Catholic News Worldwide

07/07/2025

07/07/2025

Morning Inspiration:

“Ignore the Negative Voices"

Sometimes in life, the loudest voices are not from the outside, they come from within. That little whisper in your mind that says, *“You’re not good enough.”* Or, *“Why bother praying? Nothing will change.”*

Sometimes it is the sarcastic remark from a friend, a mocking tone from someone close, or even a memory of past failure that keeps replaying in your heart.

These are negative voices, and it is time to ignore them.

These voices are not from God. God never tells you that you are worthless. He never says your prayers are in vain.

God can never tell you to quit your prayer life. Any decision to quit your prayer life can never be from God.

Instead, the Bible reminds us again and again that:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11.

But the enemy loves to plant doubts. Just like he did with Eve in the garden, saying, *“Did God really say…?”* (Genesis 3:1). That same sneaky voice shows up today, whispering:

“You’ll never succeed.”
“You are too sinful for God to listen.”
“Others are better than you.”

Have you ever knelt in prayer, only to feel a voice in your head saying, “Why are you wasting your time?”

That voice is not from God. That is the voice of demons, evil spirits, fear, of past hurt, of the enemy trying to break your faith.

But Jesus reminds us:

“Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Mark 11:24.

Faith silences fear. So whenever doubt tries to speak, let faith shout louder.

Remember that even Jesus faced negative voices.

When Jesus went to raise Jairus’s daughter from the dead, the people laughed at Him (Mark 5:40). Imagine that! Laughing at the Son of God! But Jesus ignored them, put them all out, and performed a miracle.

There’s a lesson there: When you are about to rise, some people will laugh, doubt, or mock you . Please ignore them. God is still moving.

When David wanted to fight Goliath, even his own brother questioned his intentions and mocked him (1 Samuel 17:28). King Saul doubted his ability. But David ignored all those voices and focused on what he knew. He knew that God was with him.

He says “You come to me with a sword and spear, but I come to you in the name of the Lord!” (1 Samuel 17:45)

And with that courage, David triumphed.

So my beloved, always do these things:

1. Feed your mind with God’s Word.

Romans 12:2 says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Fill your thoughts with truth, not lies.

2. Speak life over yourself always.

Say things like, “I am loved. I am chosen. My prayers matter. God hears me.” or say "I belong to the Home of Victory, Victory must be mine" or say "God is with me".

3. Surround yourself with faith-filled people. Read the breakfast with the Word.
Proverbs 13:20 reminds us that “He who walks with the wise becomes wise.”

4. Take every thought captive.

2 Corinthians 10:5 says we must *“bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”* Not every thought deserves your attention.

Dear friend, negative voices will always try to steal your joy, your hope, and your faith. But remember: you are not what they say. You are what God says.

So the next time your mind tells you that your prayer won’t work, remind yourself that God is with you .

When people tell you you are not enough, tell yourself that you are more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:37).

Shut the door on doubt. Turn the volume down on fear. Tune your heart to God’s voice , which is the only voice that matters.

He says"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27.

Ignore the negative voices. Your destiny is louder.

Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep rising. You are destined for greatness.

God bless you 🙏

24/06/2025

Morning Prayer Inspired by Luke 1:57-66, 80

Heavenly Father,

As the dawn breaks and Your light renews the earth, I awaken with a heart full of gratitude. Just as You filled Elizabeth’s home with joy at the birth of John, fill this new day with Your presence and purpose.

Lord, like Zechariah and Elizabeth, who trusted Your promise even when it defied expectation, give me the courage to surrender to Your will. When doubt or fear whispers, silence it with the boldness of Elizabeth’s faith: “His name is John.” Remind me that You call me by name, too—crafted for a purpose only I can fulfill.

Open my lips, as You opened Zechariah’s, to proclaim Your wonders. Let my first words this morning be praise, my first thoughts anchored in awe of Your faithfulness. Just as John grew strong in spirit, maturing in the wilderness, nurture my soul in the quiet moments of this day. Prepare me, like John, to point others to Your truth, even in the wilderness seasons of life.

Father, when the world questions the path You’ve set before me, steady my heart. Let me write Your calling on my life with unwavering clarity, as Zechariah wrote, “His name is John.” May my actions today reflect trust in Your timing, knowing that what You ordain will astonish hearts and glorify Your name.

Holy Spirit, awaken in me a hunger to seek You as John sought You in the wilderness. Strengthen me to live boldly, not for my own glory, but to prepare the way for Your kingdom. Let others see Your hand at work in my life and wonder, “What will this child of God become?”

With each step today, remind me: I am Yours. My story is held in Your hands. May my life, like John’s, be a testament to Your relentless love and power.

In the name of Jesus, the One whom John prepared the world to receive, Amen.

23/06/2025

Apat na Bagay na Matututunan Natin mula sa Kapanganakan ni Juan Bautista.

Ang kapanganakan ni Juan Bautista ay isang kahanga-hangang kwento na nagtuturo sa atin ng mahahalagang aral tungkol sa kapangyarihan at katapatan ng Diyos.

1. Walang Huli sa Diyos.

Si Zacarias at Elizabeth ay matanda na at walang anak, ngunit ang pagtatakda ng panahon ng Diyos ay perpekto. Kaya Niyang magdala ng buhay at pag-asa kahit sa katandaan.

2. Palaging Sinasagot ng Diyos ang mga Panalangin.

Ang panalangin ni Zacarias ay narinig ng Diyos, at ipinahayag ng anghel na maglilihi si Elizabeth. Ang mga sagot ng Diyos ay maaaring dumating sa hindi inaasahang paraan, ngunit lagi Niya tayong naririnig.

3. Ang Biyaya ng Diyos ay para sa Lahat.

Sa kabila ng katandaan at kawalan ng anak nina Zacarias at Elizabeth, ang biyaya at pabor ng Diyos ay sumakanila. Ang Kanyang pag-ibig at awa ay para sa lahat, anuman ang kalagayan.

4. Ang mga Plano ng Diyos ay Mas Dakila Kaysa sa Ating mga Limitasyon.

Ang kapanganakan ni Juan ay isang himala, at ang kanyang buhay ay nakalaan para sa isang dakilang layunin. Ang mga plano ng Diyos para sa atin ay madalas na humihigit sa ating mga limitasyon at inaasahan.

Nawa'y magtiwala tayo sa pagtatakda ng panahon ng Diyos, maniwala sa Kanyang mga sagot sa ating mga panalangin, at tanggapin ang Kanyang biyaya nang may pasasalamat. Nawa'y ang Kanyang mga plano para sa atin ay magdulot sa atin ng kagalakan at layunin.

Amen.

Pagpalain kayo ng Diyos 🙏

23/06/2025

Four Things We Can Learn from the Birth of John the Baptist.

The birth of John the Baptist is a remarkable story that teaches us valuable lessons about God's power and faithfulness.

1. Nothing is Late for God.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were old and childless, but God's timing is perfect. He can bring life and hope even in old age.

2. God Always Answers Prayers.

Zechariah's prayer was heard by God, and the angel announced that Elizabeth would conceive. God's answers may come in unexpected ways, but He always hears us.

3. Grace of God is for Everyone.

Despite Zechariah and Elizabeth's old age and childlessness, God's grace and favor were upon them. His love and mercy are available to everyone, regardless of circumstances.

4. God's Plans are Greater than Our Limitations
John's birth was a miracle, and his life was destined for a great purpose. God's plans for us often exceed our limitations and expectations.

May we trust God's timing, believe in His answers to our prayers, and receive His grace with gratitude. May His plans for us bring us joy and purpose.

Amen

God bless you 🙏

23/06/2025

Reflection from the gospel of today

"Do Not Judge."

In today's gospel, Jesus teaches us to avoid judging others unnecessarily. He said do not judge. It means , do not be fast to conclude.

Jesus says the way we judge others will be the way they will judge us.

So When we judge others harshly, we also risk being judged in the same way.

Key Points here are:

1. Avoid judgment: Don't condemn others.

2. Examine your own mistakes before criticizing others.

3. Recognize and address your own shortcomings first before recognizing others.

Do you often find yourself criticizing others?

Take a moment to reflect on your own actions and attitudes.

Try to understand the other person.

1. Practice empathy and kindness.

2. Reflect on your own flaws.
3. Offer constructive feedback, not judgment.

By letting go of judgment, we can build stronger relationships and more compassion in our family and community.

Let love lead.

23/06/2025

Pagninilay mula sa Ebanghelyo Ngayon

"Huwag Humatol."

Sa ebanghelyo ngayon, tinuturuan tayo ni Hesus na iwasan ang paghatol sa iba nang hindi kinakailangan. Sabi niya, huwag humatol. Ibig sabihin, huwag magpadalos-dalos sa pagkokonklusyon.

Sabi ni Hesus, kung paano tayo humatol sa iba, ganoon din tayo hahatulan.

Kaya kapag humahatol tayo nang mahigpit sa iba, nanganganib din tayong hatulan sa parehong paraan.

Mga Susing Punto:

1. Iwasan ang paghatol: Huwag husgahan ang iba.

2. Suriin muna ang iyong sariling pagkakamali bago pumuna ng iba.

3. Kilalanin at tugunan muna ang iyong sariling pagkukulang bago pansinin ang pagkukulang ng iba.

Madalas mo bang napapansin ang iyong sarili na pumupuna sa iba?

Maglaan ng sandali upang pagnilayan ang iyong sariling mga gawa at pag-uugali.

Subukang unawain ang ibang tao.

1. Sanayin ang pagpapakita ng empatiya at kabaitan.

2. Pagnilayan ang iyong sariling mga kahinaan.
3. Magbigay ng nakakatulong na puna, hindi paghatol.

Sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalaya sa paghatol, makabubuo tayo ng mas matatag na relasyon at mas malawak na pagkahabag sa ating pamilya at komunidad.

Hayaang pag-ibig ang manguna.

08/11/2024

Morning Prayer from the gospel of today Luke 16:1-8

Heavenly Father, as I reflect on the parable of the shrewd manager in Luke 16:1-8, I am reminded of the importance of wisdom and foresight in our daily lives.

Just as the manager acted shrewdly to secure his future, may I too be empowered to make wise decisions that honor You and serve the best interests of Your kingdom.

Lord, grant me the discernment to see the opportunities that lie before me, and the courage to act upon them with prudence and integrity.

Help me to be a good steward of the resources and relationships You have entrusted to me, using them in ways that bring glory to Your name.

In this new day, may I be shrewd in my dealings, yet always guided by Your perfect love and righteousness.

Teach me to balance the wisdom of the world with the wisdom that comes from above, that I may walk worthy of my calling and bring hope and light to those around me.

I pray that as I face the challenges and decisions of this day, I will be inspired by the example of the manager, using my God-given talents and resources to further Your purposes.

May my actions reflect Your love and grace, and may I always seek to please You above all else.

In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Fr. Okechukwu Sanctus Mario

27/04/2024

A Catholic parishioner was stabbed outside a Mass presided over by the Archbishop of San Francisco.

Last Sunday, San Francisco police apprehended a homeless man who allegedly stabbed the parishioner following a confrontation between the two individuals outside a historic Catholic church in the city.

Marko Asaulyuk, a 25-year-old resident of San Francisco, has been charged with attempted murder and eight counts of assault with a deadly weapon.

The victim, who was discharged from the hospital on Sunday, sustained only a minor injury to his leg, according to Father Tho Bui, the pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, who communicated this information via email to CNA on Thursday.

During a noon Mass, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone was administering the sacrament of confirmation to students from the parish school, religious education students, and students from a neighboring parish when an individual described by Bui as a "disruptive man" entered the church.

16/03/2024

Catholic Priest Shot Dead While Preparing for Mass

Yesterday, on March 13, a priest from Zambia was tragically killed in South Africa.

Father William Banda, who belonged to the St. Patrick's Society for Foreign Missions (Kiltegan Fathers), was shot dead while preparing to conduct Holy Mass at Tzaneen Cathedral.

Witnesses state that Father Banda was leading the prayer before the 8 o'clock morning mass when an unknown, well-dressed African man entered the church and sat next to him.

After reciting the rosary, Father Banda went to the sacristy to prepare for the mass, with the stranger accompanying him.

However, as the priest attempted to enter the sacristy, the assailant pulled out a gun from his pocket and shot Father Banda in the back of his head. Shockingly, the murderer then proceeded to exit the church but turned back to approach the priest's lifeless body and fired a second shot to his head.

Witnesses observed the killer swiftly escaping in a waiting car, speeding away from the scene.

This tragic incident follows the murder of three Orthodox monks the previous day, March 12, at the St. Mark and St. Bishop Samuel the Confessor Monastery in Cullinan, located approximately 30 km east of Pretoria.

The Coptic Orthodox Church identified the victims as diocesan vicar Father Takla El-Samouili, Father Youstos Ava-Markos, and Father Mina Ava-Markostre.