Post-feast of the Entrance of the Mother of God; Our Holy Fathers Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium (4th c.) and Gregory, Bishop of Agrigentum (7th c.)
Nativity Fast. Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Luke 12:48-59
Read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
One of my greatest joys as a priest is seeing young children in church. Their faith is so simple yet so profound. Their greatest joys are found in lighting candles, venerating the icons and Gospel Book, receiving the Eucharist, and devouring the antidoron at the conclusion of the Liturgy. As they grow up, they know what to do while starting to ask why we do it. With great joy, I have fielded many questions from inquisitive children and teens as to why we do what we do.
The importance of catechesis cannot be overstated. The Church has as its primary responsibility the evangelization of all peoples but in order for the roots of evangelization to grow deeper, catechesis must be prioritized. As a Church, we have at times neglected this all important education but when we place a great emphasis on it, we see the fruits before our eyes. Catechesis is not just an important part of the growth and maturation of a Christian; it is an indispensable need for the Christian living in this world who many will try to deceive away from faith in Jesus Christ.
In the age of the internet, there is a proliferation of good and bad material that is so easily accessible and can so quickly deceive. No matter what our age or how deep our Christin life is, we need to constantly stay rooted in Jesus Christ and not allow ourselves to be deceived by the lies of this world. We stay rooted by reading the Scriptures daily and, when faced with a difficult question about or challenge to our faith, we go to the Catechism or other faithful Catholic sources which help our roots grow.
Brothers and sisters, don’t just live you faith…know it and be ready to defend it against all deception!