pope. "Today, I would like to give a special greeting to a living martyr," Pope Francis said at the end of his general audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall on February 14, the feast of St. Valentine, who himself was martyred in Rome during the third century. Cardinal Simoni was arrested while celebrating Mass on Christmas Eve in 1963. Initially sentenced to death by firing squad, he endured severe beatings and spent three months in solitary confinement under brutal conditions. He was tortured for refusing to denounce the Church. Though eventually released, Simoni was later arrested again and sent to a labor camp. There, he was forced to work in a mine for 18 years, followed by another 10
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