During Lent, as you might expect, we have more and more folks coming to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Many folks carried with them one of the various Examinations of Conscience, most are based on the 10 Commandments – something we heard about in the first reading today. I wonder if our gospel might be a better model for examining our lives especially in this Lenten season. Continue reading
It is a bit of an understatement to say there is a lot going on in the account of the Transfiguration. There are tons of things to dig into and so uncover a wealth of meaning: Father, Son and Holy Spirit together on the mountain top; Moses and Elijah representing the Law and Prophets; Peter wanting to build some tents right then and there; and of course, “And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white.” What is the meaning of this transfiguration? In short, it is the revealing to the disciples of the true nature of Jesus – truly man and truly God. Continue reading
The very first liturgical action in the Rite of Baptism isn’t pouring water – it is marking the one to recieve baptism with the sign of the cross – traced on the forehead. At the same time speaking the words, “I claim you for Christ…” They are powerful words, words of life and death. Words that mark a new beginning. “I claim you for Christ…” This is who you are and whose you are. Similar words mark the public ministry of the Messiah, “This is my beloved Son…”
Then off all go into the world, into the wilderness that can be this life.
“He shall dwell apart, making his abode outside the camp” – frightening and dreadful words. Spoken to a people in the wilderness, a people on the Exodus betwixt and between the slavery of Egypt and the promised land of Palestine. Words that ban, isolate, shun, and place someone beyond the connection to the community. These are words spoken to family and friends that pushed them from the routine of life into the wilderness. In modern life, we have our own words, instances, texts, and posts that push others into a more modern wilderness. Continue reading
This weekend our pastor is preaching at all the Masses for the Bishop’s annual Lenten appeal – so I have a homiletic homily (so to speak). I thought it might be good to provide some context for this very somber and sobering first reading from the Book of Job. Take a moment and read the first two chapters of Job. It should only take you a few minutes. Continue reading
This week, in our second reading, Paul simply writes: “I should like you to be free of anxieties.” (1 Cor 7:32). Seriously, can I get an “Amen” to that? Wouldn’t that be awesome, to have a life without anxieties? In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us not to have anxiety about food, clothing, money and such things. God takes care of the birds in the sky and we are much more loved by our heavenly Father, so don’t worry. And yet we do. In 1 Peter 5, we are told to give all of our anxieties and worries over to God. And yet we hang onto them. Jesus tells Martha that she is anxious about many things and points out to her the better part that her sister Mary has chosen (Luke 10:41-42). And yet… Continue reading
Today the Church Universal celebrates Sunday of the Word of God, a celebration established by Pope Francis in 2019. It is a celebration that is close to my heart. I have taught Bible Studies in parishes since 1986 and have more that 2,500 posts on my blog FriarMusings that have something to do with the Word of God. I just think the Bible is awesome, amazing, and from the Old Testament to the end of the New Testament is filled with things you need to know – and more importantly you need to be able to share. Continue reading
I have always liked today’s first reading – the story of how a young boy named Samuel was called to a life of service to the Lord. It was the only story I knew where a young child was the center, the protagonist, the “hero” of the story. I remember my Catholic school religion teacher telling me what I was supposed to learn from the story: always go to church – after all Samuel heard God’s voice in the temple. Always obey my parents and adults – Samuel did exactly what Eli, the temple priest, instructed. Always keep your heart open to God and then act – Samuel invited God to speak to him. Continue reading
Note: our Deacon is preaching at the Masses for which I am presiding – a homily holiday for me! Here is one of my favorite Epiphany homilies from years past.
Today we celebrate The Epiphany of the Lord, traditionally celebrated on January 6th in the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox churches; but here in the West we celebrate it on a Sunday. So, welcome to our celebration of The Epiphany. It is a word taken from the Greek epiphaneia meaning “manifestation, striking appearance; from epiphanes meaning “manifest, conspicuous,” and from epiphainein “to manifest, display, show off; come suddenly into view.” Our liturgy marks the arrival of visitors, identified in Scripture as the magi, to the place where Jesus was born. Although we know virtually nothing about them, we do know they brought three gifts, each with traditional meanings. Continue reading
In today’s gospel account, it is now forty days after Jesus’ birth. Mary and Joseph are performing their duty as pious Jewish parents by coming to the Temple to fulfill the requirements of Exodus 13. It is a ritual that reminds the parents that this child is now a member of the family that God redeemed from the slavery in Egypt. And so, they come to offer a simple sacrifice as they dedicate their first-born child to the Lord and to the larger, holy covenant family of God. Continue reading
friarmusings 