As we all slowly and carefully emerge from this yearlong coronavirus pandemic, I’m really looking forward to getting together with my family for Easter.  Due to our age or jobs, all of the adults have been vaccinated so we’re finally feeling safe to gather around the dinner table, once again.  I imagine that more and more of you are able to safely do this, as well.  This year of social distancing has driven home the importance of real flesh and blood contact, and reminded us how much we cherish sharing […]

You know this is a special Sunday when we have two gospels.  And, you can’t help but notice how different our two Gospel passages are in tone and sentiment.  We began with Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem to the adulation of the crowd, and followed it with Mark’s account of his passion, at the hands of that same crowd.

As Jesus enters Jerusalem, he is at first the focus of Israel’s deepest hopes and dreams.  Frenzied crowds shout with pleading and joy – Hosanna – which means both, “save us, we […]

“See, I am now establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you.”  Do you remember that declaration we heard from God on the first Sunday of Lent?  I don’t know about you, but this Lent has gone very quickly for me.  It’s hard to believe that next Sunday will already be Palm Sunday!  And, the readings have presented us with a consistent theme throughout these five weeks of Lent; it’s the theme of “covenant” – I hope you’ve noticed it.  It’s very important to our understanding of God […]

Have you noticed them?  The crocuses and daffodils that are beginning to break through the soil and some are even blooming, the rhododendron buds that are starting to bulge, the hint of green in the weeping willows – all of nature is getting ready to delight us, once again, with a glorious spring.  As I mentioned at the beginning of our celebration this morning, on this, the Fourth Sunday of Lent, we are invited to rejoice.  This Sunday has been traditionally known as Laetare Sunday, taken from the entrance antiphon […]