All Saints/All Souls [Content warning: sexual abuse] When an abuse scandal happens in which the abuser is an artist—a filmmaker, painter, writer, or composer—there is often the question of what to do with that person’s work. Toss it or, as … Read More
30th Sunday Ordinary Time The disciples on the road with Jesus, eyewitnesses to his miracles and privileged recipients of his teaching, should have been looking for Bartimaeus, but they were too focused on themselves and their own concerns. They didn’t … Read More
29th Sunday Ordinary Time On the way to Jerusalem, between two healings of blind men (in chapters 8 and 10), Mark repeats this pattern three times: Jesus reveals his destiny; the disciples misunderstand what that means; Jesus reorients them to … Read More
28th Sunday Ordinary Time It can be comforting to treat today’s Gospel as another of Jesus’s hyperboles about the call to discipleship. However, we should not avoid its truth. The man in the Gospel seeking eternal life had observed all … Read More
27th Sunday Ordinary Time There is no getting around it. Today’s Gospel will hurt. Let us acknowledge that pain and admit there are no simple answers when families struggle with divorce. The lectionary allows a shorter version of today’s Gospel … Read More
26th Sunday Ordinary Time Today, Jesus’s disciples complain about an outsider driving out demons, something they had failed at earlier in the chapter. But their complaint is not that this person was healing or does so in Jesus’s name. They … Read More
Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 26 September 2021 Numbers 11:25-29. Psalm 19:8, 10, 12-13, 14. James 5:1-6. Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48. The More the Merrier. Who cares if other Christians are also doing the good things that Catholics do? … Read More
25th Sunday Ordinary Time To get the full irony of the disciples’ argument today—who among them was the greatest—we need to know what happened in the section before and what we’ll hear in the following section of Mark’s ninth chapter. … Read More
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 19 September 2021 Wisdom 2:12, 17-20. Psalm 54:3-4, 5, 6-8. James 3:16–4:31. Mark 9:30-37. “I’m Better Than You.” Our lives are filled with all manner of put down, one upmanship, top dog behavior. When … Read More
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Feast – Tuesday, 14 September 2021 Numbers 21:4b-9. Psalm 78:1-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38. Philippians 2:6-11. John 3:13-17. The Cross of Christ. We say: “We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by … Read More
24th Sunday Ordinary Time Today’s Gospel reading is the turning point in Mark’s narrative, where we hear for the first time since Mark 1:1 Jesus referred to as “Christ” and the cost of following him. From now on, Jesus’s road … Read More
Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 12 September 2021 Isaiah 50:4c-9a. Psalm 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9. James 2:14-18. Mark 8:27-35. Deny. Take. Follow. On the long journey to Jerusalem, Jesus clarifies that following the Christ (Peter’s response to Who am … Read More
23rd Sunday Ordinary Time “Be opened,” Jesus says to the man who was deaf and mute. But be opened to what? First, be opened to fullness of life. The man’s inability to hear or speak cut him off from the … Read More
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – 05 September 2021 Isaiah 35:4-7a. Psalm 146:7, 8-9, 9-10. James 2:1-5. Mark 7:31-37. Be Opened! Jesus heals a deaf and mute man today who immediately speaks plainly. Before the Baptism of adults and after … Read More
22nd Sunday Ordinary Time – B In Ordinary Time, the second reading usually does not relate to the other readings since it is semi-continuous, proclaimed from one chapter to the next over a course of weeks. On this Sunday, however, … Read More
Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time – 29 August 2021 Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8. Psalm 15:2-3, 3-4, 4-5. James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27. Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23. Call to Holiness. Sometimes law and custom can be so onerous, so heavy that we can … Read More
21st Sunday Ordinary Time – B Five Sundays ago, the crowd wanted to make Jesus king. Now, most of those who have stayed through his long sermon about bread from heaven and eating and drinking his own flesh and blood … Read More
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time – 22 August 2021 Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b. Psalm 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21. Ephesians 5:21-32. John 6:60-69. One Last Bread of Life Story. The gospel today is filled with doubt, murmuring, shock, and disbelief. So … Read More
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – B Virgin Mother, Bride of Christ, Mother of God—these are rich, profound, true titles for Mary. But the Magnificat gives us another, one just as true and deep. [T]he root of the name … Read More
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Solemnity – 15 August 2021 At the Vigil Mass on Saturday evening 1 Chronicles 15:3-4, 15-16; 16:1-2. Psalm 132:6-7, 9-10, 13-14. 1 Corinthians 15:54b-57. Luke 11:27-28. Mass during the Day Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, … Read More
19th Sunday Ordinary Time – B A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing. The knowledge itself is not dangerous—we should always strive to grow in knowledge—but relying on our knowledge alone is. That’s how today’s Gospel begins, with … Read More
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 08 August 2021 1 Kings 19:4-8. Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9. Ephesians 4:30–5:2. John 6:41-51. “Stop Murmuring.” Elijah is running for his life from King Ahab and Jezebel because he told the truth. He … Read More
18th Sunday Ordinary Time – B In today’s revelation of Jesus’s true identity, the crowd (who stands in for us) misses the boat entirely. They keep asking Jesus the wrong questions: When did you get here? What can we do? … Read More
17th Sunday Ordinary Time – B Today we shift to John’s Gospel for a series of Sunday reflections on the bread of life. We will hear these passages as eucharistic, leading us perhaps to focus primarily on Communion. However, John … Read More
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 01 August 2021 Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15. Psalm 78:3-4, 23-24, 25, 54. Ephesians 4:17, 20-24. John 6:24-35. More Than Manna, More Than Bread and Fish. During the Exodus, the Lord rained down bread (manna) each … Read More
The Transfiguration of the Lord, Feast – Friday, 06 August 2021 Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14. Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9. 2 Peter 1:16-19. Mark 9:2-10. Whiter Than White. Filled with light. Dazzling clothes. Jesus stands before them prefiguring resurrected life. Peter says, … Read More
16th Sunday Ordinary Time – B Last week Jesus sent out the disciples two by two on mission, and today they return with news of everything they did. But the Sunday lectionary omits an important subplot that takes place between … Read More
15th Sunday Ordinary of Time – Year B Sensible shoes. That was the running joke growing up when fewer religious women were wearing habits. You could tell the sisters by their sensible shoes. There’s a bit of theological truth to … Read More
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time – B If we’re in this for fame and glory, then today’s Gospel should set us straight. Earlier in Jesus’s ministry, his family tried an intervention because “he is out of his mind” (Mark 3:21). … Read More
13th Sunday Ordinary Time – B What if we told the whole truth in our preaching, our praying, and our singing? The truth that, in our society, those with status and power can come forward publicly to plead for help, … Read More
12th Sunday Ordinary Time – B “Let us cross to the other side,” Jesus says to his disciples after a long day of teaching the crowds. This wasn’t just for a change of scenery. They were crossing the border into … Read More
The 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time – B Around the corner from where I live is a farm right in the middle of the city. I know spring has come when everything from cars to sidewalks is coated in yellow … Read More
Body and Blood of Christ – B We spend a lot of time explaining the Eucharist so that those who come to Communion understand what they are receiving. Sacramental law requires that one must have “sufficient knowledge and careful preparation … Read More
Most Holy Trinity – B In five short verses, the conclusion of Matthew’s Gospel outlines the spectrum of the disciples’ experience so far. Amid the extremes of fidelity and betrayal, worship and doubt, Jesus stands like a center mark fixed … Read More
Pentecost Sunday – B Last year on Pentecost, protests broke out in Minneapolis and around the world in response to the torturous eight minute and 46 second recorded murder of George Floyd by a police officer. We all heard the … Read More
Ascension Sunday – B Today’s Gospel passage was not Mark’s original ending. That may have been lost, or the evangelist may have indeed intended to end at verse 8 with the disciples fleeing the empty tomb in fear and remaining … Read More
Seventh Sunday of Easter – B It’s not unusual to hear some version of “I come to Mass to get away from the world for one hour.” It comes sometimes as homiletic critique: “We shouldn’t be hearing about politics or … Read More
Sixth Sunday of Easter – B Anne Lamott’s priest friend Tom told her, “You can safely assume you’ve created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do” (Bird by Bird, … Read More
Fifth Sunday of Easter – B Today we hear Jesus’s last I AM statement in John’s Gospel: “I am the true vine.” As with last week’s Christological statement, we can fall into the trap of mishearing today’s Gospel as a … Read More
Fourth Sunday of Easter – B When we hear Jesus say, “I am the good shepherd,” it’s tempting to wander off into bucolic bliss. If we do that, we’re missing the radical point of this I AM statement. The startling … Read More
Third Sunday of Easter – B Today’s Gospel passage ends with Jesus saying to his disciples (and to us), “You are witnesses of these things.” This is not a hope or desire. It’s not a premonition or an invitation. It … Read More
Second Sunday of Easter – B On my travels, I often receive many requests from concerned parents asking me to pray for one or more of their children who have lost faith. Their sadness is tangible and free of anger … Read More
Fifth Sunday of Lent – B “We would like to see Jesus.” That is the opening request given to the disciples in today’s Gospel by those from the outside of Jesus’s circle of followers. Throughout John’s Gospel, to see and … Read More
Fourth Sunday of Lent – B From the beginning of this Lenten cycle of readings, we have heard a consistent message: faith in Jesus will convict us. Set against the Gospels we have heard this Lent, faith can no longer … Read More
Third Sunday of Lent – B The temple cleansing is found in all four Gospels. However, John puts this scene right after Jesus’s miracle at Cana at the start of his ministry. In the synoptics, it takes place at the … Read More
Second Sunday of Lent – B The Transfiguration scene midway through Mark’s Gospel is the climactic crossroads where we must choose between staying in Galilee or going with Jesus to death in Jerusalem. In the previous chapter, Peter recognized Jesus’s … Read More
First Sunday of Lent – B We can get overly focused on individual sin and personal salvation during Lent. Yet one of the biggest lessons learned from last year’s Lent is that our well-being is intimately tied to the well-being … Read More
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 14 February 2021 Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46. Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 11. 1 Corinthians 10:31–11:1. Mark 1:40-45. Making Clean. Jesus was not afraid to touch the untouchable leper today. Jesus was unafraid to be cleaning and … Read More
6th Sunday Ordinary Time This last Sunday before Lent ends the section of Mark’s Gospel in which Jesus’s healing ministry will soon take a turn. Instead of joining the crowd’s amazement in his curing of the sick, the scribes in … Read More
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 07 February 2021 Job 7:1-4, 6-7. Psalm 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6. 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23. Mark 1:29-39. Pursuing Jesus. After curing Simon’s mother-in-law, Jesus, standing at the door, is teaching, healing, and casting out demons. … Read More
The Presentation of the Lord, Feast – Monday, 02 February 2021 Malachi 3:1-4. Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10. Hebrews 2:14-18. Luke 2:22-40. Waiting for That Day. In the simple act of bringing the eight-day old Jesus to the temple, Mary … Read More
5th Sunday Ordinary Time Today’s set of readings, including the psalm, gives us an opportunity to explore the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. (The World Day of the Sick, February 11 each year, occurs later this week also.) … Read More
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 31 January 2021 Deuteronomy 18:15-20. Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9. 1 Corinthians 7:32-35. Mark 1:21-28. Teaching with Authority. Jesus begins his ministry with us this liturgical year doing two things. He is teaching with authority … Read More
4th Sunday Ordinary Time As a baby liturgist, I was in awe of those who could rattle off quick answers to whatever liturgical challenge you threw at them. They sounded so authoritative, especially when they cited the exact paragraph number … Read More
3rd Sunday Ordinary Time Today is the first Sunday we hear from Mark’s Gospel, which will be our focus this Lectionary year. Mark’s tone and pace are unique. Details are sparse. Dialogues are quick. Jesus is always on the move. … Read More
2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time Today is an appropriate day to celebrate the Rite of Acceptance, which is the first public rite for unbaptized adults (and children of catechetical age) at the beginning of their formation in the Christian way … Read More
Fourth Sunday of Advent From the moment you enter its plaza and step through the main doors of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, you are surrounded by both religious and secular, Catholic and indigenous … Read More
Third Sunday of Advent “[T]he liturgy . . . is the outstanding means whereby the faithful may express in their lives, and manifest to others, the mystery of Christ and the real nature of the true Church” (“Constitution on the … Read More
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Today’s solemnity celebrates the church’s teaching that from the moment of her conception, God favored Mary with the fullness of grace that she may be a fitting mother to the … Read More
One of my very first jobs as a liturgical leader was to train communion ministers. I was a college student in southern Missouri, and the local bishop had given permission for our Catholic student center to have lay communion ministers … Read More
Second Sunday of Advent One of the most important tools music ministers and presiders use is our voice. We warm up and strengthen our voices with vocal exercises. We practice out loud the prayers and readings and spend hours crafting … Read More
Click here to download this prayer in English as a PDF file. Haga clic aquí para ver la oración bilingüe en PDF. On this Thanksgiving Day like no other, even now, O God, your name is worthy to be … Read More
First Sunday of Advent The start of a new liturgical year can lull us into a cyclical coma. Another First Sunday of Advent, Year B? Great! Guess we can do the same music from our 2017 planner. Copy and paste … Read More
Thirty-Fourth or Last Sunday in Ordinary Time – 22 November 2020 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Solemnity Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17. Psalm 23:1-2, 2-3, 5-6. 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28. Matthew 25:31-46. Six Grows to Nine. We get … Read More
If you are a homilist, you know what it is like to look out at the assembly on Sunday and see a sluggish, disengaged assembly. Most people may not even be looking at you. And those who are, are staring … Read More
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe On this last Sunday of the liturgical year, we proclaim what Pope Francis calls the “Great Criterion” (“Gaudete et Exsultate,” 95) from Matthew’s Gospel. True discipleship is not an ideology or piety … Read More
Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – 15 November 2020 and World Day of the Poor Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31. Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6. Matthew 25:14-30. Talents Given, Talents Returned. One more Kingdom of Heaven parable today. God … Read More
Every year on the Third Sunday of Advent, I brace myself for disappointment. This day is called Gaudete Sunday, which means Rejoice Sunday. Every year, the readings emphasize rejoicing. And my favorite reading is from Year C, Philippians 4:47. It begins: … Read More
Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time I have a five-year-old nephew whose parents are both music ministers. Even before he was born, Jake was hearing music at Mass every week. Once he began interacting with us, I could tell he was … Read More
The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, Feast – Monday, 09 November 2020 Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12. Psalm 46:2, 3, 506, 8, 9. 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17. John 2:13-22. Church Buildings and the Church. We hold in honor today the cathedral … Read More
This is a crisis of hospitality in Catholic parishes in the United States. The share of Americans who are Catholic declined from 24% in 2007 to 21% in 2014, according to the Pew Research Center. This is a greater net … Read More
Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time – 08 November 2020 Wisdom 6:12-16. Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Matthew 25:1-13. Being with Jesus – or Not. The parable today of the ten lamp bearers is about vigilance. Not an … Read More
Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Like the five wise virgins, the best music directors are prepared and always looking ahead. Here are some ideas to make sure your lamps burn bright all year long. Get your personal liturgical calendar ready. … Read More
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) – Monday, 02 November 2020 There are 31 possible Bible texts; check with the parish for the ones to be used. The Dead Matter. It is a good and holy … Read More
All Saints, Solemnity – Sunday, 01 November 2020 Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14. Psalm 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6. 1 John 3:1-3. Matthew 5:1-12a. Saints Next Door. It can be easy to view the beatitudes as impossible goals for Kingdom of Heaven living. But … Read More
If you’re like most music and liturgy coordinators, you’re working with a community that does not already have a regular practice of praying the Liturgy of the Hours together publicly. If this is your situation and you’re given the responsibility … Read More
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 25 October 2020 Exodus 22:20-26. Psalm 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51. 1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10. Matthew 22:34-40. Love God, Neighbor, Self. There are 613 Old Testament laws guiding faithful behavior. The Exodus writer tells us some: … Read More
As a liturgist, I believe it when the Order of Christian Funerals (OCF) says eulogies are not allowed. But when I die, I plan to have lots of stories told about me at my funeral. When it comes to eulogies, … Read More
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time With Advent a month away, I remember last year an “Advent of Kindness” calendar on social media. I thought it was a nice idea. Each day suggested an act of kindness to do for Advent: … Read More
Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 18 October 2020 Isaiah 45:1, 4-6. Psalm 96:1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b. Matthew 22:15-21. The Things of God. We often encounter those who set traps for us. They speak in … Read More
The Penitential Act has three forms: the Confiteor, a brief dialogue, or three invocations which are each followed by the assembly’s response of “Lord/Christ, have mercy” or “Kyrie/Christe, eleison.” We will focus on this third form. In the Roman Missal, … Read More
Say “penitential” and most people think of sin and an “I’m not worthy” attitude. Yet, the Penitential Act isn’t really penitential in that way. The Penitential Act and the Kyrie are primarily confessions of faith. Having gathered together to become … Read More
Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time I might lose some readers on this one, but it needs to be said. If you have been given the privilege and duty to vote in a local or national election, it is part of … Read More
Here are some intercessions for the upcoming elections that you can adapt for use in your Sunday and weekday Masses and in your own personal prayers. You can also click on any of the images above, then right-click to save … Read More
Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 11 October 2020 Isaiah 25:6-10a. Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6. Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20. Matthew 22:1-14. Don’t Kill the Messenger. We have another Kingdom of God/Heaven parable today. It is about being gracious and prepared. … Read More
All Saints / All Souls With All Saints on Sunday this year, it’s the perfect opportunity to highlight today and tomorrow’s Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed with even more solemnity than usual. First, read or reread Pope Francis’s apostolic … Read More
Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time God’s guest list to the heavenly banquet includes those you expect as well as some surprising characters. Every guest, however, should come prepared with the proper intentions, attitudes, and dispositions for the feast. The point … Read More
Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time – 04 October 2020 Isaiah 5:1-7. Psalm 80:9, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20. Philippians 4:6-9. Matthew 21:33-43. Belonging in the Kingdom of God. Although the parable today is about who properly oversees the work of the Kingdom … Read More
Parishes often use the Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi (October 4) as a day to bless animals. The Church says that “according to the providence of the Creator, many animals have a certain role to play in human existence … Read More
In a previous post, we began discussing what the new Directory for Catechesis says about our ministry as liturgical minsters. The directory tells us that we have to be witnesses to the mystery of Jesus Christ and lead others to … Read More
Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time The United States bishops wrote: “Charity, justice, and evangelization are thus the normal consequences of liturgical celebration.” They also said that the assembly’s singing shapes how they live their faith beyond the liturgy: “Particularly inspired … Read More
Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 27 September 2020 Ezekiel 18:25-28. Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9. Philippians 2:1-11. Matthew 21:28-32. I Don’t Want To! Sometimes we bristle at being told what to do. We may say a yes or a no, … Read More
Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time As music ministers and presiders, one of the main ways we express our faith in prayer is through words. Today’s Gospel, however, reminds us that words alone are not enough. Our actions reflecting our understanding … Read More
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 20 September 2020 Isaiah 55:6-9. Psalm 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18. Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a. Matthew 20:1-16a. How Things Work in the Kingdom of Heaven. This parable about kingdom living may rile us up. God is as … Read More
The new Directory for Catechesis says some things that should interest liturgists and liturgy planners. For example, it says that all catechesis should be “inspired by the catechumenal model” (2). However, that does not mean that catechesis is supposed to … Read More
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time I’m usually happy to let the last be first and the first go last. But take away one of my hard-earned travel perks that come with my airline’s priority status, and I become a raving … Read More
Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time One interesting part of traveling to different areas of the country is hearing the variety of speeds assemblies pray the Lord’s Prayer. (Only a liturgist would notice this!) One thing is the same almost everywhere: … Read More
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Feast –Monday, 14 September 2020 Numbers 21:4b-9. Psalm 78:1-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38. Philippians 2:6-11. John 3:13-17. The Cross. Not long ago, on 30 August to be exact, we were told by Jesus to take … Read More
Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 13 September 2020 Sirach 27:30–28:7. Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12. Romans 14:7-9. Matthew 18:21-35. Seventy-Seven Times. When is enough enough? Can we be angry now? When can we stop forgiving? If we have to … Read More
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – 06 September 2020 Ezekiel 33:7-9. Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9. Romans 13:8-10. Matthew 18:15-20. Christ Is Present. The readings today lay out our duty to dissuade the wicked from their ways (Ezekiel); to not harden … Read More
Q. I have two questions about liturgy during the pandemic. The first is about communion from the cup. Our parish has always offered both the body and blood of Christ to the assembly. Now, for safety reasons, we are considering … Read More
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time “Will the Catholic Church in the United States enter the new millennium as a church of promise? . . . Or will it become a church on the defensive, torn by dissension?” asked Cardinal Joseph … Read More
Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time – 30 August 2020 Jeremiah 20:7-9. Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9. Romans 12:1-2. Matthew 16:21-27. Overcoming Obstacles. Jeremiah complains that because of the compelling presence of God within, he cannot not speak God’s message. Paul … Read More
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time—A Today’s passage from Matthew is a turning point. It is the first time Jesus reveals the cost of discipleship. From now on, the focus will be on that cross until it becomes the way of … Read More
Liturgy is weak when it is treated as a production — a show that has producers and consumers. The producers of a movie or a television show create something for an audience to watch. It is not uncommon to find … Read More
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time – 23 August 2020 Isaiah 22:19-23. Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8. Romans 11:33-36. Matthew 16:13-20. My Experience. Jesus asks today: Who am I? Peter blurts out: The Christ. In that response, he means the Messiah, … Read More
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time—A As Catholics aligned with Peter, we know the answer to Jesus’s second question: “Who do you say that I am?” However, perhaps the more pressing question today is his first: “Who do people say that … Read More
There is a healthy spirit of American pride that tells us whatever we have should be the best we can manage or afford. We like to think of our own mother as the best cook in the neighborhood. Or our … Read More
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 16 August 2020 Isaiah 56:1, 6-7. Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8. Romans 11:13-15, 29-32. Matthew 15:21-28. Kyrie, Eleison. Isaiah reminds us today, in our time of trouble: Observe what is right, do what is … Read More
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Solemnity – Saturday, 15 August 2020 At the Vigil Mass on Friday 1 Chronicles 15:3-4, 15-16; 16:1-2. Psalm 132:6-7, 9-10, 13-14. 1 Corinthians 15:54b-57. Luke 11:27-28. Mass during the Day Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, … Read More
Way back before the pandemic, when we could still gather for liturgy, I was visiting a parish I had never been to before. The liturgy itself was dull and uninspired. The church was only half full, even though there were … Read More
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time—A Our churches are blessedly becoming more diverse as our neighborhoods continue to receive people from every race, language, and culture. But this has not come without challenges. Some parishioners have had to let go of … Read More
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary—A “From this day all generations will call me blessed” (Lk 1:48). I’ve always had a hard time praying that line in the Magnificat. Isn’t Mary, meek and humble, being a bit boastful here? So … Read More
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 09 August 2020 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a. Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14. Romans 9:1-5. Matthew 14:22-33. Jesus Shows Us God. In his time of trail, Elijah is looking for the Lord to save him. … Read More
The Transfiguration of the Lord, Feast – Thursday, 06 August 2020 Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14. Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9. 2 Peter 1:16-19. Matthew 17:1-9. Being Transformed. A truth of the Paschal Mystery (the dying and rising of Jesus the Christ) is … Read More
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time—A In Matthew, Mark, and John, Jesus’s miracles of feeding the multitude and walking on water are connected because both concern the disciple’s need to trust completely in him. In the first, we are called to … Read More
The other day, someone asked me, “How do they know that the Bible is the most-read book in history?” “Who’s ‘they?’” I asked. “Everyone. I read it in a magazine article just the other day.” “What magazine?” I asked. It … Read More
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 02 August 2020 Isaiah 55:1-3. Psalm 145:8-9, 15-16, 17-18. Romans 8:35, 37-39. Matthew 14:13-21. Nothing Can Separate Us! The first reading speaks of comfort foods. The second declares nothing can separate us from the … Read More
We tend to forget that there is no one single description of the Last Supper. St. Paul is the first of the New Testament writers to describe what happened, and he wasn’t even there. St. John is the last to … Read More
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time—A Time and again, all over the United States, have I been refused food by the big house on the hill; and always have I received food from the little shack down by the creek or … Read More
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time—A I’ve just listened to a podcast geared toward millennials (I’m not one) that teaches them life skills. Today’s episode was on how to study. In college, my study habits involved the usual mix of rereading, … Read More
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time—A The church would be a great place if it weren’t for some of the people! Am I right? We can chuckle until we weep because of the truth in that thought. The continuing revelations of … Read More
You might think you don’t have much influence on the homilies at your parish. But think again. One important principle from Vatican II was that all the faithful, by reason of their baptism, have the right and duty to participate … Read More
One of the tragedies of the COVID-19 pandemic is that it prevented us from singing the liturgy. When we were all sheltering in place and only a cantor and a keyboard player were performing for streamed Masses, there was a … Read More
Do you remember the last time you watched a movie that seemed to just plod along? Maybe you stuck it out to the end or maybe you gave up half way through. Contrast that with the last good movie you … Read More
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time—A Unlike human speech, God means what God says every time. In Hebrew, God’s word is dabar, a “word event.” God’s word happens and matters. More than that, in Christ, God’s Word becomes matter, a visible … Read More
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time—A “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened” (Mt 11:28). Maybe because it’s the Fourth of July weekend, I cannot help but hear within Jesus’s words still another invitation to the weary and … Read More
Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus – Friday, 19 June 2020 Deuteronomy 7:6-11. Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 6, 8, 10. 1 John 4:7-16. Matthew 11:25-30. “Come to Me.” Jesus says to each of us and all of us today: … Read More
When a liturgy goes completely off the rails, we know what needs to be fixed. If the musicians are poorly trained, the lectors are lackluster, or the preaching is subpar, we know where to focus our energy. But sometimes all … Read More
13th Sunday in Ordinary Time—A Airbnb has renewed my faith in the kindness of strangers. Through this service, where ordinary folks open their homes to travelers, I have received some of the most gracious welcomes far from home. One exemplary … Read More
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 21 June 2020 Jeremiah 20:10-13. Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35. Romans 5:12-15. Matthew 10:26-33. “Do Not Be Afraid.” Who would count every single hair on our heads? God, who knows us better than we … Read More
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Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) – 14 June 2020 Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a. Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17. Sequence – Lauda Sion / Laud, O Zion. John 6:51-58. Bread and Wine; Flesh … Read More
12th Sunday in Ordinary Time—A I know nothing of what it is like to bear the responsibility and privilege of preaching the homily Sunday after Sunday, to carry the weight of a community’s hopes that they might hear a word … Read More
Have you ever been to a liturgy where everything was going fine, but something didn’t feel quite right? The liturgical ministers were competent, the music sung well, even the preaching was pretty good. Everyone did his or her part, and … Read More
Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity – 07 June 2020 Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9. Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55. 2 Corinthians 13:11-13. John 3:16-18. Come Along with Us. Moses’ prayer on Mount Sinai is also our prayer: “O Lord, do come … Read More
Pentecost Sunday – A – May 31, 2020 I grew up in a diverse neighborhood, hearing several languages other than English on a daily basis. So it’s wonderful to see parish communities embrace multicultural elements in their Pentecost liturgies. As … Read More
To form a singing parish, parishes need to plan all year long for singing best and most at the highest celebration of the year. That means singing all year as rehearsal for the Triduum. By the time we get to … Read More
Body and Blood of Christ Twice today we hear how God fed the Israelites with “a food unknown to you and your fathers.” We see something similar in the Gospel when the Jews were dumbfounded at Jesus’s strange offer to … Read More
I remember a time when there was no Triduum. There was Lent, which started on Ash Wednesday and went all the way through Holy Saturday. And then there was Easter Sunday, when I once again got to eat chocolate and … Read More
Most Holy Trinity Have you ever lost yourself dancing? I don’t mean the uninhibited detachment of “dance as if no one is watching,” but the kind where the music beats inside you, coursing in rhythm to the blood in your … Read More
The time to begin planning Triduum is right after Triduum. That’s right — after. Begin with an evaluation of the Triduum just celebrated. Ideally, you would evaluate the entire Triduum, but parishes new to year-long Triduum planning may only have … Read More
The Ascension of the Lord The solemnity of the Ascension draws our focus back to seeing Christ with the eyes of our hearts. With Thomas on the Second Sunday of Easter, we trained our eyes to see Christ’s presence in … Read More
Seventh Sunday of Easter – A – May 24, 2020 If you’re one of those lucky places in the United States that do get a Seventh Sunday of Easter, you’ll also have a chance to observe a novena in preparation … Read More
For communities that want to involve the whole community in worship, the guiding principle has to be that all liturgy is centered on the Triduum. The Triduum is the climactic three-days of the liturgical year that begins with the Mass … Read More
Sixth Sunday of Easter – 17 May 2020 Acts 8:5-8, 14-17. Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20. 1 Peter 3:15-18. John 14:15-21. Not Orphaned! Because the risen Lord and the Spirit of Truth are always with us, we are not … Read More
Sixth Sunday of Easter – A – May 17, 2020 When encouraging people to evangelize and be public about their Christian faith, some will quote a verse from today’s second reading: “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone … Read More
Fifth Sunday of Easter – 10 May 2020 Acts 6:1-7. Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19. 1 Peter 2:4-9. John 14:1-12. Chosen, Royal, and Holy. Jesus tells the disciples during the Last Supper that they know the way – to God, to … Read More
Liturgy flows. It can flow like a stream on a summer day, or it can flow like molasses that has just been pulled from the refrigerator. How well or badly liturgy flows depends upon the skills of the pastoral leaders … Read More
Fifth Sunday of Easter – A – May 10, 2020 Although the term is never used in today’s first reading, it is traditionally seen as the Catholic origin of the diaconate. Lately, many theologians, committees, and leaders have been discussing … Read More
What will happen when we are finally able to gather again for public liturgy? Will people return with such great anticipation and excitement that they will participate in the liturgy at deeper levels than ever before? Or will it be … Read More
Fourth Sunday of Easter – 03 May 2020 Acts 2:14a, 36-41. Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6. 1 Peter 2:20b-25. John 10:1-10. “I Am the Gate.” Doorways and gates can protect those within. This is the image of Jesus today – … Read More
Fourth Sunday of Easter – A – May 3, 2020 It’s only human nature to feel defensive when someone calls you out for something you did wrong. When this happens to me, I am so quick to explain myself and … Read More
How do you praise God in a time such as this? As Easter people, that is our call. Certainly our tradition of lament is one way, for even our outrage and outcry at God’s seeming absence are confessions of faith. … Read More
As I write this, the parishes in my area of the country are entering the fourth week of the stringent shelter-in-place regulations required for stemming the COVID-19 pandemic. And it looks like we could be under quarantine for at least … Read More
Third Sunday of Easter – 26 April 2020 Acts 2:14, 22-33. Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 1. 1 Peter 1:17-21. Luke 24:13-35. Mystagogy on the Emmaus Story. (“Mystagogy” = to be led to, to encounter mystery.) Two dejected disciples, abandoning … Read More
Third Sunday of Easter – A – April 26, 2020 I’ve learned to be a functional introvert, forcing myself to say hello to strangers and trying not to wiggle out of a conversation too quickly. I do it not because … Read More
Second Sunday of Easter (or of Divine Mercy) – 19 April 2020 Acts 2:42-47. Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24. 1 Peter 1:3-9. John 20:19-31. Unrestrained by Locked Doors. Locked doors are not good enough for keeping the Risen Jesus from us. … Read More
The suspension of our normal liturgical life has caused two general reactions. On the one hand, there has been an effort to energize Christian households as domestic churches, resourcing them for the celebration of full, conscious, and active participation in … Read More
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord – Sunday, 12 April 2020 At the Mass during the Day Acts 10:34a, 37-43. Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23. Colossians 3:1-4. OR 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8. Sequence – Christians, to the Paschal Victim. John … Read More
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord – Saturday night, 11 April 2020 At the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter Genesis 1:1–2:2. Genesis 22:1-18. Exodus 14:15–15:1. Isaiah 54:5-14. Isaiah 55:1-11. Baruch 3:9-15, 32–4:4. Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28. … Read More
Friday of the Passion of the Lord (Good Friday) – 10 April 2020 Isaiah 52:13–53:12. Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25. Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9. John 18:1–19:42. Who Would Be So Obedient? Jesus would – even unto death! This high … Read More
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper – 09 April 2020 At the Evening Mass Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14. Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. John 13:1-15. Who Washes Feet During Supper? Jesus did it first – something only servants and slaves … Read More
Second Sunday of Easter It’s true that “seeing is believing.” But it depends on what you’re looking for. Before he would believe, Thomas needed to see concrete evidence of what the other disciples attested, “We have seen the Lord.” Seeing … Read More
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion – 05 April 2020 Procession: Matthew 21:1-11. Mass: Isaiah 50:4-7. Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24. Philippians 2:6-11. Matthew 26:14–27:66. Being Humble. Jesus Christ shows us how to be humble today. So humble, that he … Read More
This article was co-written by my friend, Terry Burrows, and me. Terry is the associate director of catechesis for the Diocese of Monterey. As we search for ways to stay connected to each other and our faith practices, many are … Read More
Fifth Sunday of Lent Some church leaders have proposed that the solution for stemming the rise in the number of those leaving the Catholic church is more rigorous, undiluted teaching of the faith. They call this evangelization. However it’s really … Read More
Available in English here Para los cristianos, el domingo es un día como ningún otro día de la semana. Creemos que es el día de la fiesta original; el día del Creador; la Pascua semanal; el primer día; el octavo … Read More
Fifth Sunday of Lent – 29 March 2020 Ezekiel 37:12-14. Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8. Romans 8:8-11. John 11:1-45. Dying with Christ; Dying to Self. Even when his friends are disappointed with him and his disciples misunderstand him, Jesus is … Read More
In the United States as well as many other regions, we are in the midst of a health crisis due to the coronavirus outbreak. And that in turn has led to a spiritual crisis of sorts. Most dioceses in the … Read More
The Annunciation of the Lord, Solemnity – Wednesday, 25 March 2020 Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:1. Psalm 40:7-8, 8-9, 10, 11. Hebrews 10:4-10. Luke 1:26-38. Still Paying Attention. Unlike Joseph, Mary engages in conversation with the angel. She ends up saying Yes, … Read More
Disponible en español aquí For Christians, Sunday is unlike any other day of the week. We believe that Sunday is the original feast day; the day of the Creator’s work; the weekly Easter; the first day; the eighth day; the … Read More
Fourth Sunday of Lent – 22 March 2020 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a. Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6. Ephesians 5:8-14. John 9:1-41. Seeing Christ. Even the blind man in today’s gospel sees Christ – and does what he is told … Read More
Large numbers of dioceses in the United States are banning communion from the cup for the faithful at Mass. While the reason given for the ban is to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, it seems to me that there … Read More
Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Solemnity – Thursday, 19 March 2020 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16. Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29. Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22. Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a. OR Luke 2:41-51a. Paying Attention and Looking for … Read More
Fourth Sunday of Lent He stood on the street corner in his tattered coat, and I knew right away who and what he was. Sure enough, as I mentally tried to force the light to turn green, I heard, “Spare … Read More
Third Sunday of Lent Beyond water, there’s a deeper image that runs throughout today’s readings: the hardened heart. The joyful hearts of the Israelites that had sung and danced by the seashore now were hardened by thirst. Their stony hearts … Read More
Third Sunday of Lent – 15 March 2020 Exodus 17:3-7. Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9. Romans 5:1-2, 5-8. John 4:5-42. Drinking in Christ. Let us not grumble like the people in the desert. For we stand in the grace of God … Read More
Second Sunday of Lent – 08 March 2020 Genesis 12:1-4a. Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22. 2 Timothy 1:8b-10. Matthew 17:1-9. It Is Good to Be Here. God says to each of us today: I will bless you; live a holy … Read More
Second Sunday of Lent Last week we explored how mystagogy is a lifelong discipline for all the faithful. At its core, mystagogy asks: What happened? What does it mean? What will I do now? As we continue through the Year … Read More
First Sunday of Lent – 01 March 2020 Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7. Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17. Romans 5:12-19. Matthew 4:1-11. Keep Grace Upfront. Transgression and sin play a big part in the garden of Eden story. So does grace – … Read More
First Sunday of Lent It may seem strange to talk about mystagogy in Lent. But mystagogy is something all the faithful are called to do all the time. The United States bishops said that “mystagogy represents the Christian’s lifelong education … Read More
Ash Wednesday A few years ago, it felt like all of California was burning. Massive wildfires broke out up and down the state and burned for weeks. The fire that destroyed the town of Paradise in Northern California roared for … Read More
Ash Wednesday – 26 February 2020 Joel 2:12-18. Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 and 17. 2 Corinthians 5:20–6:2. Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18. Lent Is Preparation. The gospel reminds us about these guides for Lent: (1) give alms in secret, (2) pray … Read More
Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time – 23 February 2020 Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18. Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13. 1 Corinthians 3:16-23. Matthew 5:38-48. “The Lord is kind and merciful” [Psalm 103]. Jesus still teaches on the mount today. He moves … Read More
A few years ago, the Pew Research Center reported that 28% of U.S. adults don’t attend church on Sunday because they don’t believe. So let’s imagine there are 1,000 Catholics in your parish boundaries who are not coming to Mass. … Read More
I want to tell you about my “Peter, feed my sheep” moment. You remember the story. For the third time, Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” Peter is getting a little ticked off because a.) Jesus already knows the … Read More
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 16 February 2020 Sirach 15:15-20. Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34. 1 Corinthians 2:6-10. Matthew 5:17-37. Attending to Law. Both civil and Church law give us standards to guide our thought and behaviors. Outward acts … Read More
Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time The dialogues and acclamations are the church’s first preference for what is sung at Mass (see last week and “Sing to the Lord,” 115). But how do you choose everything else? You probably already know … Read More
Pope Francis doesn’t often talk about liturgy, but when he does…wow! Last year he said this about the need for liturgical formation: We know that it is not enough to change the liturgical books to improve the quality of the … Read More
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 09 February 2020 Isaiah 58:7-10. Psalm 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. Matthew 5:13-16. Being Salty. In old Roman times, soldiers were paid in salt (it is the root word for “salary”). We are … Read More
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Liturgical music communicates the story of the mystery of Christ, and the assembly in whom the Spirit dwells is the principal storyteller. The primary way they tell that story is by their “fully conscious, and … Read More
In 1996, I went to a movie theater in San Jose, California, to see Fargo. Fargo, as you probably know, is a black comedy focused on the investigation of a car salesman who hires two bumbling criminals to kidnap his … Read More
The Presentation of the Lord, Feast – Sunday, 02 February 2020 Malachi 3:1-4. Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10. Hebrews 2:14-8. Luke 2:22-40. Christ Is Present. Hebrews announces what we know: Jesus Christ had to become like us in every way … Read More
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time We’ve been reviewing principles for choosing liturgical music, starting with the “story” that liturgical music supports, which is the mystery of Christ revealed through the liturgical year. Now let’s look at the people who tell … Read More
The Presentation of the Lord Several feasts and solemnities interject a specific focus of the paschal mystery into the steady pace of Ordinary Time. This Sunday is one of those feasts. Occurring 40 days after December 25, for some cultures, … Read More
Father Augustine was sluggish getting ready for Mass. The strain of last night’s Easter Vigil—his 34th or 35th; he couldn’t remember—had significantly weakened him. But he had to celebrate Easter morning with the neophytes. After his brief homily, the catechumens … Read More
We said earlier that there are three levels of liturgical participation: what happens, what gets accomplished, and why we do what we do. These three levels overlap, and everyone present is participating at all three levels all the time. But … Read More
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Last week, we explored the flow of the liturgical seasons Advent-Christmas and Lent-Easter. In between these seasons are 33 to 34 weeks that make up Ordinary Time. Ordinary Time is not a liturgical season like … Read More
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Resources like GIA Quarterly are useful for helping you choose music. But you also want to understand the liturgical principles that will guide your choices. We’ll explore these over the next few weeks. Choosing liturgical … Read More
In a previous post, we talked about how our liturgical ministry changes the world. We change the world by changing hearts. We change hearts by celebrating liturgy so authentically that it reveals the very nature of God and God’s love … Read More
If you’ve been preparing liturgy or music for a while, the details of the Christmas Day liturgies and the Christmas season may seem pretty familiar or even rote. If you feel this way, reviewing the basics of this season can … Read More
To the point It is no coincidence that the opening words of John’s Prologue proclaimed at Christmas, “In the beginning” (Jn 1:1), are the same words we hear at the Easter Vigil in the story of Creation from Genesis. John’s … Read More
Fourth Sunday of Advent – 22 December 2019 Isaiah 7:10-14. Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6. Romans 1:1-7. Matthew 1:18-24. To Dream and to Act. The promised Second Coming of Christ is assured in the reality of the first. This birth of … Read More
Fourth Sunday of Advent If you know any Filipinos in your community, you might have noticed a star-shaped lantern decorating their home during Advent and Christmas. These parols (“lanterns”) are usually made of bamboo frames covered with paper and tinsel. … Read More
Once upon a time, I knew a young priest who didn’t really like presiding at liturgy. He did a good job when he did preside, and he preached pretty well. But what he really wanted to do, what he said … Read More
Third Sunday of Advent – 15 December 2019 Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10. Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10. James 5:7-10. Matthew 11:2-11. Who Is the Messiah? When even the land sings God’s praise, how can we not do the same? When God comes … Read More
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Feast – Thursday, 12 December 2019 Patronal Feastday of the Americas Zechariah 2:14-17. OR Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab. Judith 13:18bcde, 19. Luke 1:26-38. OR Luke 1:39-47. A Rose Filled Cloak. Roses in winter, a miraculous image … Read More
Third Sunday of Advent Throughout Advent you might already have been singing “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” Or perhaps you have been waiting for today, Gaudete (“Rejoice”) Sunday, or for December 17, the traditional time the church begins singing the … Read More
