Our Lady of Sorrows

Yesterday we pondered our beloved Lord Jesus suffering and dying on the Cross to conquer sin and death. We return to the foot of the Cross today, uniting our hearts with the sorrows of our Mother Mary. What is she doing as she watches her Son suffer and die? What is...

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Today we celebrate the great Feast of The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. As we ponder the readings, we would benefit from setting a crucifix, or a picture of one, before us, to help us fix our minds on what we are really celebrating today. Jesus Christ, the Eternal Son...

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

We begin the readings for this Sunday with a low point from the Book of Exodus. The Israelites have made a molten calf for themselves and are worshiping it as their god. God says to Moses about them, “They have become depraved. They have soon turned aside from the way...

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

In our Gospel Acclamation for today, we cry out to God, “Let your face shine upon your servant; and teach me your laws.” In the Responsorial Psalm we make a similar prayer: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.” We ask God to teach us...

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today’s readings give us an opportunity to reflect on humility – what it is, what Jesus reveals about it, and how we can live by it. Genuine humility is an interior disposition, but it can at times be manifested exteriorly in our demeanor and actions. The true measure...

The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today’s feast, the Queenship of Mary, is the third “feast of glory” in the month of August. It is an extension of last week’s feast of her Assumption into Heaven. Mary, living in glory with Jesus, reigns as Queen of angels and men. Her exalted and powerful position is...