ExplainingtheCatholicFaith

Why Everyone—Regardless of Religion—Should Experience the Holy Mass by AE JMJ The Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 18:19–20 : "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." That’s why I personally believe that any Christian gathering (please correct me if I'm wrong)—whether it be praise and worship, prayer meetings, or services—is good and noble too —as long as we did not diliberately miss Sunday Mass if you are Catholic —and  as long as it’s done sincerely and for the greater glory of God.  What matters is the intention of the heart , not the label of the gathering. It should never be used as an occasion to attack or judge fellow Christians—especially us Catholics who strive to remain faithful and persevering in our journey despite the modern-day challenges and oppositions  I think that such sincere Christian worship is far better than giving any attention, honor, or praise to God’s enemy - the ancient serpent. With that be...

  Debunking the Most Common Myths About the Catholic Church and Faith by AE JMJ The Catholic Church, with over 2,000 years of history, is one of the most studied and yet most misunderstood institutions in the world. Myths and misconceptions have persisted due to misinformation, historical biases, and misunderstandings of Catholic teaching. This article will address some of the most common myths and provide historical, biblical, and factual evidence to refute them. Myth #1: Catholics Worship Mary and the Saints The Truth: Catholics Honor, Not Worship, Mary and the Saints One of the most widespread misconceptions is that Catholics "worship" Mary and the saints, placing them on the same level as God. In reality, the Catholic Church teaches that worship (latria) is due to God alone, while honor (dulia) is given to saints, and the highest honor (hyperdulia) is given to Mary because of her unique role in salvation history. Biblical and Historical Evidence: Exodus 20:3-5 f...

 Seven Ways Demons Harass Us (Msgr. Stephen Rossetti)  The lowest level of demonic involvement in our lives is "temptation".  Demons tempt everyone.  God allows this for our sanctification.  The next level up in their evil involvement is "harassment."  Many people are subject to demonic harassment.  Most of the time it is so disguised that people do not realize it is demons who are the cause.   After years of ministering to people who are victims of demonic harassment, we can identify some common types.  It is important not to see a demonic cause for every negative event in life.  Bad things happen to us all.  But it is just as important to recognize when the Evil One is harassing us and to respond properly.   Here are seven common types of demonic harassment.  No doubt, there are many more 1. Impeding holy ministry/works.  Satan will target particularly holy works and ministries which directly interfere wit...

The Catholic Church: The One True Church of Jesus Christ – A Path to Unity and Love by AE JMJ In a world where religious differences often lead to division and unnecessary, unpleasant conflict, it's crucial to remember that Jesus Christ, our Savior, called and prays for us all Christians to be one (John 17:21). As Christians, we are called to love one another, to respect our differences, and to seek the truth that unites us. For those seeking to understand the true Church established by Jesus Christ, it’s important to explore the evidence that the Catholic Church is not only the true Church, but also the one that continues to fulfill Christ’s mission of love, unity, and salvation. 1. The Biblical Foundation: Christ’s Promise to His Church The foundation of Catholic belief begins with Jesus Christ Himself. In the Gospels, we read of His establishment of a Church to carry on His work after His ascension. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus tells Simon, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will b...

The History of the Holy Bible: A Journey of Faith and Truth by AE JMJ Since today, January 26, 2025, is the celebration of  the National Bible Sunday (or Sunday of the Word of God), I decided to do some research and some writing about the Holy Bible. But first, What is the National Bible Sunday? The National Bible Sunday, which is celebrated every year on the third Sunday in ordinary time, was instituted by Pope Francis in 2019 to remind us Catholics (and non-Catholics alike) of the importance of Sacred Scriptures in our lives as Christian believers. It seeks to inspire in us a deeper appreciation and reverent use of the Bible. In other words,  this day is dedicated to the celebration, study, and spreading of the Word of God.  Personally I believe that as Christians  everyday should be Bible day since it's supposed to be our most trusted, truthful, and reliable "manual and companion for daily life"— next to the holy sacraments. The History of the Holy Bible The Holy...

 Mary as the Holy Mother of God and Jesus as True God: A Scriptural, Historical, and Theological Explanation by AE JMJ The role of Mary as the Mother of God (Theotokos) and the divinity of Jesus Christ are central to Christian theology. While Catholics hold these beliefs firmly, they often encounter challenges from non-Catholics. This article aims to present a reasoned case, grounded in Scripture, history, and logic, to explain and defend these truths. Scriptural Basis 1. Jesus is True God John 1:1-3, 14: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and THE WORD WAS GOD... The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." These verses affirm that Jesus (the Word made flesh) is God who took on human form. John 10:30: "I and the Father are one." Jesus explicitly claims unity with the Father, asserting His divinity. Colossians 2:9: "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form." St. Paul affirms that Jesus embodies the f...

The Immaculate Conception by AE JMJ What is the Immaculate Conception? The Immaculate Conception teaches that Mary,  the mother of Jesus, was conceived without sin, in the womb of her mother Saint Anne. This was a special grace given by God, in anticipation of her role as a mother of Christ. It simply means that from the first instant of her conception, Mary was totally preserved immune from all stains of original sin and all its effects that all other humans inherited from Adam and Eve (CCC 508, 491, 492). Clarifying Common Misunderstandings and Some Objections Some Protestants may confuse the Immaculate Conception with the Virgin Birth (Jesus being born of a virgin). However, the Immaculate Conception is about Mary’s conception in her mother, St.Anne (or Ann or Anna)'s womb, not Jesus’. The question  and objections to Mary's Immaculate Conception as well as to all other Marian dogmas arose early in the history of the Church.  Even until now  these ancient heresies ...