Exploring the depth of our prayers
This is the day the Lord has made! Let us rejoice!
Do I really understand the magnitude of what has happened? This is an absolutely unique event in the entire history of mankind.
God Himself came to show us the way. Even past death.
My God, my God, what have You forsaken me?
— Psalm 22:1
Today, time stops. And once a year we contemplate the concept of being without our Lord.
It’s an in-between time.
Continue reading “Don’t forsake me!”
Do I have the courage? The courage to follow the path that Jesus showed?
It’s a painful path, driven only by the Word and faith in God.
Continue reading “The way of the cross”Take up your cross and follow Me
— Matthew 16:24
Today we enter into the most intense period of our journey: the Triduum. We descend into the darkness as we realize what cruelty we have shown to our God.
Of course we also know the end of this story: glorious resurrection on the third day, at which time we recognize that our Lord is triumphant, even over death.
He promises me that I too can be triumphant, if only I follow His path.
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Today we commemorate Jesus’ final entry into the holy city. This is such a powerful event, much more than any normal historical significance.
Jerusalem is an epicenter of faith for all the Abrahamic religions. It signifies our paths toward God, just as He led the Jews toward union with Him here on earth.
In my mind, it signifies that we´re ALL on a journey to God, and our goal is to meet Him in the next life.
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“Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”
— John 8:11
In this one phrase of today’s Gospel, Jesus shows His mercy as well as giving a stern warning. It’s about making the choice every day to reconcile to Him.
To sin no more.
Continue reading “Forgive us”
I was part of an RCIA team for many years, and absolutely loved the weeks which led up to the Easter Vigil initiation of our new church members. It’s always a very emotional time.
If the priest chooses, he can use three Gospel readings from Church Year A for the 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays of Lent. These are three particularly deep and powerful stories of Jesus’ ministry while on earth.
On this 4th Sunday of Lent, the RCIA reading is of the man born blind. It’s something I can related to very much this year.
Continue reading “Blind”
Right in the middle of Lent, we’re given this wonderful gift today!
Nine months before Christmas, the Church celebrates the Annunciation: the day when God sent the Angel Gabriel to Mary:
Continue reading “Annunciation of God’s presence”Coming to her, he said,
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.”— Luke 1:28-31
A lot of our prayers seem to focus on convincing God to change His mind. But God is eternal, all-knowing, and unchanging.
God is love, and is always reaching out to help me come to Him. Whatever I pray isn’t going to change that.
So really, these prayers are about changing MY focus, my outlook, my heart.
Continue reading “Change my heart”
Our wonderful prayer to St. Joseph brings up so many thoughts about my own role in my family and the world.
Protector.
Support.
Helper.
Defender.
Continue reading “Joseph”