Exploring the depth of our prayers
Why do we pray the Rosary? Is there something we’re trying to accomplish?
In this case, we have a fabulous chance to focus our energy and prayers on one of the greatest sins our society is dealing with right now: racism.
I’m not talking about the sins of particular individuals. Certainly there are many, but by looking at it that way it’s easy to absolve ourselves of personal responsibility.
Continue reading “Rosary to End Racism”
Ever notice how many of the Rosary prayers are plural, rather than singular?
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name….
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
I have to confess that I’ve always thought of this as me talking about myself, along with others who are also talking about themselves. But there may be a different way.
Continue reading “Forgive us our sins”
This is a new celebration, instituted by Pope Francis in 2019. It comes Monday during the week of Pentecost.
How appropriate, as Pentecost was the birthday of the Church!
I love that we now recognize the intimate relationship between Our Mother and The Church. The actual stories seem to have been lost in the mists of time, other than Mary’s appearance in Revelation.
Continue reading “Mary, Mother of the Church”
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
John 20:21-23
Today we celebrate Pentecost, the birthday of the Church. He said He would send His Spirit, and indeed he did. The promise was fulfilled!
Continue reading “Come, Holy Spirit!”
This feast of the Visitation always makes powerful connections for me.
It’s one thing for God to ask Mary to be the mother of our Lord. That’s miraculous, of course, but we’ve heard the story so many times that we become a bit immune to the wonder of it.
But here we have Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth, recognizing this wonder in a very real sense.
Continue reading “Mary visited Elizabeth”In a loud voice [Elizabeth] exclaimed, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”
Luke 1:42
I have this amazing image in my mind about what it must have been like to witness Jesus’ ascension first hand. But it’s probably more influenced by movies I’ve seen than anything else.
He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”
Acts 1:9-11 NASB
We know it was up. We know there were clouds. We know He rose into the sky, or heaven, depending on the translation.
Continue reading “He ascended into heaven”
Work is valuable, and I think that people are starting to recognize this. Right now there are way too many people out of work, unable to live out their vocation for the larger contribution to society.
And it’s not about making money.
God put Adam and Eve in the Garden to work the land and tend His creation. From the dawn of humankind, this has been honored by our Maker.
Continue reading “St Joseph the worker”
Jesus is risen! Christus resurrexit!
But, honestly, this isn’t about an event which happened nearly 2,000 years ago. No, it’s about what’s happening now.
Today.
Continue reading “New life!”
Whenever I pray the Rosary, it’s a chance to really ponder the suffering that Jesus endured for our salvation.
Even death on a cross.
I’d love to think that I would have the strength to offer my life for someone else, even my most cherished loved ones. But I fear that I’d fail.
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On Holy Thursday we focus on the Last Supper. We do that at every Mass, of course – it’s the source and summit of our faith!
But this year, of course, is special. And painful.
Because we can’t be with our Lord physically.
Continue reading “Eucharist”