The Ascension of the Lord: A Reflection on its Significance and Celebration The Ascension of the Lord is a profound Christian feast that commemorates Jesus Christ's bodily ascent to heaven in the presence of His apostles, occurring 40 days after the resurrection. This event marks a pivotal moment in Christian theology, symbolizing the completion of Christ's earthly mission and the glorification of His divine nature. According to the New Testament, particularly in the Acts of the Apostles (1:9-11), after Jesus' resurrection, He appeared to His disciples, teaching them and speaking of the kingd ..read more

The recent comments made by Governor Kathy Hochul at a forum have sparked a significant conversation about the condescending attitudes of politicians, in particular, non-Hispanic whites, the digital divide, and its impact on communities, particularly in the Bronx. The governor's remarks, which suggested that black children in the Bronx may not be familiar with the term "computer," have been met with criticism from local politicians and the public. The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have easy access to computers and the internet, and those who do not. This gap can significa ..read more

In a recent turn of events, the NYPD took decisive action at Columbia University's Hamilton Hall. This response came after a series of protests that escalated to the occupation of the university building. The NYPD's intervention led to over 100 arrests, but it was reported that there were few injuries during the operation. The situation at Columbia University is a complex one, involving the delicate balance between the right to protest and maintaining public order. The protests, which were initially sparked by anti-Israel sentiments, had reportedly turned into an occupation of Hamilton Hall ..read more

In a solemn turn of events, Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, a figure of peace and faith within the Assyrian community, has faced a harrowing ordeal that resulted in the loss of sight in his right eye. This incident occurred during what should have been a serene religious gathering at the Christ the Good Shepherd church in Sydney, Australia. The bishop was the victim of a stabbing attack that not only left physical scars but also sparked a wave of tension across western Sydney, leading to counter-terrorism raids. The bishop's response to this violent act has been nothing short of remarkable. In a di ..read more

April: National Alcohol Awareness Month April marks National Alcohol Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about alcohol misuse and encouraging individuals to make healthy and safe choices. This observance is crucial as it shines a light on the risks associated with alcohol consumption and the impact it can have on individuals, families, and communities. Alcohol misuse remains a significant public health concern in the United States. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol-related problems continue to take a heavy toll on society ..read more

The Columbia University campus has become a focal point for protests, reflecting a broader wave of demonstrations that have swept across college campuses in the United States. The recent protests at Columbia are centered around the complex and deeply contentious issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with students and other groups expressing their stances through occupation and demonstrations. The situation escalated when protesters occupied Hamilton Hall, leading to a significant police presence and nearly 100 arrests. The university administration has requested the NYPD to maintain a pr ..read more

Exploring the Depth of John 1:1 The opening verse of the Gospel of John, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God," is a profound statement that has captivated theologians, scholars, and believers for centuries. This verse, which establishes the eternal existence and divine nature of the Word, is a cornerstone of Christian theology. The term "Word" (Logos in Greek) carries significant philosophical and theological weight. In Greek philosophy, Logos referred to the principle of order and knowledge. In the context of John's Gospel, it is a title for Jesus ..read more

Reflecting on the Readings for May 5, 2024: A Journey of Faith and Love The readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter in the Year B Catholic Lectionary offer a profound exploration of faith, love, and the inclusivity of God's message. The first reading from Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48 presents a pivotal moment where Peter acknowledges that God shows no partiality, affirming that the gift of the Holy Spirit is available to all, Jew and Gentile alike. This passage highlights the universality of God's love and the breaking down of barriers that once separated people. The Responsorial Psalm, Ps 98 ..read more

The Papacy: A Journey Through History The papacy, a unique institution in the world, has a history that intertwines with the very development of Western civilization. It is the office held by the pope, the bishop of Rome, who is the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. The history of the papacy is a fascinating tale that spans over two millennia, reflecting the triumphs, challenges, and evolution of the Church and its place in the world. Early Beginnings to the Middle Ages The origins of the papacy can be traced back to Saint Peter, who is documented by historians as the first pope. From ..read more

The readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Cycle B, offer a profound reflection on the themes of transformation, community, and love. The first reading from Acts 9:26-31 recounts the transformative journey of Saul, who, after his encounter with the Lord, seeks to join the disciples in Jerusalem. Despite their initial fear and disbelief, Saul is eventually embraced by the community, illustrating the power of forgiveness and the importance of community in the Christian life.  Saul today is the atheist, agnostic of those who fell away from the Church who persecute her and Jesus. Like Jesu ..read more