2019 Pilgrimage to Calvary in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher
This feast concentrates our attention on the instrument of our salvation, as we thank the Lord who offered himself as the perfect sacrifice that restores us to right relationship with God. May we gaze upon the Cross of Christ with grateful hearts each and every day!
Jesus makes it clear that to follow him means that we will carry a cross. As we confront whatever is hard and difficult in our lives today, may we open our hearts to God’s grace at work within us…trusting that the one who was victorious over his cross will transform our own as well.
When our words and actions follow the teaching of Jesus Christ, we find our lives are built on a rock solid foundation that withstands the storms of life.
Jesus offers sound wisdom. Before we can point out the “splinters” in someone’s eye, we need to take care of our own! This is not just about physical sight, but it applies to the spiritual obstacles that prevent us from seeing God’s grace at work in our hearts.
Sometimes the daily Mass readings are nuggets of wisdom that can guide us in direct and practical ways. The reading from Colossians and the Gospel of Luke are perfect examples today. Enjoy and savor them!
On this feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary we hear in the Gospel of Matthew the genealogy of Jesus as the context for the birth of the Lord. The reading demonstrates how we are part of the larger story of salvation history; God works in and through countless lives to weave together our journey from this life to the next.
Luke’s Gospel reveals how Jesus called the Twelve Apostles by name to participate in his earthly ministry. The Lord continues to call forth new disciples who will offer their lives for service in the world. Are we ready?
When the going gets tough, the tough turn to the Lord! The Psalm response articulates the source of our strength, especially in difficult moments in life.
