https://revfico.com/ Reflections on spirituality and theology Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700 31st-august-st-aristides-of-athens https://revfico.com/posts/31st-august-st-aristides-of-athens Christians appeal to those who wrong them and make them friendly to themselves; they are eager to do good to their enemies; they are mild and conciliatory - St. Aristides of Athens Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700 the-22nd-sunday-of-ordinary-time-year-a https://revfico.com/posts/the-22nd-sunday-of-ordinary-time-year-a Then Jesus said to his disciples in today’s gospel reading from the gospel of Saint Matthew 16:21-27, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” With these words, Jesus emphasizes the demands of discipleship. Hence, in order for us to become true disciples of Christ, we have to: Firstly, deny ourselves, which means have God be the center and focus of our lives and not letting ourselves, earthly attachments and desires distract us from focusing on God. Denying ourselves ... Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700 august-29th-the-passion-of-saint-john-the-baptist https://revfico.com/posts/august-29th-the-passion-of-saint-john-the-baptist As forerunner of our Lord’s birth, preaching and death, the blessed John showed in his struggle a goodness worthy of the sight of heaven…. We do rightly revere his memory with joyful hearts, for he stamped with the seal of martyrdom the testimony which he delivered on behalf of our Lord - Saint Bede the Venerable Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700 28th-august-st-augustine-1 https://revfico.com/posts/28th-august-st-augustine-1 To fall in love with God is the greatest romance;to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement. He loves Thee too little, who loves anything together with Thee, which he loves not for Thy sake - St. Augustine Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700 27th-august-st-monica-1 https://revfico.com/posts/27th-august-st-monica-1 Son, for my own part I no longer find joy in anything in this world... One thing there was, for which I desired to remain still a little longer in this life, that I should see you a Catholic Christian before I died. This God has granted me in superabundance - St. Monica Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700 26th-august-st-elisabeth-bichier https://revfico.com/posts/26th-august-st-elisabeth-bichier As you like, sir. But allow me to point out that I have only done what you would do yourself in the same circumstances. I found this unfortunate man lying ill; I took him in; and I looked after him. Now he is dead. I’m quite ready to report to the magistrate - St. Elisabeth Bichier Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700 25th-august-st-louis-ix-1 https://revfico.com/posts/25th-august-st-louis-ix-1 Become not fainthearted, in adversity. Become not elevated, in the days of prosperity. Fix your whole heart upon God, and love Him with all your strength, for without this no one can be saved - St. Louis IX Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700 24th-august-st-bartholomew https://revfico.com/posts/24th-august-st-bartholomew Once you begin to believe there is help out there, you will know it to be true - St. Bartholomew Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700 the-21st-sunday-of-ordinary-time-year-a https://revfico.com/posts/the-21st-sunday-of-ordinary-time-year-a Jesus said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" This was the question Jesus asked his disciples in the region of Caesarea Philippi as we heard in today’s gospel reading from the gospel of Saint Matthew 16:13-20. The disciples of Jesus have been with him for quite some time now and as they passed by the region of Caesarea Philippi, (an ancient Roman city located at the southwestern base of Mount Hermon adjacent to a spring, grotto, and related shrines dedicated to the Greek god Pan and others gods), he wanted ... Sun, 23 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700 22nd-august-the-queenship-of-mary-1 https://revfico.com/posts/22nd-august-the-queenship-of-mary-1 No one has access to the Almighty as His mother has – none has merit such as hers. Her Son will deny her nothing that she asks and herein lies her power. While she defends the Church, neither height nor depth, neither men nor evil spirits, neither great monarchs, nor craft of man, nor popular violence, can avail to harm us – for human life is short but Mary reigns above, a Queen forever - St. John Henry Newman Sat, 22 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700