April 3, 2024
We find ourselves very much in the spirit of Easter. In the Gospel, we read about another post-resurrection appearance of Jesus. This time, it is to the two disciples who are confused and discouraged about the death of Jesus and have left Jerusalem. They meet Jesus on the way but do not recognize him. Jesus […]
April 2, 2024
As we continue “Eastering” during these sacred eight days, we hear in the first reading the very first speech of Peter after being slain in the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. That very first Pentecost experience transformed the disciples into apostles on a new mission from Jerusalem and the Jewish people. Their new charge: to repent, […]
April 1, 2024
Reflecting on today’s Gospel, imagine Mary Magdalene’s confusion upon discovering Jesus’ tomb empty and the Apostles’ alarm. They did not yet understand that he had emerged from the tomb under his power, resurrected as foretold in the Scriptures – Risen to save us all. This image takes me back to when I visited that very […]
March 31, 2024
Easter Sunday: The Resurrection of the Lord The Son of Man is the Son of God. He is risen! Jesus promised he would die and rise again. Jesus, a human and a divinity, can be available till the end of the world. He is in heaven, and the Paschal Mystery is done. Easter is beautiful […]
March 30, 2024
Holy Saturday Holy Saturday – I find myself with Mary, trying to identify how she felt gazing upon the Cross to the tomb. The Eucharist never died for Our Lady. Jesus raised the sorrow in hope even amidst the Crucifixion. “With our Lord in the tomb, keep the Blessed Virgin company. Alone and grieving, she […]
March 29, 2024
Good Friday He was spurned and avoided by people, a man of suffering, accustomed to infirmity, one of those from whom people hide their faces. How often do we avoid the suffering of the poor, the marginalized, and those who are different from us? We turn away to avoid seeing and being challenged to do […]
March 28, 2024
Holy Thursday I always feel overwhelmed when we reach this beautiful day at the close of the Lenten season – it has always been special for me and perhaps for you. Should I turn my thoughts to the discourse of Jesus at the Last Supper as recorded in the Gospel of John (Chapters 13-17), or […]
March 27, 2024
Wednesday of Holy Week We have come to the final full day of the Lenten season, known traditionally as “Spy Wednesday.” Isaiah is a faithful prophet in the face of much adversity. There is no disgrace or shame when he is attacked and beaten since the Lord is on his side and will uphold his […]
March 26, 2024
Tuesday of Holy Week IT WAS NIGHT… As we journey through this holiest time of the year, we slowly reflect on some key moments that lead to the passion of Christ. Jesus announces the betrayal of Judas and the denial of Peter. All this was at night. Nighttime is a time of darkness. Darkness is […]
March 25, 2024
Monday of Holy Week When I learned that the fourth Monday of March (I write a reflection for the fourth Monday every month) this year is Monday of Holy Week, I immediately looked at the Mass for Monday of Holy Week in my 1962 St. Andrew Daily Missal, curious to see whether it was at […]