The readings for the memorial are an option for today and are well chosen for the life of St. Boniface. The account of St. Paul before King Aggripa and the gospel message of Jesus as the good shepherd capture the missionary endeavors, trials and tribulations – as well as the steadfast loyalty of shepherd for the flock. Continue reading
The NY Times released today a report on the damage being done to the nation of Ukraine by the armed conflict. The work was done in cooperation with two leading remote sensing scientists to analyze data from space-based satellites that can detect small changes in the built environment. There are towns, such as Marinka in Eastern Ukraine, where the devastation is as severe, if not more so, than the damage done to Hiroshima by the atomic bombing of that city during World War II. Continue reading
In today’s first reading from 1 Peter 2 we read that are to be “like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ. You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises of him” Continue reading
Following from yesterday’s readings, today we continue with Peter’s first letter. Previously, Peter had challenged believers to experience the joy of such a great faith. His admonishment was to be attentive to the faith received that is more precious than gold. Be attentive to the on-going conversion and live a life for the greater glory of God rooted in that faith. Continue reading
Our opening reading today is from the 1st Letter of Peter. In just two short verses, the author provide a summary of the main themes and an outline of the whole letter:
(1) God gave us a new birth,
(2) this birth leads to a hope,
(3) which is based on Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, and
(4) Christians have a heavenly inheritance which is incapable of fading.
Today our nation celebrates Memorial Day. Lots of people confuse it or conflate it with Veteran’s Day. It is the latter which honors all the men and women who have served our nation in the military. It is the former that remembers and honors all those who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is a difference of which I receive weekly reminders as I am honored to serve veteran families during the internment of their loved ones at Quantico National Cemetery. Continue reading
This coming Sunday, The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ – is more popularly known as Corpus Christi, Latin for the “Body of Christ.” From one perspective, every Sunday is a feast of the Eucharist, because by participating in the Mass, and in receiving Communion, we are honoring and celebrating the Eucharist. Still, the celebration of Corpus Christi has its own history. Continue reading
This morning in the parish we are celebrating a school Mass in which we celebrate the children of 2nd grade who recently celebrated their First Holy Communion, the students being inducted into the Jr. National Honor Society, and the “Ceremony of Light.” The ceremony is where the soon-graduating 8th grade students “pass the light” of leadership and example to the current 7th graders, who next year will assume the example of moral and spiritual leadership among the student body. As such the gospel for this special Mass comes from Matthew:
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” (Mt 5:14-16)
The first reading for today is from the Letter of James. It is a passage structured in three parts: the problem is identified (4:1–3), its incompatibility with God is described (vv. 4–7), and the cure of the vice is indicated (vv. 7–10).
In Jewish and Hellenistic thought all problems arise from four prime vices: desire, pleasure, fear, and grief. Earlier, James described “desire” as the root of temptation ever in conflict with heavenly wisdom: “Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire conceives and brings forth sin, and when sin reaches maturity it gives birth to death.” (James 1:14-15) These conflicts stem from “desire,” which cannot yield anything good: “You covet but do not possess. You kill and envy but you cannot obtain.” This is James’ parallel saying to the well-known: “the love of money (desire) is the root of all evil” (1 Tim 6:10). Continue reading
WordPress and JetPack have released a new AI tool to generate images. I asked for the winter scene of New England fields during winter. The results is the featured image shown. Kinda’ interesting.
friarmusings 