King George III ordered soldiers be sent to Boston to show his authority over the colonists. The colonists had been disregarding his leadership from afar, especially in paying their proper taxes. Therefore, tension was in an uprise between the people of Boston and the English soldiers.

The Bostonians were concerned about their freedom. The soldiers presence seemed very intrusive to them and their towns. However, had they cooperated in the first place, this would not have happened. Even though many miles spread between England and Boston, the colonists owed their obedience to England.

On the other hand, the English soldiers were sent to Boston by King George III. They did not freely choose to make a move, but their obedience to the king demanded it. They would be the instruments in which King George hoped to enforce his commands.

The soldiers had no fault in coming to Boston, because they were only following orders from their king. It was the colonists that antagonized, taunted, and instigated in the first place. The soldiers did not begin any skirmishes, but had to act in self-defense for their own good and the good of their country.

The colonists provoked the coming of soldiers to Boston, as well as the injuries and deaths that took place on March 5, 1770.

One of the most popular Chinese philosophies is Confucianism. It was named for Confucius, an ancient Chinese philosopher, who came up with his own ideas to solve problems, diminish chaos, and impact his culture. Confucianism was considered a way of life. It included humility, just punishment, and kindness.

Humility was important to Confucianism. For example, when two people greeted each other with a bow, it was customary for the subordinate person to bow lower. Another tenet was strict punishment to deter undesirable behavior. Confucius is known for saying: “Do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto you.” This saying is very similar to one of the Two Great Commandments of Christianity, love your neighbor as yourself. Confucianism also emphasized respect and obedience to parents and elders, just like the Fourth Commandment.

While both Confucianism and Christianity encourage kindness and respect for others, Christianity seems more merciful. Christians allow God to be the ultimate judge, while followers of Confucianism were known for their harsh punishments. These harsh punishments started in childhood to promote discipline in society. Christianity focuses on brining mercy to those who stray from the Commandments. Christianity also offers the Sacraments as a method to heal instead of punishment as a means to deter unwanted actions.

Christianity and Confucianism are both rooted in the ancient world. Christianity began in 33 A.D., when Christ became Incarnate. Christianity was the fulfillment to all the promises made to the Jews. These promises spoke of peace, order, and eternal life. Confucianism began 500 years earlier in 479 B.C. Its purpose was to institute a culture of peace.

One of the most popular Chinese philosophies was Confucianism. It was named for Confucius, an ancient Chinese philosopher, who came up with his own ideas to solve problems, diminish chaos, and impact his culture. Confucianism was considered a way of life. It included humility, just punishment, and kindness.

Humility was important to Confucianism. For example, when two people greeted each other with a bow, it was customary for the subordinate person to bow lower. Another tenet was strict punishment to deter undesirable behavior. Confucius is known for saying: “Do not impose upon others what you yourself do not desire” (Analects, 12.2). This saying is very similar to one of the Two Great Commandments of Christianity, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (NRSVCE, Mark 12.31). Confucianism also emphasized respect and obedience to parents and elders, just like the Fourth Commandment.

While both Confucianism and Christianity encourage kindness and respect for others, Christianity seems more merciful. Christians allow God to be the ultimate judge, while followers of Confucianism were known for their harsh punishments. These harsh punishments started in childhood to promote discipline in society. Christianity focuses on brining mercy to those who stray from the Commandments. Christianity also offers the Sacraments a a method to heal instead of punishment as a means to deter unwanted actions.

Confucianism prepared the world for the Incarnation of Christ and His mission of Christianity. It hinted to many similar themes such as being virtuous men and women and following the Two Great Commandments. When Christ came into the world and started His public ministry, many teachings were new to His followers. Yet, some of His same teachings were previously shown throughout history. This made Christianity not seem so foreign, but relatable to His followers. Christ took on human nature without any error or imperfection. This is why only Christ could share the perfect way of life which is Christianity.

The Battle of Lepanto, a historic naval battle, was fought between Christians and Muslims. Both sides fought for their religion and beliefs. Pope Pious formed an army called the Holy League to protect their territory. The Holy League was led by Don Juan, an experienced soldier from Austria. Not only did he have an army, but the pope asked everyone to pray the Rosary for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Together, the Christians defended, prayed, and held off the Muslims from destroying what they believed in.

Each side was fighting for their faith and had their own symbols and weapons that showed who they were fighting for. The Muslims held their banner for Allah and their Islamic faith. Their banner contained symbols such as a double-bladed sword used by Mohammad. The Christians fought beside a banner depicting Jesus on the cross. Each Christian soldier also held the weapon of the Rosary, which symbolized their devotion to Mary, who was going to hear their prayers and intercede for their victory. Both sides were ready to give their lives for whom they worshipped.

The Battle of Lepanto shows proof that the power of our Catholic faith is real. The sufferings, temptations, and combat that the holy people defending Europe had to endure was all for the glory of God. The Holy League was surrounded by evil wishes, but their trust in the providence of God was what brought them the miracle of victory.

The Holy League was formed by Pope Pius V. These people, led by Don Juan, did not just merely believe in the help of God and the Blessed Virgin Mary, but truly depended on it. They bore a banner of Our Lady of Guadalupe on it, each had their own Rosary, and the soldiers begged mercy in Confession when they needed it. These characteristics of the Holy League did not only make them faithful soldiers for war, but faithful soldiers for God through Mary.

We can learn so much from the example of the Holy League. Perhaps the Battle of Lepanto even inspired Sister Lucia’s quote, “There is no problem to difficult, I tell you, that the Rosary cannot solve.” The Rosary is truly a “weapon” as St. Theresa of Calcutta said. If the prayers of the Rosary can end a war, imagine what other difficulties it can solve.

This is where Our Lady of Victory or Our Lady of the Rosary ties into my life. My dad was born on the feast day of St. Joseph the Worker, May 1st, and died on the feast of Our Lady of Victory, October 9th. My dad began his journey of suffering about three years ago, and what a miracle it was that Our Lady won his battle on her feast day. This goes to show that Rosary was winning battles years ago and still wins them today.

The Greeks told myths to help them comprehend the world around them. Greeks believed in many gods and goddesses, and learned all about them from their myths. Their stories also included many famous, human, mythical characters, too. They used human characters to teach lessons and inspire virtuous behavior. All Greek myths had one thing in common, teaching lessons. Three well-known mythical gods, goddesses, and human characters were Aphrodite, Odysseus, and Poseidon.

Aphrodite inspired the Greeks to love. Just as love has no beginning, nobody knew for sure when Aphrodite’s life began, because she had no parents. She was a beautiful goddess. She was adorned in royal garments, and glimmering jewels. Zeus, the head of the gods, thought it best to choose a husband for her as quickly as possible, in order to avoid any fighting among the bachelor gods. Zeus chose Hephaestus, a hardworking, but not so handsome god to be Aphrodite’s husband. Hephaestus made extravagant jewels and clothing for his new bride. However, at first, Aphrodite was not pleased to have Hephaestus as her husband because of his appearance. In time, Aphrodite showed one of the hardest forms of love, by loving and accepting Hephaestus for who he was, instead of being disappointed that he wasn’t perfect for her. Aphrodite was not just lovely in her appearance, but lovely in the way she expressed love to others. Aphrodite’s story was told as a reminder that there was more to love about a person than his appearance. She taught the Greeks that they should love each person for who he was, not what he looked like.

The tale of Odysseus inspired every little boy, military worker, and army soldier to be full of courage, gusto, perseverance, and determination. Trusted by many, loved by his family, and ready to fight for his people, Odysseus was a great example of a human mythical character who demonstrated virtuous behavior. Odysseus’s encounter with Poseidon was a classic example of how Greek myths were used to teach. Sailing home from many adventures after the battle of Troy, Odysseus landed upon an island where the god Polyphemus dwelled. Polyphemus was a giant, one eyed, god, who was only interested in eating Odysseus and his friends. Polyphemus made this very clear to the visitors by capturing them on his island in a cave. Every night, Polyphemus would eat one of his prisoners. Finally, Odysseus thought up a plan to escape back to his ship. The five men that were left took action. They started off by giving the giant so much wine he became drunk and fell asleep. Then the men threw a torch into his only eye and blinded him. Each man escaped by clinging onto the bottom of a sheep, and riding out of the cave. When they reached their ship, they heard Polyphemus call on the only god who could help him now, his father, Poseidon, god of the sea. Polyphemus asked that these men be given a long, difficult, regretful, journey home. Poseidon listened to his son and Odysseus and his men were tossed about by waves. All of the men died except for Odysseus, who was saved by the goddess Athena. Odysseus showed bravery during the battles and his trip. His determination and perseverance allowed him to finally reach his homeland where he reunited with his family and friends. This myth served to inspire Greek soldiers on their own military journeys.

Poseidon was a well known god of the sea who inspired justice. When Odysseus did what was right for him and his men, because they were innocent sailors trying to be eaten, Poseidon had to show justice for the actions done against his son, Polyphemus. Poseidon was known for his quick temper and often struck out in anger. His sharp blue eyes could see through fog, and his blue hair matched the waters. Poseidon was known for the weapon he carried, his famous trident. Striking it to the ground, he made the earth shake, and striking it in the sea, he made vicious waves toss about. He had the power to sink ships and drown sailors. Poseidon rarely showed his relaxed side, but when he did he could stretch out his arm over the sea and still all of the waves. He also had the ability to uplift islands from the sea floor. Poseidon spent his time doing what he pleased. He was known for riding around the see on his white horses. Poseidon taught about justice being served to humans who had wronged the gods. The Greeks used stories like this to explain things about the natural world, such as storms that struck sailors’ ships and other weather events.

Humans have learned a lot more about weather since ancient times, however, these stories still contain lessons that are important today. Many modern stories, myths, and characters, such as superheroes, use the same themes and virtues. Greek myths are timeless teachers.

The Incarnation of Christ is the most important event to occur in all of human history. Christ came into the world to share his mission of eternal life. In response, humans are called to persevere in lives of holiness. Leading up to the sublimity of the Incarnation, throughout ancient history and literature, many similar themes to Christ’s teachings are hinted at.

History is full of heroes. Without heroes, the world would be in despair. Achilles and Hector, characters from Homer’s Illiad, have become timeless legends. Heroes give humans reachable goals to strive towards.

Achilles, war-hero of the Achaean army, was a famous, all-out soldier. He was prideful, strong, and showed no mercy to his enemies. After choosing to fight in the Trojan War, his friend Patroclus, was killed. Achilles, thinking himself to blame, was determined to kill anyone that came across his path. Achilles was merely fighting for himself and for revenge. On the other side, was a good man named Hector. Hector was a brave and noble general of the Trojan army. Hector fought fiercely. Hardly any soldier would take on the challenge of fighting him. Although aware of his strengths, Hector also knew his weaknesses. Even though it was his fate to die in battle, he persevered anyways. Hector truly loved and protected his army. He was both a strong fighter and father. His family and friends drove him to be the man he was.

Achilles and Hector, each fought with their whole hearts. When the two finally met on the battlefield, they knew only one soldier would survive. Achilles was ready to avenge the death of his friend, while Hector wished to live another day to see his family. Unfortunately, this was

not the case. Hector was slain by the sword of Achilles as he proclaimed, “Lie thou dead; my fate will I accept whenso Zeus willeth to bring it to pass and the other immortal gods.” Ultimately, it was the will of the gods that Hector was killed. For even the Achaeans knew that Hector was a great soldier and a good man. “We have won us great glory; we have slain goodly Hector, to whom the Trojans made prayer throughout their city, as unto a god.”

When looking at historical examples of heroes like Achilles and Hector, many of their strengths and qualities were admirable. Although, neither was perfect. The only perfect hero throughout all of human history was Jesus. Jesus always exemplified perfection, including sacrificing the greatest gift of all, His own life. Imperfect heroes gave humans a reachable goal to strive for, until the Incarnation, when Jesus became the perfect human hero.

Christianity and Confucianism are both rooted in the ancient world. Christianity began in 33 A.D., when Christ became Incarnate. Christianity was the fulfillment to all the promises made to the Jews. These promises spoke of peace, order, and eternal life. Confucianism began 500 years earlier in 479 B.C. It’s purpose was to institute a culture of peace.

One of the most popular Chinese philosophies was Confucianism. It was named for Confucius, an ancient Chinese philosopher, who came up with his own ideas to solve problems, diminish chaos, and impact his culture. Confucianism was considered a way of life. It included humility, just punishment, and kindness.

Humility was important to Confucianism. For example, when two people greeted each other with a bow, it was customary for the subordinate person to bow lower. Another tenet was strict punishment to deter undesirable behavior. Confucius is known for saying: “Do not impose upon others what you yourself do not desire.” This saying is very similar to one of the Two Great Commandments of Christianity, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (NRSVCE, Mark 12.31). Confucianism also emphasized respect and obedience to parents and elders, just like the Fourth Commandment.

While both Confucianism and Christianity encourage kindness and respect for others, Christianity seems more merciful. Christians allow God to be the ultimate judge, while followers of Confucianism were known for their harsh punishments. These harsh punishments started in childhood to promote discipline in society. Christianity focuses on brining mercy to those who stray from the Commandments. Christianity also offers the Sacraments as a method to heal instead of punishment as a means to deter unwanted actions.

Confucianism prepared the world for the Incarnation of Christ and His mission of Christianity. It hinted to many similar themes such as being virtuous men and women and following the Two Great Commandments. When Christ came into the world and started His public ministry, many teachings were new to His followers. Yet, some of His same teachings were previously shown throughout history. This made Christianity not seem so foreign, but relatable to His followers. Christ took on human nature without any error or imperfection. This is why only Christ could share the perfect way of life which is Christianity.

Before the time of Christ, humans could only live in a way they thought to be good. Heroes tried to justify their actions keeping themselves and others safe. After the Incarnation, it is clear that the path to holiness is through Christianity. Christ only founded one Church, and that is the Catholic Church. Therefore, by knowing, loving, and serving God, as well as following the Ten Commandments, humans can try to attain the goal of eternal life.

History is full of heroes. Without heroes, the world would be in despair. Achilles and Hector, characters from Homer’s Illiad, have become timeless legends. Heroes give humans reachable goals to strive towards.

Achilles, war-hero of the Achaean army, was a famous, all-out soldier. He was prideful, strong, and showed no mercy to his enemies. After choosing to fight in the Trojan War, his friend Patroclus, was killed. Achilles, thinking himself to blame, was determined to kill anyone that came across his path. Achilles was merely fighting for himself and for revenge.

On the other side, was a good man named Hector. Hector was a brave and noble general of the Trojan army. Hector fought fiercely. Hardly any soldier would take on the challenge of fighting him. Although aware of his strengths, Hector also knew his weaknesses. Even though it was his fate to die in battle, he persevered anyways. Hector truly loved and protected his army. He was both a strong fighter and father. His family and friends drove him to be the man he was.

Achilles and Hector, each fought with their whole hearts. When the two finally met on the battlefield, they knew only one soldier would survive. Achilles was ready to avenge the death of his friend, while Hector wished to live another day to see his family. Unfortunately, this was not the case. Hector was slain by the sword of Achilles as he proclaimed, “Lie thou dead; my fate will I accept whenso Zeus willeth to bring it to pass and the other immortal gods.” Ultimately, it was the will of the gods that Hector was killed. For even the Achaeans knew that Hector was a great soldier and a good man. “We have won us great glory; we have slain goodly Hector, to whom the Trojans made prayer throughout their city, as unto a god.”

When looking at historical examples of heroes like Achilles and Hector, many of their strengths and qualities were admirable. Although, neither was perfect. The only perfect hero throughout all of human history was Jesus. Jesus always exemplified perfection, including sacrificing the greatest gift of all, His own life. Imperfect heroes gave humans a reachable goal to strive for, until the Incarnation, when Jesus became the perfect human hero.