RIP Mother Angelica

RIP Fr. Benedict Groeschel

Jim Caviezel - Inspirational video

The difference between jealousy and envy

During a Bible Study I did four years ago, I learned the subtle distinctions between jealousy and envy. I thought the two words were interchangeable and meant the same thing. Apparently not so.

Jealousy seeks to have what another person has. Envy, however, seeks to destroy what another person has. The act of jealousy is considered passive. Envy is about putting jealousy into action. Envy is one of the seven deadly sins, next to pride, avarice, wrath, lust, gluttony and sloth. 

Jealousy is not considered a 'capital' sin, as outlined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, because it does not engender other sins and vices. God is described in the Old Testament as "a jealous God" (Exodus 20:5) whenever people focus their attention away from Him in favour of worldly things, including other gods.

I post this blog for three reasons: 1) I need to be reminded of these distinctions again, 2) I've been wrestling with these unhealthy feelings of jealousy lately, and 3) I want to share this distinction with others, including those who may be experiencing a similar trial. I'm dealing with my jealousy issues now, and have faith that I will recover from them soon.

Interesting facts about Pope Francis I

Pope Francis I

Habemus papam!

Last Wednesday (March 13), Jorge Mario Bergoglio, aka Pope Francis, became the new pontiff of the Catholic Church. He is the 266th pope. Yesterday I collected some facts about him, courtesy of CHFI 98.1 FM (Toronto):

He was the Archbishop of Buenos Aires.

He's the first pope of the Western world and the Americas (not the first non-European pope as some have reported).

The first Jesuit pope.

The first to take the name Francis - after St Francis of Assisi.

We also know that he's 76 and only has one lung. He lost a lung to severe fungal pneumonia when he was a teenager. Doctors say that should not interfere with his ability to do his job, or travel.

St. Kateri Tekakwitha, Canada's (and America's) newest saint