By Father Anthony F. Raso IF I REVEALED my mother’s age in the pages of The Tablet, I might never be able to go home again – maybe. Let’s just say that since I will be 67 years old this coming Tuesday, my mother is now well over 39 years of age and we’ll leave […]
Sunday Scriptures
The Love of Christ Never Changes
I AM PARTICULARLY happy today to have the opportunity to offer this column to you because today is my 40th anniversary in the priesthood. I was ordained by Bishop Francis Mugavero on Saturday, May 10, 1975 in the Church of SS. Simon and Jude, Gravesend, where I had been serving as a deacon.
Standing Tall in the Presence of The Lord
BARNABAS IS AN unsung hero of the New Testament – or at least one who is not “sung” enough. Finding himself in a similar place to one in which we often find ourselves, his response is a whole lot more satisfying than the response we all-too-often give.
Offering Ourselves to Be Changed and Renewed
AS WE HAVE reflected upon the Acts of the Apostles, have you noticed the born-again bravery and courage which have filled Peter’s speech and action these Easter weeks? The fear, self-preserving behavior and “bystander” attitude which formerly afflicted him are long gone. No longer a “bystander,” acting like or going along with the crowd, he’s on fire with “let me tell you about Jesus Christ the Nazarene.” Peter is telling all of Israel, and you and me, of the One Who it is that he now “knows” with all of his being.
We Are Called to Know God
These are the Easter to Pentecost days, the great 50 days of Mystagogia (unpacking the Mystery). They invite us to journey with our brothers and sisters who were welcomed into our Church just two weeks ago.
Divine Mercy Moves Us From Fear to Fire
THE GREAT 50 DAYS of Easter fill our reflections and our prayers with the movement from fear to fire. A new fire burns in the hearts of Jesus’ disciples as they recognize Him as the Risen Messiah, the Son of God.
Rejoice in the Resurrection
We, Easter people, witness that we are saved and redeemed by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the services, rituals and Eucharists of just this week alone, we find that meaning reinforced and dramatized.
An End and a Beginning for a Man in Love
RECENTLY, I READ a newly published book by Brant Pitre, a Scripture scholar and seminary professor. “Jesus the Bridegroom: The Greatest Love Story Ever Told” (Image, 2014), has a simple premise: God loves us.
Where Prayer and Belief Meet
As Catholics, we adhere very closely to an old Latin saying: “lex orandi, lex credendi,” which, loosely translated, means “the law of prayer is the law of belief.”
A Living Expression of Love
WE’VE ALL HEARD the old saying, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Today’s readings serve as a reminder of just how true this saying is. From Adam and Eve, through the Babylonian Exile, to the Crucifixion and on down to our very time, humanity’s relationship with God has been a true love story, involving people that change and a Love that does not.