Today the universal Church celebrates the dedication of the Lateran Basilica – the cathedral of the city of Rome – reminding us that every church around the world offers us a direct encounter of the living God when we draw near to the altar to pray.
Mass Readings – The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
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Why do we pray every week at Mass? Why is it so important? Fr. Andrew shares some key points with the children at Cathedral School.
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The well known parable of the rich man and Lazarus offers a powerful reminder that we have been given what we need to know the Lord. May we draw up these great gifts: Church teaching, Scripture, Sacraments, Prayer, Fellowship, and the example of the Saints!
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 2nd Week of Lent
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Mass Readings – 21st Sunday of the Year
Entrusting the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven to Peter, Jesus establishes the Church upon a rock that hell itself cannot prevail against. Christ is the key; through prayer, sacraments and virtue we grow in grace through this life so that we can enter into the Lord’s Kingdom in the next.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – 20th Sunday of the Year
The woman in the Gospel of Matthew is tenancious! She trusts that Jesus can offer help for her daughter, and she will not be denied. Her example inspires us to foster a fierce faith – one that receives the gift of God and strengthens it through prayer, Sacraments, and a conviction to offer one’s life in love.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 19th Week of the Year
This short reading from the Gospel of Matthew reveals a beautiful scene: Jesus blessing the children. May we bring our children to the Lord – in prayer, sacraments, and a holy way of life – so that they can receive the blessing of God’s grace as they grow.
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Study: How did you learn your Christian faith? When did it become something you claimed for your own?
Pray: This is a good time to count our blessings and draw near to the Lord in gratitude for the gift of life.
Serve: Perhaps there is someone to whom you might want to say, “I love you.” Perhaps this is a good time right now…
Fr. Andrew’s Homily Podcast (7 minutes, given at Cathedral on April 4, 2015)
This holy night finds the Church celebrating the profound mystery of Christ’s saving work. The Easter Vigil recalls the great moments of salvation history, rejoices with those who enter into full communion with the sacramental life of the Church, and is nourished by Eucharist. Here are the four key components:
The Liturgy of Light (or Lucernarium) begins the Easter Vigil. In the darkness the image of light is used to proclaim our hope in Christ. Several things happen:
The Liturgy of the Word recounts the epic story of salvation history through several Old Testament Scriptures:
We then move from the Old t0 the New Testament:
The Liturgy of Initiation then follows where those who have been preparing to enter the Church now receive their sacraments.
Finally, the Liturgy of the Eucharist allows the entire community to draw near to the altar to receive Jesus Christ in the sacrament of his Body and Blood. The newly baptized receive Holy Communion for the first time in the company of their fellow Catholics. Like every Mass:
The great promise of faith, founded upon God’s saving work through time in the history of salvation, is proclaimed on this holy night. May Christians around the world renew their faith in Jesus Christ – sharing his love and light with one another.
Christ our Light!
