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
Fifth Sunday of Lent We approach the summit of this annual ascent to the holy mountain of Easter. Let us, as music ministers, reflect on how we have served the people of God in this ministry of prayer and proclamation. … Read More
Fourth Sunday of Lent We come to the midway point of Lent on this Laetare (“rejoice”) Sunday. And what rejoicing do we have today in our readings! Having squandered all he had, the prodigal son finds a banquet prepared for … Read More
Third Sunday of Lent Starting this Sunday, the church celebrates the first of three scrutinies for the elect—adults and children of catechetical age who will be baptized this Easter. These rites use the readings for year A even in years … Read More
Second Sunday of Lent In today’s readings, God’s presence is revealed within darkness. Only when night fell did the Lord appear to a terrified Abram to make the covenant with him and his descendants. From the very cloud that had … Read More
First Sunday of Lent The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy describes Lent’s twofold nature: “[B]y recalling or preparing for baptism and by penance, it disposes the faithful, who more diligently hear the word of God and devote themselves to prayer, … Read More