On the one Sunday of the entire liturgical year in which we read of the Passion and death of our Lord Jesus, why would the Church, in her wisdom, suggest that “a brief homily” should take place? Why would Mother Church suggest that perhaps even silence might be more appropriate than a homily?
Sunday Scriptures
Unwrap the Layers That Bind You
Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb, and we read that Lazarus comes out, bound hand and foot. The Lord says these simple words: “Untie him, and let him go free.” The same Jesus, who is fully human and fully divine is calling to us, beckoning us to let Him untie us and to let us go free.
Have Our Eyes Been Opened?
“THE LORD GIVES me repose … refreshes my soul … guides me on right paths … spreads a table before me … anoints my head with oil … and lets goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life …” (Ps 23)
Embracing Our Discipleship
“WHOEVER DRINKS the water I give will never thirst … will have a spring of water deep inside (John 4) … If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts.” (Psalm 95)
Taking the Next, Challenging Step
“GO FORTH … TO a land that I will show you (Genesis) … Bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God.” (2 Tim)
Ready, Set, Sprint!
With new ashes upon our heads and a mandate to “return to God with all our hearts,” we come to this Lent 2017. We pray God walks ahead and alongside us as we begin this journey of repentance and mercy.
Are We Servants of God or Mammon?
by Father Jean-Pierre Ruiz, “DO NOT WORRY about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear.”
Be Like God: Love Gratuitously
by Father Jean-Pierre Ruiz TWO TOUGH COMMANDS bookend this Sunday’s readings from the Scriptures. First, there’s Leviticus, where God directs Moses to tell the people, “Be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy.” Then there is Matthew, where Jesus instructs His disciples, “Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” There is […]
Study Should Lead to Action
I wonder what Father Robert Lauder (the only film critic I have ever had the pleasure of knowing in person) thinks about Cecil B. DeMille’s 1956 epic movie “The Ten Commandments,” the remake (in part) of his own 1923 silent film. With Yul Brynner as the pharaoh Ramses and Charlton Heston as Moses, and with the likes of Edward G. Robinson and Yvonne de Carlo heading up an all-star cast, the film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, but came away with only one Oscar for Best Visual Effects. By today’s standards of computer-generated special effects, the special effects come across as just little bit lame to some viewers.
Disciples, Stay Salty
by Father Jean-Pierre Ruiz, YOU EITHER LOVE it or you loathe it! What am I talking about? Bacalao, of course! Dried, salted codfish.