MSI Press Blog

  A Catholic perspective Catholic theology is surprisingly clear on a question that troubles many believers: Can someone who does not believe in God receive a blessing from Him? The answer is yes — and not reluctantly, not barely, but fully, freely, and without hesitation. God blesses because God is good , not because the recipient meets a belief threshold. 1. Blessings begin in God, not in us A blessing is not a merit badge. It is not a reward for faith, nor a prize for good behavior. In Catholic teaching, a blessing is an expression of God’s benevolent will , His desire that a person flourish, be protected, be healed, or be drawn toward the fullness of life. If blessings depended on belief, Jesus would never have healed: the Roman centurion’s servant, the daughter of the Syro‑Phoenician woman, or the ten lepers, nine of whom never returned to thank Him. God’s goodness is not gated by human categories. 2. God’s providence embraces everyone Catholic theology calls this common gra...

  From Morning Prayer today: Responsory: "I will bless the Lord all my life long.". When Scripture says, “I will bless the Lord all my life long,” it does not mean we give God something He lacks. It means we respond to the God who lacks nothing. That’s the heart of it. What “blessing God” doesn’t mean It doesn’t mean we confer grace, protection, or favor on Him. It doesn’t mean God is improved, enriched, or made happier by our words. It doesn’t mean God is waiting for us to bless Him so He can be complete. God is already perfect fullness , the One from whom all blessing flows. What it does mean In Scripture, to bless God means: To acknowledge who He is — to speak well of His goodness, His faithfulness, His mercy. To praise Him publicly — to let our words and actions reveal His worth. To thank Him — gratitude is one of the purest forms of blessing. To align our lives with His will — a life lived in fidelity is itself a blessing offered back to God. To return love for lo...

Today's meditation from  Weekly Soul: Fifty-two Meditations on Meaningful, Joyful, and Peaceful Living   by Dr. Frederic Craigie. -34-   Can you see the holiness in those things you take for granted--a paved road or a washing machine? If you concentrate on finding what is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.   Harold Kushner   Blessings abound. Some tap us on the shoulder or stare us in the face. Some, we take for granted. I remember going with my dad when he bought his first brand-new car, a 1961 Dodge Lancer. He asked the salesman whether cars now all came with heaters. This was a serious question, and the man did not laugh. The answer was “yes” although cars did not come with radios and our AM radio receiver was an optional extra. Now, we roll down the road in a cabin with all the comforts of home. Concert quality sound. Precise temperature control, whether it is ra...