SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
I’m not sure how many of you still carry change with you. I just keep some quarters in my car in case I need one for a parking meter. I took one of those quarters and have it here; I’m sure you’re all familiar with it. If you have one with you, I invite you to take it out and look at it. On the front, you will notice an image of George Washington, the first president of our great country. And, what’s on the back of the coin? Now, […]
THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD
I don’t know about you, but I frequently feel a heaviness in my heart these days as I reflect on so many events that unfold around us. We’ve just passed the terrible milestone of 1 million deaths known to be caused by COVID-19 in our country; the number is in the millions around the world. We’re all gripped by the ongoing war in Ukraine, where unknown thousands have been killed. And just yesterday, our nation was rocked, once again, by a mass shooting, one more time in an elementary school […]
THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD
As they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.” (Acts 1:10-11)
This Thursday, we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of […]
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Everyone is familiar with the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This well-known dictum has ancient roots, perhaps dating back to an Egyptian morality play written in 1800BC, and clearly seen in the Book of Leviticus, written about 450 years before Christ. In fact, some version of the Golden Rule is found in all of the major world religions and in most philosophies. In Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount, we see it mentioned as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. It’s […]
SIGN OF PEACE RESUMES AT MASS and EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL
A recent update from the Archdiocesan Office for Divine Worship notified all parishes that the invitation to offer the sign of peace during the Communion Rite of the Mass may resume. It is another important moment in the Eucharistic celebration and I would like to offer some information about it as we resume its practice. It is intended to be a liturgical action when we offer the peace that Jesus offers us all. It is not the moment for us to say “hello” to friends and neighbors; we do that […]
FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
It’s so good to see you children who are about to receive Holy Communion for the first time, all dressed up and excited. I’m sure you parents are thrilled to see them dressed up; that doesn’t happen very often. I’m delighted that so many members of your family are here, as well, and I hope you know that all of us – everyone here at Mass – is praying for you as you take this important step in being even more a part of our worshiping community. On this Mother’s […]