Tom Klocek

Mr. Klocek is a retired Naval Officer, systems engineer, and physical scientist with over 30 years involvement in Catholic teaching in various parishes and a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and a member of St. Stephen Martyr Catholic Church in Chesapeake, VA. Visit his website: actuallycatholic.com

Latest Articles By Tom Klocek
Pope Francis and the 2024 US Election
Pope Francis and the 2024 US Election
We know that Pope Francis is not a fan of Donald Trump. So, did he purposely make his remarks about voting for the lesser of two evils confusing? I don't think so. I think he was just acknowledging the dilemma we face this year. To clear things up, we need to delve more deeply into Church teaching.
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Cleanse me from my unknown faults! Reflections on the readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle B
Cleanse me from my unknown faults! Reflections on the readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle B
This week's readings address two significant matters (among others): the Holy Spirit and sin and its consequences (hell). The Spirit is empowering, as is the Name of Jesus, and may be bestowed on people without our knowing. God's law brings joy, but we all have faults, some of which we don't recognize. In any case, sin is destructive and we may be complicit without realizing it.
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How do You Pray?
How do You Pray?
We are told to "Pray always" but the complaint is "I don't have time." The question we have to ask ourselves is what is our relationship with Jesus? Is he our friend? If so, we must talk with him.
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Let Us Put the Just One to the Test: Reflections on the Readings for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B)
Let Us Put the Just One to the Test: Reflections on the Readings for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B)
This week's readings continue the prophecy of Jesus's suffering, death, and resurrection. Jesus is targeted by the proud who dislike being criticized for their lives opposed to God, which results in disorder. One of the takeaways is the need for humility, lacking in today's world as well.
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Catholic Election Considerations: Preparing to Vote
Catholic Election Considerations: Preparing to Vote
Early voting starts this month in many states. As Catholics, we have a duty to vote but, as discussed in several other posts on this site, we must prepare our consciences. Having done that, we need to continue by looking at the candidates, their parties, and the issues.
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Catholic Election Considerations: Forming One’s Conscience
Catholic Election Considerations: Forming One’s Conscience
Election time is fast approaching. Everyone has their idea about the candidates. But just "feelings" about the candidates are not enough. We must prepare ourselves by forming our consciences in accordance with Catholic teaching and use that to guide our voting. There are ample aids for us to do this, but how many know or even look for them?
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Faith Without Works is Dead: Reflections on the readings from the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Faith Without Works is Dead: Reflections on the readings from the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
This weeks readings contain several key lessons about being a true Christian, including the need to suffer with Christ, the importance of works as an example of faith, and that the need to focus on the Cross.
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The Lord Loves the Just: Reflections on the Readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Lord Loves the Just: Reflections on the Readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament. This is brought out in this Sunday's readings as well as reinforcing other lessons from Scripture, reminding us that there is nothing "ordinary" about "Ordinary Time."
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You Have the Words of Eternal Life: Reflections on the readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
You Have the Words of Eternal Life: Reflections on the readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
It's a time to choose. This week we finish the Bread of Life discourse. Jesus maintains his shocking statements from last week and does not back down, even giving the apostles the choice whether to continue following him or go their own way. Peter speaks.
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Whoever Eats this Bread Will Live Forever: Reflections on the readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B)
Whoever Eats this Bread Will Live Forever: Reflections on the readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B)
After a quick look at some readings for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the subject becomes food again. This is the food that gives eternal life. Jesus emphasizes his statement by beginning with "Amen, amen." When Jesus uses this phrase, stop what you are doing, and pay attention. It's serious business.
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Admonish the Sinner
Admonish the Sinner
Silence is consent. Compassion for sinners does not mean we condone their sin. Thus we have a duty to admonish or correct sinners. It is one of the Spiritual Works of Mercy.
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Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord: Reflections on the Readings from the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle B
Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord: Reflections on the Readings from the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle B
This week's gospel continues delving into the all important Bread of Life discourse in John's gospel. Tied to this is the teaching of the Church about the Eucharist as referenced in the Catechism. We also see how the other readings tie in to Jesus' teaching on this critical subject as well as giving us guidance for ur lives.
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The True Bread from Heaven: Reflections on the Readings for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B)
The True Bread from Heaven: Reflections on the Readings for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B)
In this Sunday's readings we enter into Jesus's Bread of Life discourse, foundational for Church teaching on the Eucharist and a basic tenet for unity in the Church. We see the connections between events in the Old Testament and how Jesus fulfills the prophesies. In the following weeks we will learn more about Jesus, the Bread from Heaven.
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Vacation from Work, Not God
Vacation from Work, Not God
Halfway through the summer, some are still looking forward to vacation time. However, vacation from work should not bring a vacation from God. God should be foremost in our minds in everything. By doing so, everything else will start to fall in place. But, it can be daunting at times. And so we must make the effort.
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Jesus Feeds the Multitudes: Reflections on the Readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus Feeds the Multitudes: Reflections on the Readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
This Sunday we shift from Mark's gospel to John, notably John chapter 6 where we learn that Jesus is the Bread of Life. The reading this Sunday is actually a continuation from last week's reading in Mark. It shows Jesus caring for the people and the precursor of the Eucharist.
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