Fifth Sunday of Lent

The readings for this Sunday are full of a spirit of rejoicing in the great things that the Lord has done for his people. The Responsorial Psalm sums up this theme with these words: “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.” Reflecting on how the...

Fourth Sunday of Lent

The Fourth Sunday of Lent has a note of joy: we rejoice in the mercy of God. Today’s Gospel is a most joyful one, the beautiful parable of the Prodigal Son. The main character is the forgiving father, whose attitude toward his sons remains constant throughout the...

The Annunciation of the Lord

One of the great blessings of our Catholic faith is the richness of the liturgy, which brings into our lives again and again the holy people, days and feasts for us to ponder and experience. Each time a feast day comes again, we have an opportunity to see something...

Third Sunday of Lent

When Bad Things Happen to Good People was the title of a bestselling book years ago. Indeed, this troubling question has echoed down through the ages: why do bad things happen to good people? Why do they happen at all? The readings today do not give us a simple and...

Second Sunday of Lent

At the start of this holy season of Lent, on Ash Wednesday, we were reminded, among other things, of our human mortality. When ashes were imposed on our heads, we were told: “Remember that you are dust and unto dust you shall return.” Lent, a time of grace and...