Liturgy

Today’s readings Be careful what you wish for, is kind of what Jesus says to the sons of Zebedee today. Those of us who are disciples will indeed drink of Jesus’ same chalice, but when we take it we must … Continued

Today’s readings A phylactery was a black leather box that was worn on the arm or the forehead, containing scriptural verses. Maybe the modern equivalent would be a “WWJD” bracelet, or a cross worn around the neck, or even a … Continued

Today’s readings Sin is such a tricky thing. How easy it is to see it in others, but sometimes it is very hard to discern in ourselves. Yet Daniel in our first reading shows the importance of acknowledging that we … Continued

Today’s readings In some ways, today’s Liturgy of the Word sets before us life and death once again. We get to choose our fate, but we must back our choice with the actions of our lives. It’s not enough for … Continued

Today’s readings Have you noticed that the readings for these early days of Lent have been teaching us how to accomplish the various disciplines of Lent, which really are the various disciplines of the spiritual life? Today’s discipline then, I … Continued

Today’s readings “There is something greater than Jonah here.” I had a friend in seminary who used to remark that the people of ancient Israel wandering through the desert had a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of … Continued

Today’s readings The prophet Isaiah and Jesus speak today about the great power of words. Isaiah speaks specifically of the power of God’s word, a word that will not return empty but will go out and accomplish the purpose for … Continued

Today’s readings Be holy, for I, the LORD, your God, am holy. People often balk at the mere suggestion of being called to personally holiness. Oftentimes, this is wrapped up in a misplaced and false humility, that kind of humility … Continued

Today’s readings During the Easter Vigil Mass, less than forty days from now, we will be asked three very important questions: Do you reject Satan? And all his works? And all his empty promises? The response to each of these … Continued

Today’s readings Lent is a time that calls all of us to take on the virtue of humility. Not the kind of humility that says “I’m good for nothing,” because God never made anything that was good for nothing. That … Continued