FAITH AS IT IS

by John Paul Philips Disclaimer : The opinions expressed in here are solely mine, and does not represent my diocese or seminary. Earlier this week, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith (DDF) released its new Doctrinal Note titled, Mater Populi Fidelis (Mother of the Faithful People of God).  In addition to pointing to positive titles of Mary, this note also directly addresses the push to define Mary as “Coredemptrix” and “Mediatrix of All Graces.” It has definitely stirred up a lot of deep feelings for many people. For most, this intervention feels sudden (ah, like the good ol’ hermeneutic of rupture claim!) But in the wider Church, this has been a low-simmering fire for decades. But, why did the DDF decide to act now?? Let’s unpack what’s happening, and why this is all happening! The “Drama” This document did not appear in a vacuum. It was a development. In its own presentation, the DDF says it is responding to “numerous requests and proposals” that have been “sowing confusio...

My exquisite gifts I have reserved for you, my Love! (cf. Song of Solomon 7:13) August 7th, 2025, will be a deeply meaningful day in my journey toward the priesthood. On that day I will be received by the Holy Mother Church in the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders. But if you’re wondering what this is all about, keep reading! Up until this point, much of seminary life was centered around discerning if God is calling me to the priesthood. But candidacy marks a change. It’s no longer the question,  “Lord, are You calling me?”  but rather the prayer,  “Lord, thank You for calling me, and help me to prepare and configure myself to you well.”  From here forward, the discernment continues, but it puts on a new veil: not of exploration, but of configuration to the heart of Jesus Christ and the Holy Mother Church. And it is in this mass I publicly express this, and the Church, in turn, receives me as a candidate for Holy Orders. This rite is not an ord...

If you're into the brainy side of catholicism at all, you probably would believe that Thomas Aquinas and phenomenology are like distant cousins at a family reunion - politely avoiding each other, speaking different languages. Yet, beneath the surface, a profound dialogue awaits - one rooted deeply in our Catholic understanding of God's revelation.                 Image from Pinterest (Diane Ramm) The Incarnation as Theological Bridge Consider the Christmas narrative - a moment that defies philosophical categorization. Here, the abstract becomes concrete , the Infinite touches the finite , and theological boundaries dissolve. Saint Thomas Aquinas understood God as pure act, absolute being. Phenomenologists seek to understand experience as it appears to consciousness. At first glance, incompatible. But in the mystery of the incarnation, these approaches converge in a uniquely Catholic understanding of divine revelation. For Those New t...

  Photo by  Marianna Smiley  on  Unsplash Psalm 143 , is a psalm of David crying for help in distress. The Church uses this whole psalm in its compline (the official night prayer of the Church) every Tuesday. The entire psalm is beautiful in itself, and every person who is struggling with something in his/her life can relate to it and pray with it. Today, in this very short blog post, let us particularly analyze what it means to pray to the Lord to rescue us from our enemies and to cut them off?  11  For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life. In your righteousness bring me out of trouble. 12  In your steadfast love cut off my enemies, and destroy all my adversaries,  for I am your servant. Apparently, we no longer go kill others nor make enemies per se like in David's time (please note: I'm not speaking of the gruesome wars that are taking place today but rather on a personal basis).     Now, if that's the case, when ...

by John Paul Philips This title itself sounds strange! I know! Not many of us use the term ' siblinghood'  as often as we use brotherhood, sisterhood, fatherhood, and motherhood. In fact, I had to double check the dictionary if this was even an actual term before using it here. (Who would want to be made fun of on the internet, right?!.) For those of us who grew up as an only child, the whole idea of having siblings was kind of a mystery. No fighting over the TV remote, no sharing bedrooms, no built-in best friends. While it had its advantages, there was definitely something missing - that special bond between brothers and sisters. But here's the beautiful thing about our spiritual journey - suddenly, we gain this incredible extended family we never even knew we had! Through our shared faith and love for the Church, Mother Mary, and the Holy Trinity, we become spiritual siblings with the faithful all over the world. It's the most amazing feeling, being part of this vast...

by John Paul Philips Christopher Marlowe's controversial play The Jew of Malta  is a powerful cautionary story about the dangers of allowing religious intolerance to take root. Through the tragic story of the Jewish merchant Barabas, we witness the cycle of violence that can erupt when one group persecutes and dehumanizes another over differences in faith. As Catholics, we need to look at this 16th century drama and use it as a mirror to reflect on our own potential for hatred and cruelty towards those outside our religion. The Christian rulers of Malta justify stripping away the Jewish population's rights and wealth solely due to their religious identity. As Barabas accuses, "What, bring you Scripture to confirm your wrongs?"  History has shown time and again how religious differences have been twisted to justify unspeakable acts - the Crusades, the Inquisition, modern extremism. We must reject the misguided notion that anyone who believes differently is less deservi...