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Gospel Reflections | The Transfiguration of The Lord (Mk 9:2-10)

Today, on this second Sunday of Lent, the Gospel reading we hear in the Liturgy of the Word at Mass tells the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus. To a Jewish audience this story should also be familiar, as we read in the Book of Exodus of Moses coming down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the commandments in his hands, and "[Moses] did not know that the skin of his face had become radiant while he conversed with the LORD" (Ex 34:29). Here, in Mark's Gospel we encounter what Matthew also recorded in his depiction of the same event, "Jesus was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light" (cf. Mt 17:2); and Jesus, joined by Peter, James, and John, encounters the law and the prophets of the Old Testament when then "Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus" (Mk 9:4). Today, as we enter the second week of Lent, we are reminded of, and given a glimpse into, the glory to come in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are reminded what glory awaits for those who abide in the Lord. For a brief and interesting reflection on today's Gospel reading, please click on the image. Peace be with you!

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Divine Office | Man’s deeper questionings

In today's Office of Readings we encounter a reading from the Second Vatican Council's pastoral constitution "Gaudium et spes" on the Church in the modern world. An excerpt: "The tensions disturbing the world of today are in fact related to a more fundamental tension rooted in the human heart. In man himself many elements are in conflict with each other. On one side, he has experience of his many limitations as a creature. On the other, he knows that there is no limit to his aspirations, and that he is called to a higher kind of life." For a reflection on man's deeper questionings, please click on the image. Peace be with you!

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Wit & Wisdom | Christian Perfection

This writing is a work of early Christian apologetics, likely from the 2nd century. It is rich in it's understanding of what it means to be a Christian: in life, in love, and in death. Christians should recognize the themes the author touches on because, passed down through the centuries, it is still as relevant today as when it was written; for we know a Christian is in the world, but not of the world.

For a beautiful reflection on Christian Perfection, please click on the image.

Peace be with you!

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Christian Art | The First Mourning, William-Adolphe Bouguereau

Today, we encounter "The First Mourning" by William-Adolphe Bouguereau.

Bouguereau is fast becoming one of my favorite artists. I encountered today's painting thanks to my good friend, Patrick van der Vorst, at Christian Art; https://www.christian.art/index.php. He provides a beautiful Lenten reflection on such a beautiful painting.

For a reflection about this painting, please click on the image.

Peace be with you!

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Articles of Faith | Lent: Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent—a season of purification, sacrifice, and preparation.

As we begin the penitential season of Lent, now - today - is a time of reflection; a time to ask what we are in need of to grow in the spiritual life.

Lent is the season where we are invited again to examine ourselves and ask God how we can turn our heart to him and grow closer so that we may die to oneself to live in God. As Christians, we can do so only with humility and patience, with generosity and perseverance.

For a reflection on Lent and Ash Wednesday, please click on the image.

Peace be with you!

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Articles of Faith | The Scandal of the Eucharist

The Catholic belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is a hard saying, no doubt. Yet, it's no harder a saying as is said by Jesus himself as he begins his colloquy in the synagogue at Capernaum with his disciples (see Jn 6:30). This teaching, the Catholic Church defends as the definitive and apostolic origins of the Eucharist, points to the Eucharist (from the Greek for "thanksgiving") as the "source and summit of the Christian life".

For a beautiful summation of the scandal of such a saying - the recognition of how hard it is to believe - enjoy this brief writing from Fr. Richard Veras of Saint Joseph's Seminary; and for a Catholic answer addressing common Evangelical Fundamentalist challenges to the Catholic understanding of the Real Presence, please also see more of this post by clicking on the image.

Peace be with you!

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Catholics Come Home | Fallen Away Catholics

The story of the Prodigal Son, as we encounter in the Gospel of Luke (15:11-32), is one of the most poignant in all of literature. Sadly, there are many Catholics today who have fallen away from their baptismal faith. Each has a story of his own. Yet, by the sacramental power of one's baptism there remains a call unanswered - the yearning of a Father desiring the return of his child to the home of his baptismal birth. For more about this post, and for a 2 min video expressing the tender mercy that awaits at home in love's embrace, click on the image. Our father in heaven wants us home. He wants you home. If you’ve been away from the Church for one day, or for a lifetime, come home. Your family misses you.

For more, please click on the image.

Peace be with you!