Father Chris Alar explains the Annunciation and how to defend Mary in the Bible.

The Gospel presents a man described as “full of leprosy.” Not partially wounded. Not mildly afflicted. Completely sick. And yet this is the man who is healed — because he approaches Jesus correctly. Father Anthony Gramlich, MIC, explains that Scripture reveals three responses to spiritual leprosy. The first is pride: refusing to see one’s own sin while accusing everyone else. This leprosy cannot be healed because it denies the wound. The second is despair: seeing the sin clearly but believing mercy is impossible. This leprosy turns inward and never reaches the Physician.

Today, on the feast of St. Jerome, Fr. Matthew Tomeny reflects on the fiery saint who gave the Church one of its greatest treasures: the Latin Vulgate Bible. Known for his sharp temper, wit, and zeal, Jerome was like a lion—unyielding in passion, yet tamed by God to become a humble instrument of truth. His life reminds us that even our strongest impulses, when surrendered to Christ, can be directed toward holiness.