Both Isaiah and Matthew’s Gospel reference the power of fasting in the life of faith, inviting us to consider how we may incorporate this powerful spiritual practice into our lives today.
Mass Readings – Friday after Ash Wednesday
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St. Casimir, pray for us!
In the midst of adversity, we keep our gaze focused on the Lord and offer our lives in service to him. In this way we choose a life rooted in Christ, the source of our wisdom and strength.
Mass Readings – Thursday after Ash Wednesday
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St. Katharine Drexel, pray for us!
Ash Wednesday offers us an opportunity to “turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” as we repent of our sins and embrace time-tested spiritual practices. May this housecleaning of our hearts help us to renew our faith and draw us closer to the Lord and one another.
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Here are some of the central themes that surface in the readings for the 1st Sunday of Lent.
1st Reading – Deuteronomy 26:4-10
Psalm – 91:1-2,10-15
2nd Reading – Romans 10:8-13
Gospel – Luke 4:1-13
Mass Readings – 1st Sunday of Lent
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The Passion of the Lord reveals God’s love for the world. May this day drive us to our knees as we accept the gift of Christ and share His love with one another.
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Jesus offers an example of service, underscored by his teaching and command. As His disciples, may we we put our faith into practice every day as we offer our lives for one another.
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In the darkness of night Judas departs from the Last Supper to betray Jesus while Peter boasts that he will die for the Lord. This is the hour that the light of Christ will shine, inspiring us to look into our hearts and repent of our sins before the one who gives his life for our salvation.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of Holy Week
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In Bethany at the home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary, we see how Mary offers a generous example of service to Jesus prior to his arrest and crucifixion. May her example inspire us to serve one another.
Mass Readings – Monday of Holy Week
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Pastoral Note: This post was originally given on April 12, 2014. I share it once again in the hope that all of us will enter more fully into the gift of this sacred time. Fr. Andrew
Study: Recall a time in your life when you experienced death and new life. Where did you find the strength? Who helped you through this time?
Pray: Spend some time reflecting on the death and resurrection of Jesus this week. Read Mark 14-16; Matthew 26-28; Luke 22-24; and John 18-21. Take in as many prayer opportunities as possible in your parish.
Serve: Who in your life is dealing with life and death issues right now? How might you be present to them to offer help, comfort, or strength?
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We enter into the heart of the Christian mystery: Holy Week offers us a time to pause, reflect, and pray as the Church ponders on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This mystery, often called the Paschal Mystery, recalls us to the saving work of the Lord. His death frees of from the burdens of sin and death, and his resurrection opens for us the path to eternal life. This mystery is profoundly experienced over the Triduum – the 3 Great Days:
On Holy Thursday we find ourselves in Jerusalem, eating with the disciples at the Lord’s Supper and feeling awkward as he washes their feet – wondering how we would react if he did that for us. We might identify with Peter or Judas – especially when we consider the times we have willingly betrayed or turned our back on the Lord.
On Good Friday we experience the physical pain, emotional abandonment, and personal humiliation on the path to Calvary (also called Golgotha or Skull Place) and look on with horror at the cruel death of Jesus. We might also consider the times we have helped others – as Simon did when he was forced to carry the Cross of Christ. And then we stand in profound sorrow with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, helpless as the innocent suffer injustice.
On Easter we wait in vigil and rise early in the morning with Mary Magdalen, only to find to our wonder and joy that the tomb is empty: Christ is alive! Our world, like that of the apostles, is changed forever as we experience new hope and life.
A word to the wise – we get out of Holy Week what we put into it. Here are some simple ways for an incredible experience.
May this be a time for all of us to grow closer to the Lord and one another.
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Walking with the Lord in Holy Week (March 9-12, 2015 – Our Lady of the Valley – Green Valley, AZ) This parish mission takes the listener on a journey with Christ – from his entry into Jerusalem, through the Last Supper, his Passion, and his Resurrection.
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Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday are the “Sacred Triduum” (the three sacred days) found in the heart of Holy Week. These high liturgies set forth the central elements of our faith in Jesus Christ.
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 