St. Joseph Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

by | Mar 18, 2022 | Meditations

It is God’s eternal and loving plan to give every human being access to his Kingdom, which is “an eternal and universal kingdom, a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace” (Preface, Mass of Christ the King). The...

The Marriage of Joseph and Mary

by | Mar 17, 2022 | Seasonal Introductions

In the Jewish tradition, the joyful celebration of marriage lasted for one full week. This tradition is reflected in the one-week period which connects the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary (March 19) with the Solemnity of the Annunciation...

Second Sunday of Lent

by | Mar 12, 2022 | Meditations

We have begun the second week of Lent, a season of intense prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Yet our readings today seem to break the somber mood we would expect. Though the liturgical color is still penitential violet, the readings are painted in colors of radiant...

First Sunday of Lent

by | Mar 5, 2022 | Meditations

The second reading today ends with this line: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” The question naturally follows, saved from what? Pope Francis gives us an answer in this week’s Spiritual Reflection: saved from the devil, an enemy who is...

Introduction to the Ashen Triduum

by | Mar 2, 2022 | Seasonal Introductions

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, but the First Week of Lent begins with the First Sunday. This leaves the three days between Ash Wednesday and the First Sunday in an unusual liturgical interval; they are part of Lent, but not part of the weeks of Lent. Their official...