my Articulate Heart

In a world searching for identity, many find themselves caught between two extremes: shame and pride. These are not mere emotions but deep-seated responses to a fundamental deprivation of Agape, the unconditional, life-giving love of God. On one end, shame convinces people they are unworthy and broken beyond repair. On the other, pride masquerades as empowerment, urging people to claim their woundedness as their identity. The LGBT movement, at its core, operates on this extreme end of pride—reacting against shame, yet unknowingly reinforcing the very deprivation that caused it. Shame: The Lie That We Are Unworthy Shame is a powerful force. It tells a person that they are flawed at their very core, unworthy of love and acceptance. Many who struggle with their identity—especially in areas of sexuality—have experienced deep wounds, often from childhood. Rejection, abandonment, abuse, or the absence of affirmation can leave a person with a distorted self-image, believing that they are ...

In a world where confusion is celebrated as truth and disorder is disguised as authenticity, the modern gender ideology stands as one of the most striking examples of spiritual deception. The Catholic Church teaches that human dignity is rooted in our creation in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). Our identity as male and female is not an arbitrary social construct but a divine gift. Yet, powerful influences have worked tirelessly to dismantle this truth, leading countless souls into confusion and bondage. This movement is not merely about "inclusion" or "equality"—it is a deliberate attempt to redefine human nature itself. Worse still, global lobbying efforts have ensured that laws and policies now reinforce these deceptions, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to seek true healing in Christ. A Cleverly Disguised Deception Satan is the father of lies, and his strategy has always been to distort God's truth. Jesus warned us: "He was ...

The desire for nourishment is one of the most primal instincts in every human being. From the moment a child is born, it knows without instruction where to turn for sustenance—its mother’s breast. In certain tribal cultures, this truth is vividly demonstrated. Newborns are placed on their mother’s stomach, and without guidance, they instinctively crawl upwards to latch onto the breast. It’s not just a physical act of feeding; it’s a profound moment of connection. When the baby nurses, it receives more than nourishment—it feels loved, wanted, and valued. Mothers, attuned to their babies’ cries, know exactly what their child needs. This intimate exchange of life and love is a microcosm of the larger truths about human desire and fulfillment. But what happens when this natural desire is unmet? Often, a baby resorts to sucking its thumb—a substitute. The thumb cannot nourish, it cannot fulfill the child’s needs, and it doesn’t convey love or value. Instead, it forms a compulsive habit, a p...

We all carry within us a profound yearning—an ache that words struggle to capture. It’s a groaning of the soul, a deep longing that intensifies as we search for meaning, fulfillment, and purpose in our lives. Despite our relentless pursuit of satisfaction—whether through achievements, relationships, or material gains—there remains an unsettling sense of incompleteness. This dissatisfaction reveals something deeper, something beyond the fleeting satisfaction of earthly things. It is the cry of our hearts, longing for a connection with the divine, an invitation to embrace the fullness of who we were created to be. Have you ever felt a gnawing desire for something more—a deeper love, a clearer truth, or a beauty that takes your breath away yet leaves you still yearning? These longings are universal, etched into the very fabric of our being. And yet, no matter how much we achieve or acquire, we find ourselves hungry for more. Why is that? As St. Augustine wrote, “You have made us for y...

The connection between the one-flesh union of man and woman in the covenant of marriage and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist is profound and mysterious. One is a sign of the other, a sacramental revelation of human love ascending to divine love—an eros that is transfigured into agape. Drawing from the Theology of the Body, the Song of Songs, St. John of the Cross, and sacramental theology, let us explore this divine mystery. Advance Preparations In both marriage and the Eucharist, preparation is essential. The bride’s advance preparations symbolize the soul’s readiness to encounter God. Prayer becomes the bride’s ascent to meet the divine Bridegroom, and confession cleanses the heart, making it worthy to receive the Eucharist. Just as a bride undergoes a ritual bath before entering the bridal chamber, so too the use of holy water signifies spiritual cleansing and renewal. The Bridal Chamber The preparation of the altar mirrors the preparations for the marital union. The altar clot...

Have you ever felt like you and your loved ones are speaking different "languages" when it comes to expressing affection? Dr. Gary Chapman’s The 5 Love Languages offers a simple yet powerful framework to bridge these gaps, ensuring your expressions of love truly resonate with others. Each person has a primary "love language"—the way they feel most loved and appreciated. Understanding these can transform relationships, making love more intentional and impactful. Here’s a quick look at the five love languages: 1. Words of Affirmation For some, words hold the most power. Compliments, kind words, and verbal encouragement make them feel deeply valued. Whether it’s saying, “I’m proud of you,” or “You mean the world to me,” these affirmations fuel their emotional tank. Be sincere, and avoid harsh words—they can hurt deeply. 2. Acts of Service Actions speak louder than words for those who value this language. Simple acts like making dinner, running errands, or helping with ...

In his seminal work Love and Responsibility, St. John Paul II offers profound insights into human love, emphasizing the need to elevate it beyond fleeting emotions and desires. He identifies three dimensions of attraction—sensual, sentimental, and spiritual—that interplay in relationships, shaping how we approach love and commitment. Understanding these aspects can help us move beyond superficiality to discover the depth and beauty of true love. 1. Sensual Attraction: The Power of the Senses Sensual attraction is the most immediate and instinctive form of attraction, rooted in our physical nature. It is the response to the beauty of the other’s body, tied to their masculinity or femininity. This kind of attraction is not inherently wrong—it is part of human nature—but it is limited in scope. St. John Paul II warns that when sensual attraction becomes the sole foundation of a relationship, it can lead to objectification. In such cases, the other person is valued primarily for the physic...

Imagine one day discovering that some of the possessions in your household—items you have used, cherished, or even displayed with pride—did not rightfully belong to you. Perhaps they were mistakenly or even unlawfully acquired. What would you do? Keep them, discard them, or return them to their rightful owner? This dilemma mirrors our relationship with sin, especially habitual sin. Sin often begins as something external, introduced through temptation, circumstances, or even the influence of others. Over time, it creeps into our hearts like a leech, attaching itself to our very identity. Though it eats away at us, we might grow accustomed to it, even enjoying its fleeting pleasures, unaware of its destructive power. How do we respond when we finally recognize this "intruder" for what it is? Let us explore this spiritual struggle through Scripture and the wisdom of the Church. The Nature of Sin: An Intruder in the Soul Sin, in its essence, is a violation of the divine order—a r...

Prayer is a journey—a movement from simply speaking to God to resting deeply in His presence. St. Teresa of Avila, a master of the spiritual life, mapped out this journey in nine levels of prayer. For her, prayer was more than a discipline; it was a relationship, an adventure, a transformation. As we walk through these nine levels, take a moment to reflect on where you are. Remember, this isn’t a race; it’s a dance with the Divine, and He’s leading every step. 1. Vocal Prayer: Speaking to God It all begins here. This is the prayer we know best—reciting the Our Father, the Hail Mary, or simply talking to God in our own words. Vocal prayer is foundational because it teaches us to turn our hearts to Him, even when words feel clumsy or inadequate. St. Teresa said, “If you cannot meditate, you should always engage in vocal prayer.” This isn’t just about saying words—it’s about letting your heart speak through them. 2. Meditation: Seeking Understanding At this level, we move deeper. Meditat...

The journey toward God is like climbing a mountain: challenging, humbling, and breathtakingly beautiful. The Catholic tradition has long described this ascent in three stages—the Purgative, the Illuminative, and the Unitive. These stages aren’t rigid steps; they’re more like seasons of the soul, each drawing us closer to the heart of God. Let’s explore these stages together, not just as lofty ideas but as the lived experience of anyone seeking holiness. 1. The Purgative Stage: Leaving the Old Behind We all start somewhere, and more often than not, it’s messy. The Purgative stage is where we wake up to the reality of sin in our lives and begin the hard work of turning away from it. It’s a season of repentance, a time to clear out the clutter that keeps us from hearing God’s voice. Does this stage hurt? Absolutely. But it’s the kind of hurt that heals. Like pulling a thorn from your foot, it stings at first, but soon you’re walking freer and lighter. St. John of the Cross describes this...

Love, in its truest sense, is not stagnant. It is a journey, an unfolding revelation of the heart’s deepest desires and God’s call to intimacy with Him. As humans, we move through stages of love, not always in order, often stumbling, but always beckoned higher. These stages, ancient yet ever new, lead us to the fullness of life and love in God. 1. Loving Self for the Sake of Self In the beginning, our love is simple and self-centered. We love ourselves because it feels natural, even instinctual. This love is about survival, comfort, and pleasure. At this stage, we are like infants, crying for what we need without considering the giver. And yet, this love is not without its purpose. It is a necessary foundation, a mirror reflecting our innate desire to be cared for. But if we remain here, we risk becoming trapped in the illusion that we are the center of the universe. True love calls us forward, beyond ourselves. 2. Loving God for the Sake of Self When we encounter God, it often begins ...

In the Magnificat, Mary proclaims, “For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:48). At first glance, this declaration might seem puzzling. Unlike many women of her time, Mary had no biological descendants to carry forward her legacy. After all, her son, Jesus, offered His life for humanity and left no children behind. What, then, prompted Mary, filled with the Holy Spirit, to proclaim that future generations would bless her name? The key to understanding Mary’s words lies in the events at the foot of the cross. As Jesus hung on Calvary, He entrusted His beloved disciple, John, with the care of His mother. He said to Mary, “Woman, behold, your son!” and to John, “Behold, your mother!” (John 19:26–27). This was not a mere practical arrangement for Mary’s care. It was a profound spiritual act, establishing Mary as the spiritual mother of all who follow Christ. Interestingly, this scene unfolded with John’s biological mother present. Moreover, Jesus had cousins...

"Then Mary said, 'Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.' And the angel departed from her." — Luke 1:38 In today’s culture, individualism reigns supreme. Society places immense value on personal freedom and the ability to make choices independently, often rejecting any form of external interference. The rallying cry of "my body, my choice" encapsulates this ethos, particularly when addressing matters of marriage, sexuality, and childbearing. Against this backdrop, the story of Mary, our Blessed Mother, offers a striking contradiction. Her fiat—her wholehearted "yes" to God—reveals a profound and countercultural perspective on freedom and self-giving. When the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, he brought a divine proposal that would utterly redefine her life. To modern sensibilities, this moment might seem like an intrusion on Mary’s autonomy. Here was a young girl, likely with dreams and pla...

The rising trend of prioritizing love for Pets over human relationships, reflects a complex mix of social, cultural, and philosophical changes. Some argue that these shifts signal a deeper issue — a movement away from seeing human life as uniquely dignified and intrinsically valuable. This trend has sparked conversations on the concept of "trans-speciesism" and the potential devaluation of human life, where animals and humans are often treated as ethically and morally equivalent. Individualism and the Appeal of Pets Pets, unlike human relationships, require relatively little compromise or emotional vulnerability. They provide affection without placing demands on one’s time, moral responsibility, or deeper personal growth in the same way relationships with people do. This fits well within an individualistic framework that emphasizes self-fulfillment and personal comfort. Relationships with pets are less likely to involve the complexities or sacrifices that human relationships ...

In our modern world, perceptions of the Catholic Church are often shaped by media portrayals that emphasize controversies or highlight its visible, external contributions like charity and education. But these images, while partially true, miss the heart of what the Church really is. Far beyond an institution, the Catholic Church exists to offer every person an encounter with God and a pathway to live a life of deep, spiritual transformation. For those who may be skeptical or have been affected by incomplete portrayals in the media, it’s worth taking a closer look. The Church’s True Purpose: An Encounter with God The Catholic Church is not simply a social organization with charitable work, schools, and hospitals. While these are important, they are expressions of a deeper mission: to connect humanity with God. The Church’s true purpose is to provide every person a path to fulfill their ultimate purpose — to know, love, and encounter God in a transformative way. In a world where people o...

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” – Matthew 11:28-30 What is the labor and burden that Jesus is asking me to deal with? Perhaps I need to let go of the compulsive burden (or entitlement) that my spouse and children should choose a spiritual path that I believe to be right. Jesus accompanied Judas Iscariot to the very end but never deprived him of his freedom to choose his own destiny. Despite Judas's rejection, Jesus remained undeterred in accomplishing His mission. Although He became a victim of Judas's betrayal, He never assumed the victim’s identity. Instead, Jesus chose to die in our place (and that of Judas) in a redeeming act of love. Rather than relying on my wisdom and craft to fix those entrusted to my care, I must take every conflict, misunders...

Guilt is a destructive emotion. It is the vicious weapon of the adversary. Guilt builds up in response to the devil's accusation. The devil points fingers at us and accuses us of our wrongdoing. He does this in order to make us feel unworthy and obscure our identity as children of God. The deceiver does so after luring us into sin. and, more often than not, getting us hooked on and addicted to the wrong. Guilt plunges us deep into sin and shame. It is the devil's tool to keep us bound in darkness. The opposite emotion is repentance. Repentance is the desire to return to one's inherent goodness. While guilt is the response to the devil's accusation, repentance is the response to God's merciful love. Repentance draws us closer to God. The question is, "Who do we choose to listen to when you trip and fall?" Godly grief produces repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 When faced with guilt, co...

Vulgar jokes are a fad among the young. The adolescent years are crucial years of formation. Most youngsetrs give into the temptation to convene around smutty jokes as a way to "fit in" with the majority. Often, the jokes that garner the most attention are the ones in which men and women are referred to as mere sex objects to be used. At the end, the sacred gift of human sexuality is treated with humour and a lack of due respect. The word of God  says "Let there be no filthiness, nor silly talk, nor levity, which are not fitting; but instead let there be thanksgiving". Ephesians 5:4 It is good to ask why a sacred subject like human sexuality becomes a public joke. The sensual and the sexual have traditionally been private matters. The privacy attached to these topics is not unintentional. What is holy needs to be veiled and protected because it is so priceless and sacred. We cannot afford to violate its sacredness or desecrate its holiness. But when a culture loses ...

Next time when you have strong sexual drive, know that there is something in it to praise God. The desire is a God-given gift. It is absolutely good and acceptable to God. It is meant to give glory to the creator. It is meant for the loving union between husband and wife. It is meant to point us to our eternal union with God.  Then where is the problem?  The problem is:   The world has deceived us into thinking that when we have a sexual drive it has to be gratified somehow. Unlike hunger, unattended sexual desire does not have any dire consequence. World has manipulated our minds to associate sexual drives with the vices of pornography, masturbation, casual hookups, prostitution and other dangerous and soul crushing evils. It has gotten us to associate our sexual desires with specific body types, acts and fantasies.  World has fooled us into thinking that these vices are a neccessity to meet the natural needs of the human body and it is absolutely OK to in...

Faith is not the human act of merely consenting to theological knowldge but it is the divine act of submitting both our Intellect and Will to God's revelation. If the Intellect alone is employed, knowledge remains simply as true and good life-giving information. It does not transform our life nor does it give life. Faith without action is dead. Jam 2:26 Will is the faculty of the soul which seeks to love that which is known. And 'loving' is not simply liking the information but the act of becoming what we have come to know. In other words loving is to freely act upon the information in such a way that knowledge becomes a living experience. If I come to know that in order to sustain my life I must drink water and if I do not act on this information and drink water, this knowledge does not do me any good.  In order for my faith to be active and alive, my Will has to be in harmony with the Intellect. It also means both my Intellect and Will should be surrendered to God. The di...