If Lent is a “beautiful season,” it is up to us to make it so. There is nothing beautiful about ashes. Ashes is what is left over after the good part has been burned up. It is a stark symbol. Ashes is very basic, and it brings us back to basics. We have to start…
As we quietly await the approaching Ash Wednesday, I find myself leaning upon the Heart of God and spending this day asking for His mercy and forgiveness. In this spirit, I reflect on what kind of repentance and forgiveness I am being called to seek as I prepare to observe my third Ash Wednesday here…
On March 25th, we will celebrate the Annunciation, the moment the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive and bear the Son of God. Her response, Let it be done to me according to your word, is a profound act of faith and surrender. But what makes this feast even more meaningful is…
By Fr. Vincent Freeh In Chapter Seven of the Gospel according to St. Luke we find the story about The Penitent Woman. A certain Pharisee had invited Jesus to dine with him. Jesus went to the Pharisee’s home and reclined to eat. A woman known to be a public sinner heard of it, “brought in…
By Fr. David Foxen, MSC Recently I was reading a report dealing with the reasons why many young people have left the Catholic Church. One of the reasons mentioned by some was suffering hurt, and in consequence they decided not to continue to identify themselves as Catholic. I immediately thought of a conflict or a lack…
By Fr. David Foxen, MSC On Wednesday, March 2, we once again begin our annual Lenten journey which will bring us eventually to the challenge of the empty tomb. Each year the Church invites us to make this journey in faith. Like Christ’s original disciples we will turn toward Jerusalem to walk at his side…
Procession Gospel: Luke 19:28-40 “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.” Reflection Questions: The message of the angels at his birth is now being brought to completion. He begins the ascent to the Mount of Olives where the glory of his cross will shine forth. How do I see glory in the cross? First…