Exploring the depth of our prayers
One of the new Luminous Mysteries is the Transfiguration of the Lord. There’s no question that this was a startling event, where God declared the sonship of Jesus for all to hear.
Jesus is the Christ.
It got me wondering about the larger concept of transfiguration, though.
Continue reading “Transfiguration”
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”
What’s the Transfiguration about, really? And why is it so important that we should dedicate one of the Luminous Mysteries and a Sunday to it?
It’s about God’s direct declaration that Jesus, indeed, is His Son. Despite what Jesus might be saying to His followers, this is God speaking.
We shouldn’t doubt God.
Continue reading “Transfiguration”
I don’t remember my own baptism, since I was just an infant.
But I do ponder this miraculous event which binds me forever to my God.
The experience of Jesus was a bit different, being baptized at the beginning of his ministry. But indeed, that bound Him forever to the will of His Father.
Continue reading “Baptism of the Lord”
Today’s celebration is officially The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
I think that Americans in particular are a bit uncomfortable with such grandiosity. After all, we rejected the rule of a King nearly 250 years ago!
And we certainly we didn’t want to form a new country under a king or queen! No, just a temporary presider … a president.
Continue reading “Christ, our King”
“Seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
Luke 12:31-32
Do not be afraid any longer, little flock,
for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.”
Jesus is speaking here not just to the twelve apostles, but to all His followers. Which means all of us who are working to follow His teachings.
Continue reading “The Kingdom”
There are times when I must consider my own mortality. Because, in the end, I can’t take any of this with me.
At least not any material goods.
But it’s pretty clear from the Bible that my soul, my knowledge, and my relationships survive death. How exactly, I’m not sure.
Continue reading “Rich in what matters to God”
What a fabulous sending forth after the Easter season! Today we are celebrating the Solemnity of what Christ gave us in the Last Supper.
His body and His blood, shed for the salvation of every person in all of humanity.
On Holy Thursday we remembered that meal, but today I’m thinking about the implication of His gifts.
Continue reading “Body and Blood”
Then a voice came out of the cloud and said, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen. Keep listening to him!”
Luke 9:31 ISV
I’m pondering today this wonderful story of God’s endorsement of His Son’s work in this world. One of the things which can help bring these readings to life is to use a site (like BibleHub, in this case) which captures all the English translations in a single place.
I picked the International Standard Version here because others simply say, “Listen to him!”, or something similar. In that case, it’s signifying that Jesus will say something important.
Continue reading “Transfiguration”
We’ve heard the story so many times that it ceases to amaze us. Yeah, water into wine. Nice trick.
It was Jesus’ first miracle that we know of. But this amazing event had so many other powerful connections for me!
Our own wedding 40 years ago was such a powerful sacrament. I wasn’t Catholic at the time, but it really drew us closer to God and His Church.
Continue reading “The wedding feast”