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About Josue

"I sought this world and chased its finer things." Actually, that's only two-thirds true for me. When I went to college, our evangelical non-denominational brothers and sisters inspired me to trust in God and live a life with Jesus Christ (Prov 3:5-6). A couple years later, I met friends who inspired and taught me to live this faith in God's one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic Church (2 Thes 2:15). Today, I desire to share this same hope (Rom 8:24) with all Catholics, all Christians, with all people. I pray we all become one, just as Jesus prayed (Jn 17), and just as his Church prays today.

How To Make Your Dreams Holy

Published July 16, 2016 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Young Adult

Do you ever lament the consistent or occasional impurity of a dream? At some point in our life, we learn what triggers nighttime temptations. For some it is the Facebook scroll through that one person’s profile. For another it might be flirting through text or phone conversations or Snapchat. For someone else it might be… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published July 16, 2016

Accountability to Faith: Romans 1-3

Published February 27, 2016 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith, Young Adult

Saint Paul makes some pretty dramatic points in this letter. Some of them are so dramatic, different Christian groups and denominations have based their theology on those few statements. The first three chapters have some of those verses: “ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature … has been clearly perceived in the… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published February 27, 2016

A Commentary on Romans: Introduction

Published January 30, 2016 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith

This is the introduction to a five-part commentary on the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans. I hope that the reader is inspired to pray with the passages from this letter. My intention is not to explain everything. Rather, I hope to point to and give light to different verses that have affected my… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published January 30, 2016

Mass As Gift: Receiving The Father’s Love

Published November 7, 2015 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith, Young Adult

Here’s the point: we don’t need to ask for more grace. We need to be open to the grace God gives. Were you ever part of the “Mass Is Boring” Club? There were some requirements for membership. You were not supposed to pay attention to the readings in Mass. You were supposed to mumble the… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published November 7, 2015

Stretch of the Heart: Why You Need Hope

Published September 12, 2015 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith, Young Adult

Think about the fact that you have a desire to love God and follow his will. Consider the difficulty of being faithful to him when it is tiring or inconvenient. How could it be that the saints before us were like spiritual and charitable super heroes? Is there a saint medicine we’re missing out on?… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published September 12, 2015

The Beauty of The Dark Night

Published August 14, 2015 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith, Young Adult

Saint John of the Cross has a reputation for being a guy who does not care much for your feelings. His name sometimes sounds like a penance. People hear “dark night” and think of an isolated exile with little or no hope. While I cannot correct that error in a short article, I would like to… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published August 14, 2015

Learn Scripture By Threading

Published May 23, 2015 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith, Young Adult

Why learn scripture? The disciples in a certain sense become “drawn into intimacy with God by being immersed in the word of God. God’s word is, so to speak, the purifying bath, the creative power which changes them and makes them belong to God”. And since Christ himself is God’s Word made flesh (Jn 1:14) –… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published May 23, 2015

Why Jesus Said, “I Thirst”

Published April 25, 2015 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith, Young Adult

“I thirst” (Jn 19:28). Jesus said this on the Cross and before he gave up his spirit. This phrase reminds us of the pain and anguish he endured for our sake. It reminds us of the death of the just for the sake of the unjust. The language and wording associated with the redemption of… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published April 25, 2015

How to Fix Infidelity

Published March 28, 2015 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith, Young Adult

This article is a reflection on part of Mark 6 (verses 7-13 and 30-44). The first passage is the mission of the twelve given by Jesus. The second passage is the multiplication of the loaves. Not much of that is reflected on. Most of it is good to have in mind, though (context). This gospel passage… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published March 28, 2015

The Power of Christian Unity

Published February 28, 2015 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith, Young Adult

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; never be conceited. -Romans 12:14-16 This verse is thematic of what we call Christian unity: peace, harmony, listening to… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published February 28, 2015

Hope Is Beneath Despair

Published January 31, 2015 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Blog

Too often we fail to recognize the fidelity of God in our lives. I could quote to you every other line of Psalm 136: “…his steadfast love endures forever,” but that’s not always the response we’re looking for, is it? The answer is true, sure. Thomas Merton calls the Book of Psalms bread in the… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published January 31, 2015

Time To Say No To Greatness

Published January 3, 2015 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith, Young Adult

Have you ever asked Jesus what his new year resolution was? Use that cute “WWJD” question form and ask him. It might be a silly question, considering the degree of his perfection (you know, infinitely perfect and what not). But really, what would Jesus do? Would he tell you to let your yes mean yes… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published January 3, 2015

What Are We Waiting For?

Published December 6, 2014 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith, Young Adult

What are we waiting for? We are waiting for Jesus to come, yes, for his advent. He makes the first move. It is true that we love him only because he has first loved us (1 Jn 4:19). It is true that it is he who has called us out of the darkness of sin into… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published December 6, 2014

All Saints Day

Published November 1, 2014 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith, Young Adult

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” “Follow me, as I follow Christ.” This call of St. Paul to the Corinthians is high. Notice he does not encourage the community (in this passage) to seek the straight and narrow pathway of the Christian life alone, nor does he give a list of vague… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published November 1, 2014

Friendship in Two Words: Part 2

Published October 4, 2014 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Blog

In my previous post, friendship was presented as necessitating, or defined by, two qualities: listening and reciprocity. There were tensions and faults brought up throughout the article as they relate to listening and reciprocity. Each person fails in certain, and with some frequency, habitual ways in friendship with another. The faults and sins may not… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published October 4, 2014

Friendship Defined in Two Words

Published September 6, 2014 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith

Those in friendship must have the capacity to listen to one another. Second, there must be reciprocity in friendship. Can something so widespread and diverse be articulated and contained in two words? Friendship can be pleasurable, utilitarian, or virtuous (taken from Edward Sri). If it is pleasurable, the friendship has its foundation on some common… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published September 6, 2014

I Will Be With You

Published August 9, 2014 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith

“I will be with you.” We read this in the Great Commission, in Isaiah, and other places. It is true because it is God who says it to us. However, we can neglect to hear or listen to this. Ask yourself why. Why is it someone would reject this truth? In Isaiah 43, it’s in… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published August 9, 2014

Purify Your Memory

Published June 13, 2014 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Blog

Christians believe that the poor in spirit are 1) blessed and 2) will see the kingdom of heaven. It is also true that the pure of heart shall see God. In 2014, however, it is hard to articulate what that means, or how one can “do that” or “attain” it.  In this context, the purification… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published June 13, 2014

Die to the Lord, Rise to New Life

Published May 17, 2014 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. -Psalm 127:1 Often the Christian will exhort the other and say, “Die to yourself! Die to your passions. Die to the world and live with Christ.” It is important… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published May 17, 2014

Holy Saturday

Published April 19, 2014 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith

What’s so holy about it? It’s after Good Friday and before Easter Vigil. At first glance, it seems like an ordinary day that the Church forgot about and just stuck “Holy” in front of to make it seem legitimate. Nice try, but wrong. We pray today. Do you remember the ear of Elijah that listened… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published April 19, 2014

To Be a Parishioner

Published March 22, 2014 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Blog

At what parish are you a parishioner? That sounds like someone is asking, what church are you a part or a member of? So why don’t we use the word member? Why parish? What’s the difference? Is there even a difference? Yes! To be a parishioner is the same as being a saint, as living… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published March 22, 2014

The Chair of St. Peter

Published February 22, 2014 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith

(31) “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, (32) but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren.” (33) And he said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” (34)… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published February 22, 2014

The Value of Wasting Time

Published January 24, 2014 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Blog

Have you ever thought, “I could be doing something better right now,” or “that’s going to take too much time, I’ll do something else instead”? These thoughts and those related to it articulate the idea that the quantity of time or effort we expend is equal to the value of that commitment, or person’s worth…. [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published January 24, 2014

The Holy Innocents

Published December 28, 2013 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith

Christmas was only three days ago. The day after Christmas we honored St. Stephen, the first martyr. Think about that: we honor a martyr- the first martyr- the day after Christmas. The day after that we honor St. John the Evangelist, whose authorship is attributed to one Gospel and four books in the New Testament…. [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published December 28, 2013

Lying, Confession, and St. Andrew

Published November 30, 2013 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Blog, Faith

Lying Have you ever lied to someone? Did you mean to? Did you feel bad afterwards? What about during prayer? A friend and I recently shared a conversation about lying. In our own way, we each had entered into a state of sin; we fell short of our call to holiness and virtue. We shared… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published November 30, 2013

All Souls Day

Published November 2, 2013 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Blog

What is it like to hope for others? What is it like to practice what we believe about the human person? Is our belief anchored in a theology that distracts us from hurt and grief? Or, does the theology help us to grieve and grow? I don’t think the Catholic Church creates her own theology… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published November 2, 2013

The Soul’s Movement at the Moment of Communion

Published October 5, 2013 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Blog, Faith

Consider this article as a monologue or an interior thought, as if someone was thinking out loud and searching for an answer within themselves. At some points, I address the soul as “her,” instead of “it.” I do this partly because St. John of the Cross uses that kind of language in his writings. It… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published October 5, 2013

From Presumption to Discernment

Published September 7, 2013 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Blog, Faith

Think about this statement: “We do not know what He is doing.” Is that true or false? Consider this, the more we seek, the more we find (Mt. 7:7), and the more we come to know Him. That quoted statement, then, is false! How often, though, can you say that you know what Jesus is… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published September 7, 2013

The Confession of a New Seminarian

Published August 10, 2013 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Blog

Why would a 23-year-old guy go to Catholic seminary? Here’s one answer: Jesus Christ, who has radically transformed me, is continuing to do so as I open myself to Him and in Him. The more I live, the more I desire to experience this life as one of His priests. The more He speaks, the… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published August 10, 2013

Prayer and Self Confidence: An Interior Reflection

Published July 24, 2013 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith, Young Adult

What does it mean to be humble? What kind of self-denial (Lk 9:23) does that entail? Is the desire for humility contrary to that of self-confidence? Is one good and the other beautiful? I’d like these thoughts to continue in the Comment section. Does prayer nurture my humility? It would seem so – that the… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published July 24, 2013

Thanksgiving and Detachment

Published July 10, 2013 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Young Adult

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad! Did you read what happened in that verse? The author acknowledged God’s work of creation and God’s work in creation. What follows when God is acknowledged? His creation is glad and rejoices! We are glad and we rejoice. The heavens declare… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published July 10, 2013

Priesthood and the Crucifixion

Published June 12, 2013 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith

Do you remember the Pilgrimage of Prayer? In the last week, I have “stopped, looked, and listened.” It is beautiful when you and I can share with one other the fruits of our contemplation, the fruits and thoughts of our prayer. The Order of Preachers (nicknamed the Dominicans) uses that phrase to describe their vocation,… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published June 12, 2013

The Pilgrimage of Prayer

Published May 29, 2013 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith

Actually, the Catechism has a section titled The Battle of Prayer. We have God the Holy Spirit and Michael the Archangel to help us. Here’s a perspective of pilgrimage: ever since Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden, humanity has been on a pilgrimage. Pereginus (from the Latin) is one who comes… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published May 29, 2013

Confession and Pentecost; Grace and Power

Published May 15, 2013 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Blog, Faith

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. -Proverbs 3:5-6   This verse is not like Confession; this verse is Confession. Four things happen. I entrust myself to God through a spiritual father, a… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published May 15, 2013

To Be a Saint

Published May 1, 2013 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith

This should be read as a meditation. There is scripture mingled in and cited, but not always directly quoted. Who am I to be a saint? Am I tired? Am I afraid? Am I inadequate? Moses was inadequate; he admitted it (Ex. 4:10, 13). And what of fear? Will my friends forget me or leave… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published May 1, 2013

The Seat of Moses? Did you mean the See of Peter?

Published April 17, 2013 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Blog

Apostolic succession is biblical! That’s the point of the title. The rest will be detail, hopefully tying the two phrases together. Please have the bible with you. First, in the Acts of the Apostles, Peter leads a gathering to select Matthias to take the place or “office” of Judas (Acts 1:12-26). He continues to preach… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published April 17, 2013

Jesus has Risen: Giver and Sender

Published April 3, 2013 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Faith, Young Adult

Alleluia! “Ridding oneself of what is repugnant to God’s will should be understood not only of one’s acts but of one’s habits as well. Not only must actual voluntary imperfections cease, but habitual imperfections must be annihilated too.” -St. John of the Cross, Ascent of Mount Carmel On Sunday we celebrated the solemnity of the… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published April 3, 2013

Fraternity: A Place of Charity and Indulgence

Published March 20, 2013 • Written by Josue Filed Under: Young Adult

What does it take to be a man of God? The place of fraternity cultivates what we as men aspire to, masculinity. It sounds easy enough, but we don’t always cultivate the word of God in our heart (Col 3:16). We don’t always act in charity toward our brothers, sometimes we indulge in sin. Sometimes… [Read More]

Written by Josue • Published March 20, 2013

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