Inwardly and Outwardly
Second Sunday of Lent Today’s oration bears witness to that realism so characteristic of the ancient Roman liturgy: O God, who seest that we are wholly destitute of strength, keep us both inwardly and outwardly; that we may be defended in body from all adversity, and cleansed in mind from evil thoughts. Realism indeed, for […]
Sin Is Not Normal
First Sunday of Lent The season of Lent is essentially a time of purification. Purification from sin. A purification that includes the strong resolve to avoid sin in the future. This is the reason for today’s Gospel in which we see Our Blessed Lord lowering Himself to being tempted by the devil. Imagine the King […]
The Only Thing That Lasts
Quinquagesima Sunday On this final Sunday before the beginning of Lent, Holy Mother Church issues the third clarion call. We have been warned of the arduous task ahead, of the steep mountain we must climb, of the narrowness of the path and the tribulations that await us. Today’s Gospel reminds us that all we must […]
The Strength of Weakness
Sexagesima Sunday This Sunday brings us a second clarion call at the approach of Lent. Last week, the appearance of the violet vestments, the silencing of the paschal song of victory and the parable of the vineyard were all intended to wake us up and incite us to get on our mark for the approaching […]
Not Just Shadow-Boxing
Septuagesima Sunday Septuagesima Sunday is one of those focal points of the liturgical year that it is essential to get right. The Church does nothing ex abrupto. She does not parachute her children into Lent without preparation. Septuagesima serves the purposes of getting us warmed up for the time of more intense spiritual activity called […]
Many Will Come
Third Sunday after Epiphany Today’s Gospel passage ends with Our Lord saying to the Roman centurion: Go and let it be done to thee as thou hast believed. It is the faith of this pagan soldier that is rewarded, faith which stunned Our Blessed Lord: Not in all of Israel had He found such. Not […]
Stop Drinking Water
Second Sunday after Epiphany We’re all familiar with the story of the wedding feast of Cana and the miracle Our Blessed Lord performed on this occasion. Indeed, it is without doubt the best known miracles of Our Lord, and it was also the first. The event is replete with very rich symbolism that does not […]
Reaching the Inaccessible Light
First Sunday after Epiphany, Holy Family His parents did not know… (Lk 2:43)… They understood not the words He spoke to them (Lk 2:50). These two sentences from today’s holy Gospel should give us great courage and hope. It should not surprise us that the conduct of Our Lord surprises us. He is God, and […]
We Come to Adore
Epiphany Such is the motivation the three kings give for their long journey from the East. We have come to adore. With this single phrase, these three brave men unwittingly set the tone for the entire history of the Catholic Church and, in particular, for that part of the Church called the monastic orders. Indeed, […]